Walter:
You focus strongly on TQ as a reactive tool where most all energies are
concerntrated on causal analysis, on fixing something that's broke in the
name of improvement.
I felt a bit confined by your focus, so I'll type this description of
total quality:
TQM is an evolving system of practices, tools and training methods for
managing organizations to provide customer satisfaction in a rapidly
changing world.
Thinking plays a pivotal role. Good implementation of TQ practices and
methods is informed by, and also informs, positive thinking. Concept
#005#Engineering, for example, is supported by careful considerations of
customer input. Tools such as the Image KJ are based upon semantic
considerations, language processing, consensus, etc. Thinking skills are
crucial; effective facilitators will actively, explicitly promote thinking
skills before, during and in the debrief after team work.
-- Barry Mallis bmallis@markem.com