🚀 go-pugleaf

On  10 Sep 1998 Glen Gee asks:

> As a general question, does anyone have comments on the best way or
> method to get results from quality improvement projects?
======================
Yes:

1.) The method of running, reporting and implementing the QIP should
be structured.  This means that if a team approach is to be used, it
must be given legitimacy by the appropriate level of management.
This implies that the boundries (what can be done/what cannot; the
resources available and not available, etc) are set from the
beginning.  There should be published procedings of each meeting or
at least published progress reports on some regular basis.

Management must acknowledge the reports and pay attention to what is
happening.

2.) The appropriate problem solving tools should be used.  If the
people (including management) are not familiar with these tools, then
some training is in order.  (It is amazing how much can be
accomplished with very simple tools).

Management should be familiar enough with said tools that they can
spot misuse as well as their appropriate use, or suggest the
appropriate tool.

Finally, management must really care about the problem being solved
and be disposed to commit the resources to solve same, once the team
or whatever discovers the root causes and solutions.

Juran has quite a lot to say on this (as one might expect).  His
model of the "diagnostic journey" followed by the "remedial journey"
is worthwhile re-reading from time to time.

Hope this is helpful.

<< All opinions, statements, &c are my own>>
L.H. Garlinghouse, C.Q.E.
Pocahontas AR U.S.A.
(870) 892-4586  ext 7659
garlinghou@waterlooindustries.com