Original Date: 09/15/2003
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

United Defense, L.P. Ground Systems Division Aiken’s Quality Recognition Program is designed to increase company-wide productivity and quality by encouraging and rewarding employees for their ideas, teamwork, and improvement efforts. All employees can participate, including part-time and temporary employees.

Previously, United Defense, L.P. Ground Systems Division (UDLP GSD) Aiken had no formalized process to recognize personnel who made significant contributions to the organization. UDLP GSD Aiken implemented the Quality Recognition Program (QRP) to increase company-wide productivity and quality by encouraging and rewarding employees for their ideas, teamwork, and improvement efforts. Employees in all the UDLP GSD facilities can participate, including part-time and temporary employees. Through feedback and the result of participation metrics, the QRP is continuously improving.

The QRP was designed to be a formal process based on four categories Labor Utilization and Development, Customer Focus, Outstanding Performance, and Outstanding Teamwork. Three levels of recognition (awards) were devised to address improvement in these fields. Two awards are dispensed quarterly for one-time performance and continuing process impact; the third award is given yearly for creating an environment/culture improvement.

Representatives from three UDLP GSD facilities perform formal reviews of the candidates while review of the attributes contained in particular submissions entails the written portion and a personal presentation from the candidate. This process ensures that ideas are effectively communicated across diverse backgrounds. Evaluation is based on productivity metrics, cost, schedule, performance, and other criteria expended to make the contribution. Documentation of lessons learned is contained in the QRP nomination form which requires presenters to detail the challenge and innovation of their new process and also translate the idea into quality techniques. Key segments include strategy highlighting, process mapping, brainstorming, cross-functional teaming, integrated product development, concurrent engineering, and conformance to continuous quality improvement. Metrics must be employed to illustrate the QRP award success for schedule, cost, labor hours, and product or service quality, and division-wide and customer impact. Customer surveys are recommended as a measurement tool. Nomination forms are located in the cafeteria and available via the Division’s Intranet, with quarterly deadlines for submission noted in the company’s bulletins and memos.

For approved QRP awards, recognition includes a personal letter signed by the Division’s General Manager, a lapel pin (Figure 3-1), and articles printed in the plant and division newspaper. The QRP award is also recorded in the employee’s personal file. Award winners have, in some cases, moved to higher positions of management within UDLP, such as a welding trainee who became a Manufacturing Area Manager.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.