Innovative quality circle: a technique for coupling innovation and quality through employee participation

Abstract

One of the techniques that have been dominating the Total Quality Management (TQM) era is Quality Circle Programme (QCP). Several benefits of QCP have been reported in the literature. In particular, QCPs' problem-solving ability is highly appreciated. Today's intense competition demands innovation rather than mere solving of problems. This situation envisages the integration of innovation management principles with QCP. In order to fulfil this imperative, a technique named innovative Quality Circle (innovative QC) has been proposed in this paper. After describing its framework, the implementation features of innovative QC is presented with the help of a case study. Since it is foreseen that innovative QC's sustainability will be ensured by making use of the Decision Support System (DSS) concept, a DSS named Innovative Quality Circle Programme (IQCP) is presented. The article concludes by citing the need for conducting practical case studies on innovative QC to improve its practical compatibility.