How IRCA Japan is helping members boost their CPD

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Mitsunori Fujino talks about the learning opportunities available at IRCA Japan's monthly members’ events.

IRCA Japan has initiated monthly members’ events that offer lectures and workshops related to the CQI|IRCA Competency Framework. The events aim to give members the opportunity to develop their skills within the context of Leadership, Governance, Improvement and Assurance. It encourages participants to consider how they can apply these competencies within their organisations.

The events are designed around the Plan-Do-Check-Act Cycle (PDCA) to reflect the CQI|IRCA requirements for CPD records. The learning theme for the first half of 2018 is based around the common risks and challenges related to quality management systems in Japan. The agendas are as follows:

Month	Competency	Learning Theme
1	Governance	Seek for in-depth cause for data falsification and governance method for data control system.
2	Leadership	Learn communication method with stakeholders (customers and top management).
3	Improvement	Learn practical methods for visualisation of business flow required for process improvement.
4	Assurance	How to use turtle model analysis to improve effectiveness of internal audits.
5	Improvement	Practical methods for three steps (immediate action, corrective action and preventive action) to deal with troubles.
6	Governance	Learn Risk Management way of thinking and method of reflection on internal audits.

Each monthly event is supported by consultants and practitioners who are experts within a competence area. They participate as volunteer business partners who have proven know-how and share best practices to spark active discussion over industry practices.

The launch event in January, which involved 20 participants, focused on data falsification. The discussions explored the intensifying competition in the global market; higher customer requirements; acquisition and increase of sales. Ideas were also exchanged on the multiple risks occurring with various internal and external pressures related to corporate culture, organisational structure; operational processes and job description; and competence and awareness of people.

From the perspective of management system professionals, leading the effective operation of PDCA cycle and actions to contribute to enhancing improvement had been expected. It was also pointed out that problems easily occur when robust frameworks previously seen in Japanese style management are broken; and when there is a delay in responding to the individualism of employees. Participants agreed that communication was an important element in confirming validity.

IRCA Japan looks forward to building its network to connect members with likeminded quality professionals across the country.