Quality circle

Introduction to Quality Circles, Total Quality Management (TQM), objectives, structure, process, techniques, tools, facts and myths on quality circles.

1. QUALITY CIRCLES

2. INTRODUCTION Worldwide competition, deregulation and rapid technology changes are bringing focus on quality awareness . The organization will be required to be consumer focused instead of product focused. In order to stay in competitive international market, TQM is an important area which will r equire maximum attention of top management .

3. WHAT IS QUALITY? Performances Features Conformance Reliability Aesthetics

4. TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT Effective system for integrating the quality development. Q uality maintenance and quality improvement efforts of various functions of business Enabling production and service at the most economical levels to meet full customer satisfaction . Armand Feigenbaum 1954

5. QUALITY CIRCLES It is a small group of 6 to 12 employees. Performing similar work who voluntarily meet together on a regular basis to identify improvements in their respective work areas. Using proven techniques for analyzing and solving work related problems Achieving and sustaining excellence leading to mutual upliftment of employees as well as the organization

6. OTHER NAMES OF QUALITY CIRCLES Small Groups Action Circles Excellence Circles Human Resources Circles Productivity Circles

7. ORIGIN OF QUALITY CIRCLES Nippon Wireless and Telegraph Company but then spread to more than 35 other companies in the first year. By 1978 more than one million quality circles involving some 10 million Japanese workers. I n most East Asian countries; it was recently claimed that there were more than 20 million quality circles in China . JAPAN-1962 Kaoru Ishikawa

8. OBJECTIVES OF QC Creates problem solving capability. Develop a greater awareness for cleanliness Develop greater awareness for safety Reduce errors. Enhance quality Promote cost reduction Improve productivity Reduce downtime of machines and equipment

9. PROCESS OF QUALITY CIRCLES Problem identification Problem selection Problem Analysis Generate alternative solutions Select the most appropriate solution Prepare plan of action Present solution to management circles Implementation of solution

10. TECHNIQUES OF QUALITY CIRCLE Brain storming - to stimulate creativity and free interaction among its members and a restraint of criticism

11. Cause and effect diagram - After a problem has been identified, members are called to present cause for the same. Through discussions cause and effect relationships can be arrived at after a number of meetings. Sampling and charting methods- QC members are trained to observe key events at the work place and chart them in the specific sequence and interrelationships

12. SEVEN QUALITY IMPROVEMENT TOOLS Cause-and-effect diagrams (sometimes called Ishikawa or "fishbone" diagrams) Pareto charts Process mapping, data gathering tools such as check sheets Graphical tools such as histograms, frequency diagrams, spot charts and pie charts Run charts and control charts Scatter plots and correlation analysis Flowcharts

13. MYTHS The Quality Circle is to be used solely to solve problems in product quality.  The quality circle concept is applicable anywhere provided the workers are trained in problem solving   The need is to train only the workers. The managers and supervisors already have all the training needed. The quality circle is the only way ever invented to make use of the education, experience and creativity of the worker

14. FACTS Quality Circles can be used (and are being used) to solve problems in productivity, safety and cost as well as quality. The quality circle concept involves a significant amount of worker participation in decision making on matters previously regarded solely the responsibility of Supervisors. Managers must be willing to accept such participation . The training of managers and supervisors must precede that of the workers. This training is not only in techniques but in the entire idea of how to work with quality circles .

15. QUALITY CIRCLES IN INDIA Introduced by BHEL , Ramachandrapuram Hyderabad in the year 1981 in India with the initiation of Mr. S.R. Udpa - GM-Operations.

16. VISION Quality Circle Forum of India shall be a national centre for propagation of quality concepts and philosophy with special focus on Quality Circles for promoting material, human and spiritual level of people. MISSION To impart training, knowledge and practice of Quality concepts and philosophy with special attention to Quality Circles in the organizations and enable people of our nation to face challenges and achieve success in this fierce competitive world. To disseminate, share and keep abreast in the knowledge of Quality concepts. To create Total Quality People.

17. CONVENTIONS CCQC- Chapter Conventions on Quality Circles NCQC- National Conventions on Quality Circles ICQC- International Conventions on Quality Circles

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