1. Quality Circle

2. TQM Process Total JIT Total Employee Poka-yoka Quality Involvement Kanban Control Kaizen Push pull Strategy Data Quality circle TPM Pareto Diagram Key Business Jidoka Histogram process SMED Scattered Diagram Control chart Fish Diagram Check sheet

3. DEFINITION “Quality circle refers to small group of employees, belonging to the same work area who meet voluntary and regularly to identify, analyze and resolve problems related to their work area” Quality circle (QC) is one revolutionary management technique. It was developed in Japan to upgrade quality, productivity and employee morale in an organization. It is technique useful for raising the productivity with peoples power, i.e. with the co-operation & participation of employees at various levels. Japan achieved excellent results in the field of quality and productivity. Through this technique. Dr. Ishikawa Koru ( 1915-1989) who is popularly known as ‘Father ofQuality Circles’. MEANING

4. 1)Small group. 10)Group leader. 2)Group of same field 11)Suggestion not 3)Voluntaries. Binding. 4)Meeting every week. 5)Analyze the problem. 6)Resolve the problem. 7)Improvement in performance. 8)Improvement in work life. 9)Effective participation. Features

5. Objectives 1) To aid self and mutual development. 2) To increase quality and cost awareness. 3) To utilize quality of the work force. 4) To develop managerial ability & leadership. 5) To build team spirit through participative decision-making. 6) To implement & manage accepted ideas. 7) To improve task leading to a better products and processes at work. 8) To improve productivity.

6. The concept of quality circle was launched in the public works department of govt. of Maharashtra from November 1997. In a span about a year following as the achievement. 1) Mumbai Region - 17 quality circles have been formed and 22 problems have been solved. 2) Pune Region - 48 quality circles have been formed, 8 problems have been solved. 3) Nashik Region - 9 quality circles formed and solved 3 problems. 4) Aurngabad Region - 21 quality circles formed and solved 7 problems. 5) Nagpur Region - 47 quality circles and have found out solutions to 57 problems solved. EXAMPLES OF ORGANISATIONS

7. BENEFITS 1) Improve quality . 2) Better co operation. 3) Participative management. 4) Encourage creativity. 5) People building. 6) Improved Relations.

8. LIMITATIONS Unrealistic expectations Lack of Management- commitment &support. Resistance by middle management. Resistance by Non- participants. Lack of clear objectives. Failure to implement the remedial measures. Lack of Desired co-ordination. Lack of financial Assistance. Different activities of members of quality circle

9. Process ss Members NON - MEMBERS Leader Facilitator Steering committee Coordinating agency Quality circle

10. Essentials 1)Realistic results. 2)Total management commitment & support. 3)Middle Management Participation. 4)Active involvement of employees. 5)Adequate &necessary training. 6)Clear and ideal objectives. 7)Effectively implementation of suggestions. 8)Proper coordination. 9)Adequate financial support. 10)Competent team members.

11. CONCLUSION Quality circles are nit limited to manufacturing firms only. The are applicable to variety of organizations where there is a scope for group based solution of work related problems. Quality circles are relevant for factories, firms, schools, hospitals, universities, research, institutes, banks, government offices etc. the P.W.D of Maharashtra had set an example for government organizations marching on the path of Quality improvement.

12. Prepared By Rishikesh Garude 01 Sagar Palse 04 SaimaShaikh 07 Achal Sakore 08