Re: ASQ & 6 Sigma

["Jerry Mairani" <quality1@inreach.com>]

A question was asked, "Who invites the ASQ Speakers."

This is a long post and I apologize.  However, perhaps laying out
information regarding ASQ questions may get us back on track.  Should any of
you have further questions you can contact me off line at
quality1@inreach.com.  I don't have all the answers but I will try and get
them for you.  You can also go to asq.org for more information.

As I mentioned in a previous post, you must look at ASQ at two levels.
There is the National and there are the Sections.

Regarding the National and speaking, there are three factors; you must
compete for spots based on who will draw (they front a lot of money),
support education that "fits" the ASQ "Body of Knowledge" and are known to
some degree. For the most part, if you are not involved in ASQ activities
such as submitting articles for Quality Progress or ON Q, and/or involved in
Division activities and/or in some way you don't support the Body of
Knowledge, you most likely will not be asked to speak.  In fairness, this is
not unlike the Deming Conferences, I have not been asked to speak because
the folks putting things together don't know me, what I stand for, and can I
speak?  However, I could remedy these things should I put an effort forth by
publishing (I may do this - its about having time) get involved with the
Deming Societies (they have a great one in San Francisco) and so on.  Bottom
line, if you want to be invited its up to you - get involved and do your
home work.

A last word about the National and the "Body of Knowledge" for those on the
DEN that may not know what that is.  ASQ has many certifications based on a
"Body of Knowledge" such as "Quality Auditor," and Quality Manager."  It is
very hard to become certified.  I believe the Quality Engineer and Quality
Software Engineer are the two most difficult.  The examines are based on the
"Body of Knowledge" and most don't pass on the first try because they don't
study.  A study completed last year shows that those with an appropriate
certification in their industry earn about $5000 more per year than those
without ASQ certification. The "Body of Knowledge" needs some work and some
stuff does not line up with Deming philosophy.  However, it is continually
worked on and improved.  Another opportunity to get involved.

The Sections are a different matter.  Most have speakers every month who
address from 20 to 50 quality professionals. There are well over 100
Sections (we could make a difference).  Sections would love to have any DEN
member volunteer to speak, and would welcome diverse opinion regarding the
"Body of Knowledge" as long as it would be helpful to the members and there
work, is provided in an academic way and open for debate.  The Section
members are interested in learning anything that can help them back on the
job.

Jerry Mairani
Advantage Management Consulting
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