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Title: Out of the Crisis
Author: W. Edwards Deming
Stars: ****
Written in 1982, this book was the author’s attempt to help America out of
its crisis. You may recall that under his tutelage, Japan underwent a
significant turn-around in the manufacturing sector and began whooping
the collective American butt. What was the cause of the crisis? According
to Deming, it was top management’s inability to manage.
Deming offers a solution to the crisis. His aim is to help “transform the
style of American management.” Deming lists 14 points, which are the
basis for the transformation. Check them out. A couple of them may
surprise you.
Deming stresses the value of statistics. A couple of the chapters are tough
for those not familiar with the discipline (a reason for the crisis). Those
familiar with Six Sigma will notice the similarities with Deming’s
teachings.
It’s been 26 years. Is America out of the crisis? If Deming were alive today,
he’d probably say that some have heeded his advice, but too many have
not, and that much of the issues we’ve seen with American corporations in
recent years are evidence of that. Fortunately, his book is still available to
help.
If you have not read Deming, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this
one. If you happen to have already read it, read it again. Pick up some of
Deming’s recommended readings as well. There is a lot to learn, and re-
learn in this one.
Author: W. Edwards Deming
Stars: ****
Written in 1982, this book was the author’s attempt to help America out of
its crisis. You may recall that under his tutelage, Japan underwent a
significant turn-around in the manufacturing sector and began whooping
the collective American butt. What was the cause of the crisis? According
to Deming, it was top management’s inability to manage.
Deming offers a solution to the crisis. His aim is to help “transform the
style of American management.” Deming lists 14 points, which are the
basis for the transformation. Check them out. A couple of them may
surprise you.
Deming stresses the value of statistics. A couple of the chapters are tough
for those not familiar with the discipline (a reason for the crisis). Those
familiar with Six Sigma will notice the similarities with Deming’s
teachings.
It’s been 26 years. Is America out of the crisis? If Deming were alive today,
he’d probably say that some have heeded his advice, but too many have
not, and that much of the issues we’ve seen with American corporations in
recent years are evidence of that. Fortunately, his book is still available to
help.
If you have not read Deming, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this
one. If you happen to have already read it, read it again. Pick up some of
Deming’s recommended readings as well. There is a lot to learn, and re-
learn in this one.
V E N T U R E S , L L C