Mr. Duncan Rowles
Principal, Pond Associates, LLC
"Quality Tools, Techniques and Methodologies Aren't Just for Quality"

03:55PM-04:55PM
Room:  325

An interactive workshop that will demonstrate the use of Quality tools, techniques and methodologies in a non-Quality business decision simulation drawing upon the knowledge, background and experience of the workshop participants.

The workshop will simulate a personnel selection process using criteria developed by the workshop participants.  The process will establish

·        attributes for the ideal candidate

·        selection criteria for the pool of candidates

·        identification of the desired applicant

·        creation of a development/training plan for the new hire

·        preparation for the next Round of candidates

Tools, Techniques and Methodologies used are  

·        Brainstorming

·        List Reduction

·        Affinity Grouping

·        Weighted Voting

·        Prioritization Matrix

·        Tree Diagram

·        Ishikawa Diagram

Time permitting there will be a discussion of other Tools, Techniques and/or Methodologies that could have been used in the workshop.  Some examples are

·        Mind Map

·        Force Field Analysis

Duncan Rowles, Principal of POND Associates, LLC and a professional facilitator, specializes in “the human side of the Total Quality equation.”  Among the first in the Nation to receive recognition as an American Society of Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Manager, Duncan brings to his clients a unique understanding of the human and mechanical integration and implementation of a Total Quality philosophy and process.  Duncan’s background includes 18 years of managerial experience with ABB/Combustion Engineering in a variety of administrative roles, including 5 years as Director of Total Quality, and 8 years as an in-house consultant for Travelers Insurance Company.  He holds a retired commission in the U. S. Naval Reserve.  

Through third party facilitation, the facilitation of Long Range and Strategic Planning Retreats and Team Building initiatives and activities, POND Associates helps its clients to understand the Team’s responsibilities, roles and goals; develop the Team relationship and design a Team action plan.  This facilitation is augmented by a variety of activities designed to act as metaphors for the workplace, create problem-solving situations, test creativity and challenge the team members to step up into leadership roles.

Duncan received his BA from Knox College in Galesburg , Illinois in 1963 and his MBA from the University of Connecticut in Storrs , Connecticut in 1973.  His current professional and community activities are:  

·        Member, International Association of Facilitators

·        Membership Chair, Hartford Chapter of Business Network International (BNI)

·        President, Granby Library Association

·        Connecticut State President, Navy League of the United States

·        Vice Chair, ISCA/USNSCC International Exchange Program (IEP) Selection Committee

·        Chair, Veterans and Active Military Participation subcommittee of the Connecticut Veterans Day Parade Planning Committee (2002 and 2003).

·        Facilitator/Moderator, Granby Community Conversation, Feb 2003