Quality Theory Chapter 2: Understanding Theory in Quality Management

Theories and Quality Improvement

• A theory is a concept that explains and predicts phenomena, and has four essential elements to be complete: variables, statements, laws, and principles.
• In a theoretical model, 'What' involves the definition of variables, while 'How' refers to the relationships between variables.

Contingency Perspective and Quality Theory

• From a contingency perspective, the context in which quality theory is applied is important.
• A theoretical model relates quality improvement to the overall system or process.

Establishing Theories

• Theories can be established through two ways: deductive and inductive approaches.

Deming's 14 Points for Management

• W. Edwards Deming proposed the 14 Points for Management, which aim to improve quality and management practices.
• The first point in Deming's 14 Points for Management is to create constancy of purpose towards improvement.
• Deming advocates for businesses to cease dependence on inspection to improve quality, and instead focus on improvement processes.
• Businesses should end the practice of awarding business on the basis of price tag alone, according to Deming's 14 Points for Management.
• Deming advocates for the establishment of training on the job, which is the sixth point of his 14 Points for Management.
• The purpose of the first step in the 14 Points for Management is to create constancy of purpose towards improvement.
• Deming proposes an alternative to mass inspection, where quality is built into the product during the production process.
• Businesses should aim to improve constantly and forever, according to Deming's 14 Points for Management.
• The second step in Deming's 14 Points for Management is to adopt the new philosophy, which involves changing the way people think and work.