Quality Circle Projects is a novel initiative by University of Leicester School Management to create a platform for Students to gain experience in Professional Problem solving Management tools and methods. The participants also get opportunity to trial the same by taking a real time issue in the University to work on collaborative projects with staff and management. Concept of Quality Circles (QCs
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Quality circles are part of Total Quality Management which was adopted in industries to bring sustained development. In brief QCs are a group of 4- 8 people who define and solve a quality or performance related issue using different management tools. Quality circle groups can involve students, members of staff or combination of both who work on issues which could be developed and make a model in a specific target group. The results of Quality circles can aid management decision making whilst providing safe platform to pilot an idea
Example
• Effective use of Employee Engagement Program
• Lack of awareness about employability skills among students.
• Involving student in Curriculum planning
Objectives
• To involves students in Partnership projects and inculcate employability skills
• Inspire more effective teamwork
• To promote more student involvement in organisational development
• To create problem-solving capability among students
• Create an effective selling point for University of Leicester, as we could pioneer the concept in UK
Methods we may employ,
Technically we would involve the QC tools as methods. Few QC tools include Ishikawa Diagram (The cause and Effect diagram), Paratoo chart which is made on the basis of Pareto Principle that 80 % effects or form 20 % action to find the most vital issue to start with. A Project implemented in a time span of 6-8 weeks and tangible and in-tangible benefits are observed and best practices are standardised
Few Short term goals we wish to achieve
Create a platform for collaboration: Quality circles would create a platform for Students and staff members to work in partnership on collaborative projects with a common objective. Form a platform for academic research: Students who are interested in similar areas could take it up for academic research as well as have a Practical feel of Management whilst doing the course. International Visibility and Network formation: Student Quality circle case studies can be presented in various National and International Forums Egg. World Council for Total Quality and Excellence in Education (WCTQEE (WCTQEE) organises Annual conference on Student Quality circles at various countries of the world in 2014 the 17th International Convention on Students' Quality Circles, to be held at Kingston University in June 2014
Current ongoing projects
Improving Employability among students
Ø Address various ways improve students’ involvement in the events organised by careers service.
Ø Promoting Business Challenges (etc.) and the benefits (CIMA Global Business Challenge, IBM University Business Challenge etc)
Ø Networking events with potential Employers and Alumni/ recent graduates
Improving Student Experience:
Ø Addresses breaking the barrier between Home and International students
Ø Promoting more team work
Ø Methods to get the maximum benefits from Lectures, Seminars etc
Promoting and encouraging a healthy lifestyle amongst students (Physical & Mental)
Ø Awareness of health benefit of healthy lifestyle
Ø Methods to create awareness about physical and Mental Heath
Ø Collaborate with related organisations and address the issue
