Competition [Was: Education and Presidential Candidates]

[WMack <WMack@PEC.com>]

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Nimon, Harry H SSI-GRCA [SMTP:HN202460@MSXSSC.SHELL.COM]
> 
> 		Given this perspective, competition between GM and Ford will
> not result in improvements to the automobile because one is not changing
> the
> system...yet the improvements and change do occur.  They occur precisely
> because to not do so maintains the current product at a point where one or
> the other is substandard.  The customer then selects that which provides
> for
> their needs the best.  ... Why should competition fail in public arenas
> such as a school system when it has succeeded in so many other places?
> _____________________________________________________
> 
Perhaps we should review the assumed relationship between competition
and improvement.  This is the relationship Dr. Deming questioned.  He
acknowledged the need for change and the fleeting loyalty of customers
(see "The New Economics" pages 7-10).  However, when a company 
focuses attention on competition, it lessens its focus on its customers.  
Dr. Deming noted the following.

"Typically, the management of a company spend a lot of time worrying 
about share of market.  How big is our piece of the apple pie?  How 
can we enlarge it at the expense of competition"

"It would be better if all the competitors would use the time and energy 
to expand the market.  The would all gain."

"The three automotive companies in this country had together in 1960
a virtual monopoly.  The management of the three companies spent
time worrying about share of market.  Where are we?  How are we
doing compared with our competitors?  Better or worse than last
month"

"Better had all of them worked to expand the market, to make
automobiles for a huge market not then served by the American
companies.  At that very time two million people in this country
needed automobiles at lower first cost, dependable, and cheaper
to run.  Japanese auto makers came in and filled this market."

"The New Economics" pages 56-57.

Is this the type of competitive success we want from our schools?
Market share battles for wealthy students and leave the others
out?  Wouldn't it be better for successful schools to share their
methods with the less successful?

Wayne Mack