Deming Management Theory News and Trends

Deming management theory is alive and well in business today

When it comes to quality management theories, W. Edwards Deming's theory directly addresses new competitors in a global economy. “It is not necessary to change. Survival is not mandatory,” said Deming, summing up his attitude toward business people who are inflexible in their ideas and practices. In his 1982 book "Out of the Crisis," Deming challenged American manufacturers to stop complaining about the challenge from Japan and change their practices to meet the threat of a new competitor.

His thoughts were distilled into Deming's 14 points of management. The Deming management method tries above all to minimize variation -- businesses should adopt a method and then stick to it, implementing the Deming cycle of "plan, do, check, act" (PDCA): plan a process, implement it, assess it, then act on any necessary changes. Deming theory is still shaping business today, as any modern business manager can see in Deming management theory news and trends.

1. Do a quick study of the basics of Deming's theory.

2. Find products and events that provide information about Deming's theory of management.

3. See how a wide range of businesses are using Deming today.

Get a grip on Deming's management theory

If you haven't read "Out of the Crisis," don't worry. There are plenty of places to brush up on the Deming method. The two most important pieces are the 14 points and the Deming Cycle (also called the Deming Wheel).

Make the most of Deming method events and products

There's a thriving Deming industry out there, testament to the relevance of Deming's theory. For a more dynamic experience than reading his books, go to a Deming quality event, or get Deming on video.

Hear from business people who are using Deming theories right now

As part of the move to Total Quality Management (though Deming did not use that phrase himself), Deming's theory is still on the cutting edge of business thinking. With his name known to just about everyone involved in making or moving goods, it's not hard to get real-life, real-time applications of Deming's management theory for any and every industry.

• Deming's theories may seem so common sense as to be ridiculous, but in reality, many very simple management steps, such as creating a plan and following it before changing it, are routinely ignored by managers. The drive to innovation leads many companies to constantly change and update a plan rather than live with it, then fine-tune it with minor changes. For Deming, management requires patience and foresight, not constant action.

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