quality circles - print

8/2/2019 Quality Circles - Print

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Quality Circle (QC/

Quality Control Circle )

It is a group of people working in the same area ordoing similar type of work coming togethervoluntarily to identify, analyze and resolve work

related problems.

The number of members could vary between 3-15people, the ideal size being 7-8 to ensureparticipation and contribution at the meetings.

The circle chooses its own leader and deputyleader, while the management nominates a seniorofficer as facilitator who is responsible for

coordinating and directing QC activities withinthe or anization.


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A steering committee is formed with, preferably,

the Chief Executive of the company as its

Chairman and various department heads as its

members.

In order to take an overview of the operation of

QC from time to time, giving major policy

guidelines and taking decisions on important issuesrelated to the recommendation of QC.

The QC meets at regular intervals may be half an

hour or one hour every week or two hours every

week.

These meetings are held during or after working

hours as per members convenience.


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The members of QC, their leaders and facilitators

are trained to ensure meaningful participation in

the meetings.

The duration of training for members and leaders is

about 14-15 hours and for facilitators is around 7-8

hours.

The training consists of teaching of simple

statistical quality control techniques as well as

various other administrative matters and keepingtheir recordnotes, thus motivating members to

participate in the discussions etc.


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Discussions in a QC meeting generally passesthrough four stages:

Problem identification Problem selection

Problem analysis

Recommendation to management

Typically , several problems are identified by a

circle which are analyzed, with assistance, if

needed, of the right experts.

This helps the circle members to arrive at a

recommendation which is communicated to the

management through the management

presentation.


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Management presentations promote

communication between the Quality Circles and

the management. Wherein managers are personally informed about

the activities and accomplishment of the circles.

In the process, the latter gain recognition for theircontributions and their morale gets a big boost

through periodic opportunities to deal directly with

the managers, who through these communications

reassure them, rather indirectly, of their support fortheir activities.

Generally management presentations are made

every three months.


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Structure of QC


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QUALITY CIRCLES

Membership is voluntary

Problems identified, investigated and solved.

Group activity (homogeneous)

Circle meets regularly & frequently as per

schedule

People building philosophy

Leader gets participation from every one.

Joint & individual efforts


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Management is supportive.

Training to both workers and managers. Quality conscious is promoted.


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Unique Features

Voluntary

Participative

Work related problems

Not management directed but supported.


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Objectives of QC

Improvement in human relations & morale

Promotion of participative culture

Enhancement for job interest & teamwork

Reducing defects & improving house keeping

Improvement in productivity & communications

Enhancing problem solving capabilities

Waste reduction, reduction in absentism and

grievances

Sense of belongingness


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Role of non members

The members were earlier not involved.

The solutions offered by QC cant be implementedwithout the co-operation of the non members

rather than the members.

Non members to be encouraged to participate inthe activities so that they enhance their attitude &

form a circle on their own.


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Role of leader

Maintain cohesiveness of the team

Plan agenda for meetings

Ensure participation from every member byassigning work

Ensure consensus decision making process

Maintain records and interest with other agencies

and different level of problem solutions.

Organize management presentations

Catalytic attitudinal changes in his own & other

related areas.


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Role of facilitator

Usually senior officer in-charge of an area ordepartment.

Responsible for successful operation of circles in his

very own area.

Can facilitate more than one QC.

Ensure necessary facilities are available to the team

for operations.

Inter-phase between circles & other functional areas.

Demonstrate support of the management.

Joint steering committee meetings & gives order to

resume the activities of QC.


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Role of steering

committee

Meets regularly once in two months

Takes overview of QC activities in entire

organization

Gives policy guidelines for propagation of

movement

Preparing budgets for QC activities

Preparing the arrangement of meeting halls &

associated facilities.


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Role of top management

Conveys its commitment to all employees

Extends necessary support by attending

conventions & allotting funds

Forms QC council and establishes a conduciveatmosphere

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