Quality Management- A way to improve and sustain quality

Metro India News | Hyderabad

The Quality Circle Forum of India (QCFI), established in 1982, is a national body promoting the Quality Circle philosophy across the country. Headquartered in Secunderabad, it operates through chapters, sub-chapters and centres nationwide. Its activities include national and international conventions, conclaves, specialised training programmes and 5S Certification in collaboration with the Union of Japanese Scientists and Engineers (JUSE).

Quality Circle (QC): A Quality Circle is a small group of voluntary employees who regularly identify, analyse and solve workplace problems using basic problem-solving tools. It promotes continuous improvement in productivity, quality, safety and cost reduction. Lean Quality Circle (LQC), an advanced and faster approach, focuses on eliminating process waste through the DMAIC methodology—Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control. It uses cross-functional teams, customer-focused problem-solving and first-time-right solutions to address critical organisational challenges.

5S Workplace Management: The Japanese-origin methodology focuses on creating efficient, organised and safe workplaces through five principles—Seiri (Sort), Seiton (Set in Order), Seiso (Shine), Seiketsu (Standardise) and Shitsuke (Sustain). QCFI is India’s only 5S certification body issuing certificates jointly with JUSE.

Six Sigma: This data-driven methodology improves processes by reducing defects and variability. It helps cut costs and time, improve customer satisfaction and strengthen systematic problem-solving. Total Productive Maintenance (TPM): TPM seeks maximum equipment efficiency through workforce involvement and preventive maintenance. Its goals include zero rejection, accidents, breakdowns and wastage, leading to improved productivity, safety and reduced operational costs.

Value Engineering (VE): VE improves the value of products and services through cost optimisation without compromising quality, enhancing efficiency and competitiveness. Through training, certification, conventions and advisory support, QCFI promotes Total Quality Management, helping organisations improve productivity, quality, safety and customer satisfaction while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Over the years, QCFI has promoted Quality Concepts across industries and institutions, focusing on developing the nation’s workforce potential. It offers training in quality concepts, statistical problem-solving tools and other interventions, while organising chapter and national conventions where participants showcase organisational improvements. QCFI also encourages Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, including adopting villages to improve education, healthcare, sanitation, hygiene and community teamwork. The forum develops comprehensive training materials to support structured learning and practical application of Quality Concepts. As a National Resource Body, QCFI serves as a repository of knowledge and disseminates information on the theory and practice of quality management.

D.K.Srivastava, the present Executive Director of QCFI

D. K. Srivastava is an experienced quality-management professional and Executive Director of the Quality Circle Forum of India (QCFI), with over 44 years of expertise in Quality Circles, TQM, Lean Manufacturing, 5-S, Kaizen, TPM, and WCM. Since 1982, he has contributed extensively to quality initiatives, training over two lakh people. He has authored/co-authored several quality-management books and developed innovative systems including Lean Quality Circles, Lean Safety Circles, 5-S certification, PQS, and WCM certification.