System of Continuous Improvement for a Cooperative Organization in Southern Brazil

Berenice Santini,Érica Santini De Lima,Geovana Marla Pinheiro,Gilmar Jorge Wakulicz

doi:10.33448/rsd-v10i5.15127

Berenice Santini, Érica Santini De Lima + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v10i5.15127

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Abstract

Quality management requires from organizations more than knowledge and practices about tools and more than tradition and commitment to quality. It requires a system of continuous improvement which, although it can be guided by formal instruments (standards, models), must be structured based on the application of theoretical knowledge to the reality of each organization. This study aimed to suggest a system of continuous improvement suitable to the operations of a cooperative organization in the agricultural sector, located in the south of Brazil. The exploratory and descriptive study used interviews, on-site observation and document analysis. As a result, we suggest a continuous improvement system based on the PDCA cycle (Plan, Do, Check, Act), with quality tools associated with each stage, with emphasis on the planning stage, which requires more decisions than the others. In addition, it is suggested to intensify the training of employees and review the criteria for setting goals, in order to create conditions to organically integrate a set of elements capable of effectively contributing to the continuous improvement of the studied organization's processes.

Highlights

Quality, over the last decades, has become one of the most discussed themes by organizations and, due to globalization, it started to be evaluated based on international standards, requiring systematic production structures for standardization, registration and, mainly, the use of tools in quality management
Continuous improvement has become of great importance for attracting new customers, through reduction of errors, greater product quality and compliance with the deadlines of each final product
It is necessary to adopt a process of improvements that is appropriate to its performance objectives, eliminating losses in the process, reducing costs and increasing product quality

Summary

Introduction

Over the last decades, has become one of the most discussed themes by organizations and, due to globalization, it started to be evaluated based on international standards, requiring systematic production structures for standardization, registration and, mainly, the use of tools in quality management. The competitiveness of companies depends on certifications, in both national and international markets. To achieve the levels of quality necessary for the current competitive context, a revolution in the organization's administrative processes is necessary. An organization must be prepared to absorb, quickly and satisfactorily, the social, technological and economic changes of the environment in which it is inserted. In this scenario, the competition is not restricted to the local scope, but reaches products from all over the world. Globalization has raised market competition on an international scale, increasingly demanding from organizations the need for continuous improvement in their processes, in order to achieve quality. It is necessary to adopt a process of improvements that is appropriate to its performance objectives, eliminating losses in the process, reducing costs and increasing product quality

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