In Retrospect: Quality Control Circle Activities and Memories

 

Quality Control Circle Activities and Memories

Introduction:

As employees of a Japanese wiring harness manufacturing company, like Yazaki-EDS Manufacturing, Inc., Quality Control Circle Activities were a big part of our professional growth. QCC activities developed our problem-solving skills, data analysis, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities. The activities allow rank-and-file employees to present their ideas to the Management Team for project approval. 

What is a Quality Control Circle?

A Quality Control Circle is a small group of employees who perform similar work and meet voluntarily or regularly to learn and apply basic quality circle tools and techniques to identify, analyze, and solve quality and other problems in the work area.

The major parts of a QCC group are collaboration and teamwork. Brainstorming ideas is the foundation for identifying problems and finding effective solutions. One must be familiar with the QCC Tools and Techniques to present your report effectively. It is better to understand a graphical presentation than to write the words in the report. 

Quality Improvement Tools and Techniques: 

1. 5Ws and 2H
2. Data Collection
3. Graphs and Charts

1. 5W's and 2H

= stand for What, Where, When, Who, Why, How, and How Much. 

It is a systematic technique for brainstorming, analyzing problems, identifying the root causes, and generating solutions. 

2. Data Collection 

= facts or figures which will serve as the basis of conclusions, decisions, and actions. 

The Quality Control Circle Leader assigns members to collect the data from the previous three months to identify major problems encountered by their department.

3. Graphs and Charts

= These are pictorial or illustrative data presentations that provide an idea about the data at a glance without referring to the numerical results of data gathering. 

A Quality Control Circle member must know which graph or chart best presents the data. 

Types of Graphs and Charts:

• Line Graph = is good for indicating the progress of a process, depicts the trends in numerical data, and compares one trend with another. 

• Bar Graph = is used for comparing variables; it can be either vertical or horizontal.

• Circle Graph/Pie chart = shows the proportions and percentages of variables used.

• Gantt Chart = a tool used to set timetables and to schedule planned activities. It can also be referred to as an Activity Plan to track the progress of your activities.

• Cause and Effect Diagram (Fishbone Diagram) = a relationship between the effects of a problem and the causes influencing them. Visually, the diagram's structure resembles the skeleton of a fish. The ribs represent the causes of an event, and the fish head indicates the outcome.

• Pareto Diagram = a combination of a bar and a line graph. This graph compares the categories that contribute to a quality problem.

Quality Control Circle Memories

QCC Group Names:

• Forerunner - my 1st QCC Group as a leader.

• Rearviewer - my 2nd QCC group as a leader, and my first time joining the EMI Competition.

• Charioteer - 1st QCC group, I joined as a member, and they competed and won in Regional and International Competitions.

• Torchere - 2nd QCC group, I joined as a member, and they competed and won in Regional and International Competitions.

Quality Control Circle Competitions:

• EMI Competition - within the company
• Regional Competition - competing with other companies
• International Competition - overseas competition

QCC materials needed during a presentation: (1990s)

• OHP (overhead projector) =  is like a film or slide projector; it uses light to project an enlarged image on a screen, allowing the view of a small document or picture to be shared with a large audience.

• Acetate sheets = are thin transparent sheets of flexible material onto which images or graphs can be printed and used for the OHP. 

• Visual aids = are the enlarged samples of actual small objects used in explaining to a large audience.

• A microphone = is a handheld device used by a speaker to project their voice clearly and effectively.

• Podium = an elevated speaking platform that provides a surface for a speaker to place notes while reading.

Conclusion:

Indeed, it has been a privilege to be a part of Quality Control Circle activities. The various challenges and struggles that came with creating these reports were worthwhile after accomplishing the goals. 

Note:

The technical terms in this blog are based on the notes I have written during the QCC trainings I've attended within the company. 

Credits are given to the owners of these terminologies.