Deming's Definition of Quality

1. W. Edwards Deming

2. W. Edwards Deming, a US Business consultant and an American statistician  is considered as the father of Modern Quality Movement. He graduated as an electrical engineer in Wyoming University and had his doctorate degree at Yale University. After the World War II, Deming was invited to work in Japan where he was greatly influenced by the Japanese industry specifically in Statistical Process Control and Total Quality Management. In 1982,  Deming published “ Out of Crisis”  which discusses 14 points for proper management in delivering quality products. Deming believes that quality is about people and not products.   Who is the author? What is his background? To whom is his perspective on quality targeted?

3. Deming defined quality based on how efficient the management circle is in planning, implementing and making improvements in the project.   Quality is defined by the satisfaction of the customers. A product with good quality does not only satisfy the customers but also makes the customers patronize the product wherein they boast about the product and encourage their friends to try it .  Quality is multidimensional. Depending on whose perspective, definition of quality varies. A worker’s definition of quality would depend if he could be proud of his work. While a manager, would see quality depending on how specifications and number of products produced are met. On the other hand, customers  would assess quality by his/her needs and expectations. Deming further defined quality as dynamic. Customers’ needs and expectations are always changing, thus definition of quality also changes. It is very important that the management team is able to adapt and respond to the changes in expectations and needs of the customers.   What is quality?