Chamber University: Quality Improvement Presentation with Terrance Smith

This session provides an introduction to the principles and practices of Quality Improvement
(QI) tailored for professionals aiming to enhance organizational performance and outcomes.
Participants will explore key concepts such as the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle, root cause
analysis, and metrics for measuring success. Through interactive exercises, real-world case
studies, and group discussions, attendees will learn to identify opportunities for improvement,
implement effective changes, and sustain results. This training equips individuals and teams
with the tools to drive continuous improvement and deliver value to stakeholders. The training is
also suitable for personnel at all levels within the organization, and no prior QI experience is
necessary.

Terrance D. Smith is an Assistant Professor of Management in the Alex G. McKenna School of
Business, Economics, and Government.  In addition to directing the Master of Science in
Management: Operational Excellence (MSMOE) program, Dr. Smith is also the Executive
Director of the Kennametal Center for Operational Excellence (KCOE) program.  Dr. Smith has
a military background and served 12 years in the U.S. Army as a Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2),
specializing in logistics management, strategic planning, and operations management.  He
completed 3 combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, earning multiple medals, including the
Meritorious Service, Army Commendation, and Army Achievement medals.
Dr. Smith’s research interests include employee engagement, employee turnover, continuous
improvement, and organizational leadership.  He has co-authored published articles in the
Journal of Leadership and Management and the Journal of Management for Global
Sustainability.  He has also presented at the Society for Advancement of Management
International Conference, and for the Westmoreland County Leadership Westmoreland
Program.  Dr. Smith has also served as an Assistant and Head Coach of the men’s basketball
program.  He was a two-time NAIA All-American for the bearcats, ranks as the 2 nd all-time
leading scorer in school history, and was elected to the Saint Vincent College Athletic Hall of
Fame in 2019.