Which of the following is NOT one of the seven basic tools of quality identified by Dr. Kaoru Ishikawa?

The correct answer identifies quality circles as not being one of the seven basic tools of quality. Dr. Kaoru Ishikawa, a key figure in quality management, developed the concept of the seven basic tools of quality, which are designed to help professionals identify and solve quality-related problems effectively. These tools include Pareto analysis, cause and effect diagrams (also known as fishbone diagrams), check sheets, control charts, histograms, scatter diagrams, and flowcharts.

Quality circles, while important in the context of team-based problem-solving and continuous improvement practices, are not classified among those seven basic tools. They represent a concept where small groups of workers meet regularly to discuss workplace issues and propose improvements, but they do not serve the same foundational role in quality management as the defined basic tools. Understanding the distinction between the tools and broader group practices like quality circles is essential for grasping the framework of total quality management developed by Ishikawa.