Sequence of Activities involved in Quality Circle Development

In the structured development of a Quality Circle (QC), the sequence begins with the preparatory groundwork rather than the formal constitution. The correct order is:

1. Start-up phase
   This is the preliminary stage where top management commitment is ensured, awareness programmes are conducted, facilitators are trained, and the overall framework for QC functioning is designed.

2. Constitution of QC
   After the groundwork, the Quality Circle is formally constituted. Members from the same work area are selected and a leader is chosen.

3. Initial problem solving
   The constituted QC identifies problems, gathers data, and applies quality control tools such as cause-and-effect analysis and Pareto charts.

4. Presentation and approval of suggestions
   The developed solutions are presented to management for evaluation and approval.

5. Implementation
   Once approved, the solutions are implemented and results are monitored.

The Quality Circle movement, strongly institutionalized in Japan through bodies such as the Union of Japanese Scientists and Engineers, emphasizes this preparatory start-up before formal constitution.