Training and management development of quality managers

This project's aim is to identify the training and management development needs of Quality Managers. Training is regarded as a very significant factor in the improvement of quality in organisations, once commitment has been achieved. The project explored whether Quality training was objectively, systematically, and continuously performed in Australia, and i f so, by whom. Using a combination of questionnaire and case studies, the aim of the research was to examine whether the training needs of Quality Managers in Australia were being realised. The study included Australian quality practitioners and professional associations. Questions asked of Quality Managers included: what personal and professional management development training they have had in the past 5 years; what training programs have they provided for others in that period; what current programs are in progress, if any; how effective were their newly acquired skills; and what do they consider to be their needs and the needs of the organisation, for future development. Further, a number of quality management professional associations were contacted regarding their training and management development programs for Quality Managers. Questions of interest included: what do they offer; how do they determine the needs of their members; who provides these programs; how do they communicate these programs to their members; how do they communicate these programs to their members; how do they evaluate the success or otherwise of their programs; and by what process of evaluation do they determine future needs. This data has been collated and analysed and has been discussed in depth amongst both practitioners and academics in Australia.