The Effectiveness of Quality Management Tools and Techniques: An Examination of the Key Influences in Five Plants

Abstract

There are a number of critical factors which need to be in place for the effective use and successful application of quality management techniques and tools (QMT&T). These ‘success’ factors may be classified into four categories: the role of the technique or tool in the improvement process, organization and infrastructure, data collection and the use and application of the tool or technique. Each of the categories are subject to influences, defined as experience, management, resources, education and training. It is these influences that create the issues and difficulties associated with the techniques and tools. Their effects may be minimal in isolation, but, when accumulated, may have a profound adverse influence on the successful use and application of QMT&T. Based on the outcome of the investigation described in the paper, guidelines for the effective use of QMT&T have been produced. When used in conjunction with the UMIST Quality Technique and Tool Assessment Method (UMIST QAM), the guidelines will provide organizations with the means of determining how the various influences manifest themselves in their own operating environments and will act as pointers for tackling them. This form of assessment process may also help organizations to realize the potential difficulties and issues that arise in areas such as new product development or strategy development, thereby aiding the continuous improvement process.