Page 374 - The Handbook for Quality Management a Complete Guide to Operational Excellence

360 C o n t i n u o u s I m p r o v e m e n t C o n t r o l / V e r i f y S t a g e 361

the card drop shop illustrates the effects of tampering with a stable
process. However, it does so using simpler tools and materials
(Alloway, 1994).
• Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing simulation (Wearring and
Karl, 1995).
• Additional applications of simulation to quality are described in
Simon and Bruce (1992).

In addition to simulation games, simulation tools such as quincunxes
and sampling bead boxes are commonly used in quality training. Simple
simulations create a concrete link to abstract concepts, making it easier for
people to understand the concept.
Role-plays. In a role-play, players spontaneously act out characters
assigned to them in a scenario. Role-plays take a variety of forms, for
example:

• Media. The scenario for a role-play may be presented through a
printed handout, an audiotape, videotape, etc.
• Characters. The characters in a role-play may be identified in terms
of job functions, personality variables, or attitudes. Some role-
plays require people to play their own roles in a different situation
(as in a desert survival exercise).
• Responses. Most role-plays involve face-to-face communication
among the characters, but written or phone communication is also
used.
• Mode of usage. Groups may be divided into smaller groups or pairs,
or a group can watch as others participate. Role-players may be
substituted as the role-play progresses. Coaches may be assigned
to help the role-players.
• Number of players. Most role-plays involve two characters, but there
is no fixed limit on the number of players who can be involved.
• Replay. The effectiveness of some role-plays can be improved
through repetition. Repetition can take place after a presentation of
new material by the instructor, or after changing some aspect of
the game.

An excellent example of a role-play game is Deming’s “Red bead
experiment” (Deming, 1986, p. 346ff). The red bead experiment is designed
to teach statistical thinking and the use of simple statistical tools.

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