READING TEXTS AND WRITING SUMMARIES
Instructions:
1. Reading and Understanding:
Read the provided text thoroughly.
Write a concise summary of the text in one paragraph. (Ensure your summary includes the main
idea and key supporting points while omitting unnecessary details).
Use techniques such as paraphrasing, identifying the text's thesis, and recognizing essential
arguments.
2. Vocabulary Development:
Identify five to seven difficult or unfamiliar words in the text.
Define each word using dictionaries or online resources.
3. Reflection:
After completing the summary and vocabulary definitions, reflect on how understanding these
difficult words enhanced your comprehension of the text.
TEXT
MANAGEMENT AND PRODUCT QUALITY
In the food industry, quality is a requirement for consumer acceptance. Total quality, or integral quality,
means that all industrial operations, manufacturing, and the final product are subjected to acceptable
processing and conformance with requirements. Integral quality begins with the support of upper
management; time and effort are required to involve all personnel in the explanation of the need for the
control of product quality.
Management must provide proper job instructions to all employees, as some employees may not be
aware of good practices. The successful operation of any production, manufacturing, or formulation
process is dependent upon the degree of control that can be exerted on the process. Quality programs
recognize elements such as “quality in production” and "control of production" as being essential
aspects. These principles require that a producer or manufacturer plan the production or manufacturing
process in such a manner that the process can be carried out under controlled conditions. This "process
control" element is now recognized as being critical for the successful operation of a manufacturing
industry in order to ensure that quality targets can be consistently achieved.
To obtain quality results, therefore, the initiative must be taken at the highest managerial levels. A
prudent chief executive must establish clear channels of communication between the persons making
the decisions at the plant level and those executives responsible for setting policy. Senior managers
should have access to operational data, and line supervisors should be able to report developments as
they occur. Impediments to the exchange of information can only lead to low quality of operations and
of the final product, and to many other problems. For a company to attain production quality,
management must make an effort to train all personnel in the concept of statistical techniques and the
application of statistical practices to the production line, so that they may help to solve the problems of
producing quality products.
Source: Quality Assurance for the Food Industry: A Practical Approach by J. Andres Vasconcellos
SUMMARY
In the food industry, product quality is essential for consumer acceptance, and achieving total quality
requires the commitment of upper management. Effective communication, proper training, and process
control are critical to ensuring that quality standards are met. Management must provide clear job
instructions and use statistical techniques to monitor and improve production processes. A lack of
communication can hinder quality efforts, making the role of senior management in guiding and
overseeing quality initiatives crucial for success.
Integral quality: Refers to total quality, meaning that every part of the production process and the final
product meet required standards.
Production: Refers to the broader process of creating goods and services, which can include activities
beyond just physical creation, such as design, development, and assembly.
Manufacturing: Specifically refers to the process of turning raw materials into finished products through
machinery, labor, and tools.
Prudent: Acting with care and thought for the future, particularly in decision-making.
Impediments: Obstacles or barriers that prevent something from being achieved or functioning
smoothly.
