Issue 1: March 2009
Welcome to the Defence Industry Group (DIG). This is the first newsletter on the activities we intend to carry out in co-operation with quality management in the UK Defence industry and the Ministry of Defence (MOD).
Defence Industry Newsletter - March 2009
Introduction from Tony Brown, Head of Sector Defence
The purpose of the Special Interest Group is to identify those ‘critical to quality issues' affecting the industry and seek collectively for solutions of mutual benefit.
The CQI is pleased to accept the role of coordinator of the DIG in line with your wishes and in accordance with our charter to act as a catalyst for quality improvement. It has appointed me on a part-time basis to act as the co-ordinator to launch the DIG.
The CQI journal has the defence industry as theme in March. This is the opportunity for you to register your company and personal interest in participating in the DIG.
The challenges for the defence industry are immense. Through Life Capability Management is now a key theme for the sector. Equipment is becoming more sophisticated and complex. Costs are becoming more competitive, leading to massive outsourcing across the globe. Time to innovation and delivery is also becoming more critical. Quality has not been as high on the agenda as in previous times yet performance demands have increased.
In addition, Quality management has always been an effective and an efficient solution. The Japanese have shown us better ways of producing high quality at low cost. Top Management styles have a big influence on quality performance. MOD policy changes have provided further challenges to quality causes. The power of the project manager has not always been for the good of quality.
These are some of the challenges facing us. Let’s wish ourselves ‘Good fortune’ in our endeavours.
Tony Brown
Chartered Quality Institute
Defence Industry Group Coordinator