A DEA approach for evaluating quality circles

Presents results of a study on evaluating the efficiency-effectiveness relationship of quality circles (QCs). Defines QCs as a means by which organizational goals can be achieved. States that prior studies have examined QCs in an organizational setting. However, these studies have not provided an approach to relate effectiveness and efficiency of QCs at the same time. Extends the body of literature on QCs by presenting an approach management can use to examine the efficiency-effectiveness relationship of QCs. Uses a data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach and computer-generated data to illustrate the means by which QCs can be evaluated. Notes that DEA is a linear programming- (LP) based method. Provides an approach for visualizing the efficiency-effectiveness relationship of QCs. Uses the LP model output to gain insight into the ways to improve performance of QCs and notes that the LP output could be used by a manager to take the necessary corrective action.