Abstract
Purpose: This research is to find the general and somewhat prevailing problems in quality circle papers. Many quality circles try to benchmark awarded papers even though they may have common problems. By pointing out popular problems in papers, many quality circles hopefully could be guided to the right direction in working out improvement actions. Methods: Many papers awarded in national quality circle conferences are deeply analyzed to figure out common problems. 69 recent papers are analyzed step by step and the most important and frequently occurring problems in each step are indicated. Results: Many prevailing problems are found in each step of QC stories. Especially finding themes, Grasping status quo, Cause analysis, Setting targets, Development of and Implementing counter attacks are the most common areas that have problems. Conclusion: Some problems are already too popular to be recognized as problems. In this paper those problems are logically criticized and thereby right directions for future quality circle activities are proposed.
