Transportation Learning Network

Virtual Learning

Quality: What is it and How do we Achieve it?

  • Apr 13, 2022
    Virtual Learning (desktop/laptop and mobile devices)

The above opportunity and more can be accessed by visiting the TLN Learning Management System (LMS).

Description

We commonly say, in our work situations and our personal lives, that we value receiving and we want to provide quality. However, what is quality? This presentation begins by defining quality and the related topics of quality control (QC), quality assurance (QA), and wants vs needs. Then the session turns to offering an overall model for how to achieve quality and descriptions of many tools that stimulate the breadth and depth of thinking needed to provide quality results. Some tool examples: double diamond, five whys, upstream thinking, mind mapping, fishbone diagram, and Ohno circle. The presentation concludes with tips for how to start or improve a quality program in your unit, department, or organization.

We can view the pursuit of quality as a matter pride or as a bottom-line issue. Regarding the latter, author Phil Crosby wrote, “Quality is free. It’s not a gift, but it is free. What costs money are the unquality things—all the actions that involve not doing jobs right the first time.” That is, the cost of achieving quality is bound to be less than the cost of not providing quality and then incurring the costs, monetary and otherwise, of rework, new work, litigation, repairing relationships, and rebuilding reputations.

Speaker(s)

Stuart “Stu” Walesh, PhD, PE, F.NSPE, Dist.M.ASCE, an independent consultant-teacher-author, earned a BSCE from Valparaiso University, a MSE from Johns Hopkins University, and a PhD in engineering from the University of Wisconsin. Prior to beginning his consultancy, he practiced in government and for an engineering firm and held various positions at Valparaiso University and the University of Wisconsin.

Stu authored eight books. The most recent three are Engineering's Public-Protection Predicament, 2021; Introduction to Creativity and Innovation for Engineers, 2017; and Engineering Your Future: The Professional Practice of Engineering, 2012. He authored or co-authored several hundred presentations, papers, articles, and essays about engineering, education, and management and facilitated or led many workshops, seminars, and webinars. Current interests, besides quality, include reforming the education and experience requirements for engineering licensure and using basic brain knowledge to work smarter – more effective and innovative.

Target Audience

All engineering staff and others who strive to provide a quality in their work and life.M