Quality Circle-Problem Solving Steps

Quality Circle-Problem Solving Steps

              In Quality circle problem solving is used as a main process to achieve its objectives. Members creativity is tapped to solve their day-to-day work related problems. It is through this process they get become cohesive team and their organizational ownership get developed. Hence it is necessary that the group member should understand this process very clearly. This small article attempts to explain the 12 step process.

1)    

 

Identification of work related problem

Method:

a)      Generate a list of problem using Brainstorming

b)      Prioritise problems using A, B, C analysis

2)     

Selection of problem (from A list)

Method:

a)     Pareto Analysis or Rating based on past data

b)      Register the selected problem with coordinator

3)     

Defining the Problem

Method:

Flow Diagram

4)    

 

Analyse the problem

Method:

Data Collection of problem on all possible aspects

5)     

Identification of causes

Method:

Brainstorming and Cause and Effect diagram

6)     

Finding the root causes

Method:

Identifying the main relevant causes in Cause and Effect diagram by data collection and discussion

7)     

Data Analysis

Method:

a)      Using techniques like bar, pie, areal graph, histogram, stratification, scatters diagram etc

b)      Why-Why analysis

8)   

  

Developing solution

Method:

Brainstorming

9)   

  

Foreseeing the probable resistance

Method:

Brainstorming

a)      Identifying the probable constraints and finding ways to overcome them.

b)      Make a presentation to all involved employees to explain the solution selected

i.e. Departmental head, facilitator, other officials and non members involved with implementation.

c)      Discuss and evolve a system of implementation.

10) 

Trial implementation and checking performance.

Method:

a)      Data collection after implementation

b)      Comparison of old and new data with Pareto, Histogram, and Control charts

c)      Watch process trend

d)      Analyse the results.

e)      Discuss and incorporate the changes needed

11)

 

Regular implementation

Method:

Once validity is checked and improvement observed with data regular implementation can be done

12) 

Follow-up and review

Method:

a)      Implement evaluation procedure, use control charts have six monthly reports for evaluation

b)      Make modification if required