FW: Where is the Evidence?

[WMack <WMack@PEC.com>]

I think we may be arguing about linguistic nuances and 
missing the key part of the message, that is, a vast majority
of problems should be treated as the fault of the system.

It is often quite common in English to use numerical
adjectives in place of fuzzier (but more correct) phrases 
like "a small amount," or "a large majority."  I don't think
the "90%" in Dr. Deming's statement has any more 
mathematical accuracy then the "80%" in V. Paretto's
original rule.  The point remains a vast majority of problems
are due to faults in the system.

A good example of this is in Frank Voehl's original message,
where he states "... perhaps as much as 50% was cause by 
FPL individuals...."  Should we believe Frank actually 
calculated the percentage or believe he was merely expressing 
the idea that a large amount of the fault was assigned to
individuals?  (Sorry, Frank.  I don't mean to pick on you, it's
just your statement seemed to be a wonderful example.)

Let's not get hung up in whether the number is 90%, or 89%,
or 93.456%.  It doesn't matter and the number is probably
immeasurable any way.  Focus on the key part of the
message.  The vast majority of problems should be assigned
to the system, not to individuals.

Wayne Mack

wmack@pec.com
Performance Engineering Corporation
Fairfax, VA
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