Appreciate your system with Edwards Deming theory

According to W. Edwards Deming, a system is made up of an interdependent network, where everyone works together to accomplish a common goal. The system must benefit all involved. Additionally, you must consider the future for a system to be successful. Therefore, knowledge of how the system and its components work is necessary for effective management of that system. Managers must not keep this information to themselves either; rather, they must share how the system works and make everyone feel like an integral part of the system.

I recommend: The PDSA Cycle, adapted by W. Edwards Deming, closely coincides with the appreciation of a system in Deming’s "The System of Profound Knowledge." Dartmouth provides an explanation of the Deming Cycle in The Clinician’s Black Bag of Quality Improvement Tools. Visit Software Project Management to read Deming’s Seven Deadly Diseases to successful management and his list of obstacles to achieving quality.

Use the management theory of Edwards Deming to reduce variation in your management system

Every process includes variations, which Deming views as negative. His goal with the knowledge of variation is to eliminate variation as much as possible from the management system. In order to predict variations, however, the system must first be stable. You must also realize that variations aren't random, but result from specific events. Ultimately, variations means there's a flaw in the system, which anyone can identify but only management can typically correct. Achieve correction of the system, and decrease variations, by changing the process to attain statistical control.

I recommend: Discover more on W. Edwards Deming’s life and teachings at The W. Edwards Deming Institute. Mary Walton wrote a book titled “The Deming Management Method,” which you can purchase on Amazon.com, that explains W. Edwards Deming business theories and life in great detail (including a forward written by W Edwards Deming himself).

Apply the theory and psychology of knowledge with W. Edwards Deming teachings

W. Edwards Deming believed that information didn't equate to knowledge, but that knowledge contained rational predictions of the future (theories). For management to be successful, you must theorize about future outcomes that correspond with past observations and reflect your confidence level. Additionally, a manager must recognize the differences in the individuals on his team and cater to those differences. Deming believed that management should do away with the merit system and incentive pay and reward employees based upon performance so they will work toward and achieve larger goals.

I recommend: W. Edwards Deming Total Quality Management is also one of the most recognized management theories in the world. Visit BNet Business Network for an article that explains how TQM creates a work environment that promotes quality. Closely tied to TQM is another Edwards Deming management theory, The 14 Points, which you can read on 12Manage.