Quality circles : an investigation of the Malcolm Baldridge quality award winners and the implications for education

Includes bibliographical references (pages [59]-62)This study focused on quality circles used in industry by examining the Malcolm Baldridge Quality Award Winners. Similarities between the winners were examined using a coding analysis derived from concepts derived from the literature. Subjects included the three Malcolm Baldridge Quality Award Winners willing to be interviewed. Various conclusions seem to be implied by the study. First, management must be directly involved. Second, the system should not be voluntary, and should encompass the entire organizations. Decisions to join individual teams may be left to the employees. Communication should be consciously developed, and all employees should receive training. The customer should come first. The organization should use cross functional as well as natural management teams.M.S. Ed. (Master of Education