DED holds 'Hoshin Kanri' strategic planning methodology workshops for DQA assessors

The Hoshin Kanri methodology, adopted by world-leading companies, helps organisations achieve their objectives by systematically breaking down larger objectives into smaller ones and qualitative goals into quantifiable results, and by tracking measurable milestones to ensure progress in the desired direction.

Aimed at enhancing the knowledge-base of DQA assessors, the two workshops were attended by more than 40 assessors representing different business sectors. The workshops were sponsored by the S.S. Lootah Group, a leading diversified group of companies founded and chaired by Haji Saeed Ahmed Al-Lootah in Dubai in 1956. The Group's sponsorship comes as part of its corporate social responsibility and commitment to the DQA.

"The assessors of the DQA work together to ensure that quality standards are implemented at the companies applying for the award. 'Hoshin Kanri' is relatively unknown in Dubai, though it is widely used in Japanese industries and by world-leading companies. We believe these workshops will allow the assessors to further their knowledge and hence improve their assessment capabilities of applicant companies in the future," said Dr. Lway Nackasha, Advisor, Quality and Business Excellence at DED.

"Private organisations operating in Dubai are advised to align themselves strategically with quality and business excellence initiatives by investing in quality and taking part in these initiatives. This comes in line with the Dubai Strategic Plan unveiled earlier this year by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai," added Dr. Lway.

The S.S. Lootah Group hosted the workshops at Al Jawahara Gardens Hotel, the newest addition to its hospitality brand Jawhara. Saleh Lootah, Executive Director of Lootah Group, welcomed the assessors and urged them to continue their pursuit of excellence in business.

"The Department of Economic Development initiatives, especially the Dubai Quality Award, have helped to establish quality and business excellence as the foundation of doing business in Dubai," said Lootah. "We at S.S. Lootah Group are honoured to contribute to the learning and competency building of the business community."

The workshops were conducted by Mr. R. B. Madhekar, Director and Mr. Prashant Nasery, Principal Counsellor, leading consultants from the Maruti Centre for Excellence of India. The Maruti Centre is a joint venture between the Government of India and the Suzuki Corporation.

The Dubai Quality Award is based on the Excellence Model of the European Foundation for Quality Management, which has been successfully applied in private and public sector organizations in Dubai. The DQA is presented to enterprises in different sectors of the economy including manufacturing, services, tourism, construction, finance, professional, trade, health and education.