Developing an action plan for managing total continous improvement in pelletizing plant of Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Ltd: Mangalore.

Abstract

In this liberalised economy the domestic competitive forces has started influencing the performance of KIOCL though it is a 100% export oriented organisation. To move quickly to stay competitive in the international market say interms of quality, delivery and cost, the only way is to solve problems at the source and achieve smoother communication among people inside. The main focus cf this project is on helping the management in solving problems at the source and bringing in a work culture where by the coflective wisdom of the members is utilized to achieve remarkable results. It is aimed at implementing the TCI process in Pelletizing plant as a model and later on throughout the organisation. So the ground work is attempted with the whole organisation in perspective. Objectives of the study: • To diagnose the existing culture in the organisation • To initiate action in spreading awareness about TCI process in KIOCL. • To do a pilot study in mechanical maintenance section for two weeks. • To develop a specific plan to implement TCI in Pelletizing plant that is appropriate for the KIOCL. Methodology: • Organising workshops for ail the levels of management to convey salient features of TCI process and its relevance to KIOCL in the present scenario. • Managing the support and commitment of the Top management by organising meeting and forming the Steering Committee-TCI at Mangalore. 1 • Diagnosing the existing culture using questionnaire through out the establishment at Manga lore. • Pilot implementation of TCI process in mechanical maintenance section of PeUetizing plant and collecting the perception of members regarding various aspects of management, Supervisor's roles and responsibility and employee involvement and ownership. • Developing an action plan based on the findings and conclusion arrived at. Main findings of the study: • The existing culture in the organisation is Power culture and what people prefer is Task culture. • To improve the effectiveness of the people in contributing to the performance of the company, there is need to improve the skill levels, the atmosphere that foster Improvement work, the perception of people about the management, the organisation and the way they are involved. Observations and suggestions: • The management is committed to change the existing work culture. • The people are willing to contribute for the improvement 6ince they are aware of the future competition. • It is the right time to implement the " people friendly techniques" of TCI process. • The success of the TCI implementation is eminent because KIOCL is taking up new project and so restructuring based on TCI requirement is possible. • The results of TCI implementation on a dual track within 3 years will show remarkable benefits beyond our expectations since the organisation is young with majority of the members young and enthusiastic.