Content area
Full text
A tool referred to as the "quality life cycle" provides a strategic mechanism to chart and sustain quality while proactively countering shortcomings of its implementation, such as stagnation and limited application, which can ultimately result in failure.
The quality life cycle allows characterization and visualization of the various complex stages and dynamics of quality. It allows charting of not only the current status of quality in an organization but also its historical development or life cycle. The historical data provide an aid for learning based on past strategic decisions and the resulting impacts.
In addition, the quality life cycle can be used to develop scenario planning to assist in determining the most effective course of action for future strategies. In this regard the quality life cycle promotes strategic thinking and aids in the strategic decision making process.
Strategic decision making is achieved by using a timeline to identify six key stages of quality system application (such as the implementation of new initiatives), the methods or systems used (such as ISO 9000) and their success. Each stage is then represented by a quality life cycle element, as defined in the following:
1. Adoption: the implementation stage of a new quality initiative.
2. Regeneration: when a new quality initiative is used in conjunction with an existing one to generate new energy and impact.
3. Energizing: when an existing quality initiative is refocused and given new resources.
4. Maturation: when quality is strategically aligned and deployed across the organization.
5. Limitation or stagnation: when quality has not been strategically driven or aligned.
6. Decline: When a quality management system (QMS) has had a limited impact, initiatives are failing and the QMS is awaiting termination.
Figure 1 shows a generic graphical representation of how each of these elements may appear in the quality life cycle. There is no set sequential format for these elements, as this is not a prescriptive model.
Nor does the quality life cycle dictate the type of quality management tools or techniques to be applied. Each case should be based on the most appropriate tool for a particular organization, depending on its history culture, needs and capabilities.
Existing Models
Some claim existing quality models such as the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA) and the...