The International Workshop and Seminar on Best Productivity Practices and Quality Assurance concluded successfully after three days of intensive learning, networking, and collaboration. Held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, the event brought together industry experts, professionals, and organizations dedicated to improving productivity and quality assurance across various sectors.
The event was a joint initiative of QA Harbor Limited, the National Productivity Organization (NPO) Bangladesh, and the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) Japan, with exclusive sponsorship from Kazuko Bhuiyan Welfare Trust.
The event offered a comprehensive program designed to enhance understanding of productivity strategies, equip participants with practical methodologies, and foster international collaborations.
Day 1: Hands-on Workshop
The workshop kicked off with expert-led sessions by Hideyuki Ezaki, President, Management Assistance Co. Ltd., Japan, and Kuniaki Okabayashi, Adviser, SUTEKI Variation, Japan. Twenty-eight participants from over 20 leading companies engaged in interactive exercises covering fundamental productivity concepts, problem analysis techniques, productivity tools, and gainsharing models. The practical approach allowed attendees to immediately apply learned concepts, including work breakdown structure (WBS) and sector-based productivity assessments.
Day 2: Real-World Application through Factory Visits
Participants experienced firsthand application of productivity principles during visits to JTI's Tongi Factory and Mithela Textile Industries Ltd. in Araihazer, Narayanganj. Guided by Kuniaki Okabayashi, Masudur Rahaman, Managing Director, QA Harbor, and senior factory management, the group observed Kaizen, 5S, and Lean Manufacturing methodologies in action. These site visits provided valuable insights into workflow management, waste reduction, and process automation.
Day 3: International Seminar and Knowledge Sharing
The final day featured an international seminar with keynote presentations by Kuniaki Okabayashi and Hideyuki Ezaki. The seminar, attended by 120 participants from over 50 companies, focused on process optimization, KPI development, automation in productivity enhancement, root cause analysis, and Lean Six Sigma strategies.
Masudur Rahaman, MD, QA Harbor, summarized the event's key takeaways. Moha. Arifuzzaman, Director of Research, NPO, Ministry of Industry, GOB, and APO Liaison Officer in Bangladesh, highlighted the NPO's role in promoting sustainable productivity. Farzam Aidelkhani, Business Development Lead, QA Harbor, showcased QA Harbor’s initiatives in quality assurance, emphasizing automation and standardized testing. The seminar also included a session for site visit reflections and discussions on future collaborations. The event concluded with a Certificate Ceremony, closing remarks, a group photo, and a Kaizen-inspired snack distribution.
A Catalyst for Sustainable Growth
The workshop and seminar proved to be a transformative experience, providing a platform for knowledge exchange, strategic discussions, and valuable networking. Participants gained practical tools and insights to drive innovation and improve productivity within their organizations. The event underscored the importance of collaboration between industry, academia, and government to achieve sustainable development.
QA Harbor Limited, along with its partners, is committed to fostering a culture of productivity and quality excellence in Bangladesh and beyond. This event represents a significant step towards achieving long-term sustainable development through effective productivity management and quality assurance practices.