Diagnosis of quality problems in a small business

Abstract

This article presents the results of a study conducted in a small textile company. The study aimed to characterize the state of quality management in the company highlighting weaknesses and areas for improvement. The methodology employed makes use of a set of tools for data collection and analysis such as interviews, flowcharts, diagrams of process analysis, defects registry matrix, Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and cause-effect matrix. Based on the gathered data, the company procedures in quality management and the production process performance are described and analyzed. Besides reflecting the quality state in the organization, the study also allowed to prioritize the elimination of causes that are responsible for poor performance.