William Edwards Deming

Born:

October 14, 1900, Sioux City, Iowa, USA

Died:

December 20, 1993, Washington, D.C., USA

Nationality:

American

Profession(s):

Statistician, Professor, Author, Management Consultant

Early Life and Education

• Earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wyoming (1921).
• Master of Science degree in Mathematics and Mathematical Physics from the University of Colorado (1924).
• Ph.D. in Mathematical Physics from Yale University (1928).

Career and Major Achievements

• Worked at Western Electric's Hawthorne Works, becoming familiar with Walter Shewhart's statistical process control methods.
• Employed as a mathematical physicist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and later at the U.S. Census Bureau.
• During World War II, he taught statistical control methods to improve production efficiency.
• Significant contributions to sampling techniques and survey methodology.
• Post-WWII, he played a pivotal role in Japan's economic recovery by teaching statistical quality control to Japanese engineers and executives.
• Developed the 14 Points for Management and the System of Profound Knowledge.
• Consulted with major corporations worldwide on quality management and process improvement.

Legacy and Impact

William Edwards Deming is renowned for his profound impact on quality management and his contribution to Japan's post-war economic miracle. His principles continue to influence management practices globally, emphasizing continuous improvement, statistical thinking, and a focus on systems rather than individual blame. This detailed presentation serves as a crucial component in any comprehensive biography of edward deming.

Notable Works

• Out of the Crisis (1982)
• Quality, Productivity, and Competitive Position (1982)
• The New Economics for Industry, Government, Education (1993)

Awards and Recognition

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