24 thoughts on “Quality and Framework of Purposeful Action”

  1. When you say quality improvement it is sounds like an on going process. Therefore, the step 12 should reflect the improvements that has been made, especially form step 10 and 11. Manufactures view of quality can be different than customers view of quality.
    Quality standards are good, but it should not be a limitation to continuation of quality improvement.

    Very good points, Roy–especially the distinction between “quality control” and “quality improvement.” One is a standard that is “enforced” the other is a process that is “nurtured.” In one of my posts on quality (audio file in the ‘Quality and Purposeful Action’ category) you hear me saying in a lecture on quality, “I do not like the word ‘control’ …” PC

  2. I agree with Chandrika comments. Purposeful action can be used for quality. The 12 steps do cerate and complete a quality life cycle. I can see these 12 steps be used in any company; I can also see where quality needs to be considered in each phase.

    Good comment, Fahed. PC

  3. In Phase I of Purposeful Action we are forming the mission and defining the purpose of our vision. When we are performing the action – during Phase II – we want to follow our quality guidelines we set for ourselves and develop an effective plan that will get us there. During Phase III, we will evaluate our results (Step 10) and revise the plan as needed (Step 11). During those 2 steps we will focus on quality improvement, because we can reflect on our previous actions. We compare it to our initial goals and see if they were efficiently met. If not, we must figure out how to improve our performance and the quality of our actions.

    PC Comment: Mirek, I agree with much of what you say…However, quality should be inherent in the vision and mission – not something you worry about just in Phase III (Steps 10 and 11) – Quality is an essential component of the commitment made in Step 3.

    • I agree, Dr. Chopra. Thank you for your comment. Absolutely, quality is an essential component from the beginning, but I was actually referring quality improvement, not just quality, in those 2 steps (10 and 11). Because that’s when you reflect on your previous actions and see where you need to improve.

      Makes sense…PC

  4. Quality is always improving due to the implementation of new technologies, which can be directly related to the twelve steps of Purposeful Action. While improvement of quality systems is the goal everywhere, specific steps must be taken in order to be successful in improving quality. The majority of the twelve steps of purposeful action can be directed toward improving quality systems.

    The Kaizen method can be defined as continuous improvements within a system leading to successful improvements throughout all aspects of a business. As discussed earlier, quality improvement is developed through the need for improved quality. The assessment stage under the twelve steps of purposeful action closely matches the requirements for improving quality systems. In order to find the deficiencies within a system, the system must first be assessed.

    • Quality improvement should be a continuous process towards perfection. However, companies must survive and can not afford to have the resources dedicated toward this goal. If the product they produced meet or exceeded the customers’ requirements most companies become satisfied with the quality standards.
      The twelve steps of purposeful action also becomes a continuous process. When step 11 is meet, you can go to step 12 and stop the process.

      Every action creates currents that effect the flow for subsequent actions…there is no stopping. :)
      PC

      • Mark, I think that depends on the type of industry. I’m pretty sure that certain software, IT and cell phone companies spend enormous amount of money on quality improvement of their products in order to stay competitive in their field of business. The technology evolves so fast; whatever was “hot” couple month ago is pretty much outdated today according to some people’s standards. Customers demand and expects better quality product and never gets satisfied. They expect more features on their cell phone, faster internet and more reliable service. That’s why I think those companies need to have enough resources for their quality improvement in order to be successful.

  5. The essence of Quality management for any product is to be able to understand that the expected result meets the actual result. All the phases of 12 steps of purposeful action can be implemented for quality. They are systematic regarding the assessment, analysis of the plan layout and reinforcing. The 12 steps of purposeful action is a continuous process which is similar to the quality life cycle. Quality Assessment can be broken down into different stages and for each stage, the 12 steps of purposeful action can be implemented to understand the quality assessment at different stages. This can begin from
    1. Phase 1-Introspection (similar to a quality reality check)
    2. Phase 2-Plan, Stratergy and layout (forming a quality planning, organizing, implementation methods and strategy) and
    3. Phase 3-Assessment, Renewal and Reinforcement (ensure that the expected outcome meets the actual outcome in the quality process).
    The aim of 12 steps of purposeful action is to ensure that we reach produce zero defect result which is similar to the zero defect out come of quality systems.

    This link provides information regarding FADE model http://patientsafetyed.duhs.duke.edu/module_a/methods/methods.html

    The FADE Model

    There are 4 broad steps to the FADE QI model: They clearly defines the similarities between the 12 steps of purposeful action and the FADE-QI model.

    1. FOCUS: Define and verify the process to be improved-Similar to Phase 1 of purposeful action-Introspection, Extrospection and Defining the mission.

    2. ANALYZE: Collect and analyze data to establish baselines, identify root causes and point toward possible solutions- Similar to Phase 2 of purposeful action-Setting a goal, Define Strategy, Develop plan and Organizing tasks

    3. EXECUTE: Implement the action plans, on a pilot basis as indicated- Similar to Phase 2 of purposeful action

    4. EVALUATE: Install an ongoing measuring/monitoring (process control) system to ensure success – Similar to Phase 3 of purposeful action-Assessment, Renewal and Reinforcement.

  6. Roy M, in regard to your question,

    Do you agree that assessment step is a initiating step for quality improvement?

    I would agree with you to a point although step 11 is equally important because not only must you evaluate the action but also improve it. This improvement is done by revising the plan.

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