RE: "It is not necessary to change. Survival is optional."

["Oliphant, Jason - Petrolia, PA" <OliphJa@cromptoncorp.com>]

IMHO you've stretched the analogy too thin.

Unlike giant ships- large companies are collections of smaller
divisions/plants etc.  they Can think proactively- I think the problem is
that giant companies sometimes don't care if they drive their ship towards a
giant storm.

also most companies small and large fall into MBO and slowly self destruct
as their processes vary.

both small and large companies can also I think survive turbulent times, if
they plan for the future-- large companies need to allow smaller
divisions/plants to do this.

MBO is the greatest business mistake of our times (in my opinion), and most
business failure comes from it, with lack of long term planning running a
distant second.  I'm not sure MBO is fatal but I believe it is weakening.
It makes the organizations that seep in it, ripe for all kinds of unpleasant
ends.

As a first time poster to the list, I hope to participate in this forum.
Unfortunately I have never met WED.  I have been studying and thinking about
many of these quality issues (particarly on the cove).  The more I read and
think, the more what he has written resonates with me.  He was an great
statistician whom discovered the ways management, derails progress and
excellence through there lack of understanding the basic statistical laws of
the processes they run.  His bravery to speak against their managerial
practices set him apart from his contemporaries.

Unfortunately, since Japanese business's lost there competitiveness nearly
20 years ago.  So much of management seems unresponsive. Again the quality
world, holds back from criticizing poor managerial practices.

REPLYING TO:

The analogy that comes to mind here is the large tanker versus the small
boat. The small boat is more vulnerable to the effect of the waves. On the
other hand it can be more opportunistic and change course much more quickly.
The smaller the boat, the more you have to think about each wave - you may
have to concentrate more on the waves than on the radar telling you that two
hours away there's a big storm heading your way. The big tanker does not
have to worry so much about the pesky waves, but even though it has radar,
it may not have enough time to change course to avoid the giant storm.

The waves can be likened to variation.

We all know that only a stable system is predictable. Does any one have any
idea whether this changing environment of which we speak is in statistical
control? If so then it is possible to make predictions, and therefore
possible to adapt. But what if it is not? If it is not in control is
adaptation any more than luck? or at best short term opportunism?

The world of rapid change that David describes appears to be one where the
storms are coming faster and faster for the big tankers. But also one where
the waves are getting bigger and bigger for the small boats. So big tankers
have to either get smaller or get better at changing course quickly. But in
getting smaller they are going to be more bothered by the waves, and find it
harder to plan.

The answer for the big ships is - control your environment - at least try
and make it a bit more stable. What can the small boat do ? The waves just
seem to go on getting bigger.