Quality Capability Self-diagnosis is a convenient and
economical way to assess the performance of an operating
quality system, as well as a basis for initiating necessary
corrective actions essential to quality improvement and
preparation for certification. This paper describes the
research leading to the development of a cost-effective and
systematic methodology for performing quality capability
self-diagnosis. ISO 9000 series standards and the methods
used to implement multicriteria system evaluation are
employed to provide a sound basis for the development of
this quality capability self-diagnosis scheme (QCSDS).
The QCSDS has been developed to assist manufacturers in
the conduct of quality assurance audits using internal
personnel. The methodological structure of QCSDS is presented
in two major parts: a regular model and a refined model.
The regular model includes: (1) development of quality
system auditing criteria, (2) selection of a suitable
checklist developed from ISO 9000 series requirements, (3)
development of importance weights for applicable criteria,
(4) performance measurement, (5) quality system rating, (6)
analysis of quality auditing results, and (7) suggestions
for improvement. The refined model is developed to strengthen capability of the model and its reliability for confirming the effectiveness of an operating quality system using quality cost analysis, utility theory and regression analysis.
A decision support system (QCSDDSS) based on the
Quattro Pro spreadsheet is incorporated to facilitate the
application of QCSDS. The QCSDDSS development is based on
the regular model using ISO 9002 to provide both tabular and
graphical displays for performance demonstration and
improvement analysis.
