A massive but elegant and beautifully made cannon, cast in bronze in 1849 at Satsuma, originally mounted at Kagoshima, Japan.

It’s often said that Edwards Deming was “the American who taught the Japanese about quality.” In fact, there was even a book about Deming that made that claim in the title.

But is it true? For several reasons, I would say, No, it’s not true.

First of all, Deming didn’t just teach Japanese people. He would teach anybody who would listen. Many Japanese scientists, engineers, and business leaders listened and learned. Few in the U.S.A. did. The consequences are well enough known.

Secondly, Deming actually didn’t teach about quality. As a statistician, Deming taught how to quantify quality. Continue reading →