From: fmiller@wrdis01.af.mil (Frank Miller)
Subject: Re: INDUSTRY: Why the Japanese succeed.
Date: 19 Feb 92 16:55:03 GMT
Organization: 1926CCSG Robins AFB



>Xref: wrdis01 sci.virtual-worlds:2362 comp.research.japan:321
>Originator: news@milton.u.washington.edu
>Why do the Japanese seem to innovate successfully, while American and
>European firms, despite the best research, lag behind.  A new study by 
>Arthur D. Little, Inc., summarized in CIO (Chief Information Officer) 
>magazine, February 1992, offers some important insights for our field:
>		     "Big Steps for the Japanese"
                   ... text deleted ...
>	The Total Quality Management approach has also proved dis-
>	appointing in nurturing integration and teamwork.  ...
>I reflected on a recent presentation at the University of Washington by a
>research fellow from the National Academy of Engineering, whose charge
>was, with others, to develop answers to America's manufacturing malaise.
>His answer:  a scientific theory of manufacturing.  Getting the bugs out
>by coming up with generalizable rules for manufacturers. .....
 
Picking one thing to get America underway in business/manufacturing is
like a fad diet. All things are needed:  scientific theory of manufac-
turing, promotion of social harmony, customer rapport/focus, etc.
 
Incidentally, Goldratt's 'Theory of Constraints' (TOC) would seem to be
exactly a scientific theory of manufacturing - which challenges us to
look at all past assumptions in accounting and work-flow - but may not
emphasize social issues, etc.
 
Perhaps TQM has been attempted in America in a one-sided way:  lots of
data and charts, but little change in executive/managerial assumptions
and behaviors relating to people (the social harmony issue).  CEO's
receiving huge salaries and bonuses may not contribute to perceptions of
teamwork in organizations.  Perhaps TQM has been attempted mechanically
without passion.
 
TQM and TOC can be an excellent blend:  TOC for the global management of
total systems of manufacturing, accounting and prioritizing - and TQM for
the principles relating to customer-focus, social harmony, and contin-
uous process improvement.

                                fmiller   WR-ALC/SC-Q  Robins AFB GA
                                19 Feb 92      (912) 926-7687