W. Edwards Deming
Dr. W. Edwards Deming is best known as the person who taught Japan about quality and helped change the face of that nation with his theory of management after they were devastated by World War II. The Emperor of Japan recognized Dr. Deming's contributions by awarding him the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Second Class for meritorious service. Each year in his honor, the Japanese Union of Scientists and Engineers (JUSE) awards The Deming Prize to Japanese companies that have "exerted an immeasurable influence directly or indirectly on the development of quality control/management in Japan" (from JUSE website).
Priscilla Petty and Dr. Deming in Dr. Deming's
basement office in his home in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Deming is reflecting on the medal given to
him by Emperor Hirohito for his contributions
to Japan. From The Deming of
America program, 1991
Dr. Deming being interviewed by Priscilla Petty for The Deming of America program, 1991
For the
last 20 or so years of his life, Dr. Deming
taught at New York University, consulted with
corporations, and, several times a year,
conducted intensive 4-day seminars that were
typically attended by 500 to 600 people. The
seminars were famous (or infamous) for their
intensity and his uncanny ability to get to the
heart of a problem instantly. He continued
conducting these seminars until his death at
93. For the last year or so, he conducted the
seminars from a wheelchair while his breathing
was assisted by supplemental oxygen. Even under
these circumstances, no decline in his
intensity was noticeable.
Priscilla Petty and Dr. Deming at Dulles
Airport in Washington, D.C. as Dr. Deming
prepares to leave on a flight to Los Angeles.
From The Deming of
America program, 1991.
Dr. Deming, in his basement office, at his home
in Washington, D.C. From The Deming
of America program, 1991.
Dr. Deming, standing outside a restuarant in
Tokyo, early 1950s. From The Deming
of America program, 1991.
Dr. Deming, teaching in Japan, early 1950s.
From The Deming of
America program, 1991.