In the quality management context, knowledge refers to the understanding, awareness, and familiarity gained through experience, education, observation, or investigation that is relevant to specific processes, products, or services within an organization. This concept is critical as it supports decision-making, drives continual improvement, and fosters innovation.
Description
Knowledge in quality management encompasses both explicit and tacit forms. Explicit knowledge can be documented and easily shared, such as in manuals, databases, or procedures. Tacit knowledge, on the other hand, is more subjective and rooted in personal experiences, insights, and intuitions that are often challenging to capture and formalize. Organizations strive to harness and manage these types of knowledge to improve the efficiency and quality of their operations.
Application Areas
Knowledge is a foundational element across all aspects of quality management, including:
- Process Improvement: Understanding processes deeply allows organizations to identify inefficiencies and areas for enhancement.
- Training and Development: Effective training programs rely on accumulated knowledge to upskill employees and ensure they perform their roles effectively, contributing to overall quality.
- Innovation: Knowledge fuels innovation by providing insights into what works well and what can be improved or needs to be developed.
- Risk Management: Knowledge about past events, processes, and outcomes helps in predicting potential issues and mitigating risks before they affect quality.
Well-Known Examples
A well-known application of knowledge in quality management is the use of Knowledge Management Systems (KMS), which organizations implement to collect, store, share, and manage knowledge to enhance business processes and quality. For instance, Toyota’s "Just-in-Time” (JIT) production system is a result of extensive knowledge accumulation and management, aiming at improving manufacturing efficiency and product quality.
Treatment and Risks
Managing knowledge effectively requires structured processes and tools to capture, store, and disseminate information. Risks associated with knowledge management include knowledge loss due to employee turnover, outdated or inaccurate information, and failure to effectively share and apply knowledge across the organization.
Summary
In quality management, knowledge is a critical asset that helps organizations maintain high standards, comply with regulations, innovate, and remain competitive. Effective knowledge management ensures that valuable information is available and usable, directly impacting the quality of decisions and actions within the company.
--