Quality Handbook And The Art Of Tractor Design

<p>Four decades back, the Vice Chairman of an Indian tractor company was struggling to compete with international tractor brands in India. This tractor company had scratched only 2 % market share over the previous five years. According to the Vice Chairman, the Indian tractor was the best engineered product in the farm market. &nbsp;</p>

<p>As it turned out, the Vice Chairman had personally designed the Indian tractor and was therefore emotionally attached to the success of his creation. He had acquired the Handbook of Quality Control &ndash; Dr J M Juran and Dr Frank Gryna, the most affordable treasure of Quality knowledge.</p>

<p>How do you learn from a Handbook? His answer: Page by page!</p>

<p>What were the three lessons that made the most difference? His answer:</p>

<ul>
<li>Customer defines Quality</li>
<li>The Cost Of Poor Quality (COPQ) is almost one-third of Total Costs</li>
<li>Integrate Quality into the Strategic Plan.</li>
</ul>

<p>Had he met his customers? He was silent. Stone silent.</p>

<p>On meeting a sample of 10 farmers, he received positive feedback about the performance of the Indian tractor.</p>

<p>So why were they not purchasing the Indian tractor? He learned that Punjabis use tractors for their wedding barats (processions). His bumpers and mud guards could not withstand this load.</p>

<p>With minimal design changes, the Vice Chairman effectively turned the tide of his company. Five years later, the Indian tractor captured 21 % market share, displacing 10 international brands, to became the leader.</p>

<p>DO QUALITY MANAGEMENT PRACTICES DELIVER PROFIT?</p>