Citation
(2002), "The quality gurus", Measuring Business Excellence, Vol. 6 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/mbe.2002.26706cae.001
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2002, MCB UP Limited
The quality gurus
The quality gurus
Davies, E.C. (2001) Manufacturing Engineer (UK), Vol. 80 No. 5, p. 231, 0956-9944
Discusses the philosophies and contributions to quality management of a number of recognized quality gurus. Outlines Deming's principles for transformation of Western management; examines Juran's emphasis on the importance of quality planning; looks at Crosby's zero defects concept; and considers Conway's belief that senior management lacked conviction and that quality increased productivity and lowered costs. Compares the approaches of these US quality experts with the developments of a number of Japanese quality workers, including Ishikawa's recognition that quality improvement is too important to leave in the hands of specialists, Mizuno's development of interrelated tools for quality improvement, Imai's encouragement of logical systematic thinking by quality teams through his origination of kaizen, Taguchi's methodology for minimum prototyping product design and trouble shooting in production, and Shingo's involvement in the development of just-in-time manufacture. Concludes with a summary of the contributions of Feigenbaum, Peters and Møller to the development of quality assurance processes.
Comment: Expanding on the previous article, this piece compares the attitudes of the American quality gurus with those of Japan. Although not the most practical of articles, Davies' insights provide a firm theoretical grounding that will help you to decide which methodology (or combination of methodologies) is most applicable to your situation.