Re: Lack of Deming Philosophy in Education

["Robert Bacal" <ceo@work911.com>]

On 19 Sep 2003 at 9:31, Rip Stauffer wrote:

> To the first question, we see occasional references, and some books
> still mention the 14 points and other ideas, but for the most part, it
> has slipped into the background. Why? We know it's powerful, we feel
> it must be right, where it has been applied it's worked very well. How
> did it slip out of the limelight? Is it because:

I think this is probably THE essential question to ask. I'm not sure 
any of us have definitive answers, but I do know that to pursue the 
answers to the question is invite vitriol and personal attack because 
dilgently answering the question means hearing some difficult news.

So, I'm not going to repeat in any detail what I have posted on this 
subject over the years. There are certainly cultural/environmental 
factors at work here.

But the ones I think that are most fruitful to pursue (because its 
possible to control some of the contributors are:

1) That Deming's work is seriously flawed, and that it requires 
revision and development. The flaws are more attached to his 
"psychology" components. Related to this is that Deming seems to have 
had dfficulty distinguishing with the way things work, and the way he 
wants them to be. Hence, the notion that his work is Utopian.
2) That too many of those trying to carry forth Deming's work bring 
with them an arrogance and offensiveness that Deming managed to get 
away with, but they cannot.
3) That Deming's work has been destroyed by the people who treat it 
like a sacrosanct bible. Because of that they can only communicate 
meaningful with the choir (as in preaching to it).

No doubt I'll get the usual emails, so I'll leave it at that.
Civil responses are encouraged.