Deming Management Approach for IR

Introduction

Dr.W.Edwards Deming has pioneered a new management approach for bringing about transformation in management of industry and government organisation.This transformation will lead to a climate of harmony, co-operation, joy in work, innovation and improvement. Adoption of this approach on Indian Railways can go a long way in improving quality of service, productivity and profitability.

Transformation in management will no doubt require massive inputs of education and training, sea-change in attitudes and many years of hard work, dedication & perseverance at all levels. As a beginning, IRIMEE has started programs to educate officers of Indian Railways.

Background

Managers on Indian Railways are, by and large, doing a stupendous job. By their capability, innovative abilities, hard work and dedicated efforts they have brought about very substantial improvements in performance in the 5 decades after independence. However we are still a long way from realising the full potential of the system. There is a dire need to improve performance at an even much faster pace than hitherto so that we move towards realisation of I.R's full potential. Certain aspects of the conventional management approach (Management by Results) which we follow cause adverse effects. These adverse effects impose severe constraints and limitations on managers in regard to bringing about improvement of performance. More.....

Role of IRIMEE

IRIMEE has played a pivotal role by training a total of 329 Railway Managers in the priciples of Deming Management Approach during regular professional courses. Besides, following programmes were organised/coordinated by IRIMEE at various locations.

Program at Railway Staff College, Vadodara

A three day program on Deming Management Approach for Indian Railways for inter disciplinary team of Railway Managers was organised at Railway Staff College, Vadodara from 4th to 6th August, 2004. This team comprised of 20 senior officers from Railway Board, Zonal Railways, Production Units and Centralised Training Institutes of Indian Railways. The response of the participants to this programme was very positive.

Program at IRIMEE, Jamalpur

The program at Jamalpur was conducted by founder of Deming Forum India, Shri Balaji Reddie from 25th to 27th September, 2004. This program was attended by Additional Member (Mech) Railway Board, Officers of the Jamalpur workshop, Faculty members of IRIMEE, IRSME Probationary Officers and Special Class Apprentices.

As a follow up to this program, Railway Board has taken a decision to adopt Deming Management Approach at following Units of IR.

Program at Rail Wheel Factory, Bangalore

To kick start the process, a four day program from 8th to 11th January, 2005 was organised at RWF as directed by Railway Board with a view to enable the participating units to impliment the principles of this approach to improve quality and productivity. A total of 25 participants from RWF, ICF, RSK, Mysore Workshop, Hubli Workshop, Jamalpur Workshop attended the program. Apart from the participants, the program was also attended Additional by Additional Member (Mech), General Managers of RWF, South Western Railway and ICF.

Future programme

ICF/Perambur: April'05
RCF: Date to be announced