(jit) principles and systematic layout planning as tools to improve ...
(jit) principles and systematic layout planning as tools to improve ...
(jit) principles and systematic layout planning as tools to improve ...
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SYMBOLISM AND BUSINESS<br />
EDGAR J. RIDLEY<br />
President <strong>and</strong> Chairman<br />
ill<br />
111<br />
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EDGAR J. RIDLEY & ASSOOA TES, INC.<br />
2500 E. Gary Street, Sut<strong>to</strong> 501<br />
Richmond, VA 23223<br />
Telephone/Telefax 804-649-OG05<br />
E-Mail; rttttey@fichmond.lnfl.net<br />
February 22.1999<br />
There have been various concepts put forth by consultants <strong>to</strong> <strong>improve</strong><br />
productivity. There is an ongoing battle among consultants <strong>and</strong>/or consulting<br />
firms <strong>to</strong> see who can come up with the management concept that will be<br />
judged the leader of the pack. Concepts such <strong>as</strong> re-engineering have taken<br />
hold; companies not only in America but throughout the world realize that<br />
there is a huge market for quick-fix solutions <strong>to</strong> organizational problems. W.<br />
Edwards Deming, world-renowned for his 13 <strong>principles</strong> <strong>as</strong> spelled out in his<br />
book, Out of the Crisis, w<strong>as</strong> rejected by Americans. After World War II,<br />
Japan hired him <strong>to</strong> find solutions <strong>to</strong> their management problems. However,<br />
Americans were intimidated by Deming <strong>and</strong> his concepts for an educated,<br />
fair <strong>and</strong> honest workforce. It w<strong>as</strong> only after American corporations became<br />
sophisticated enough <strong>to</strong> mythologize Deming's concepts were they willing <strong>to</strong><br />
not only give Deming an audience, but hire him <strong>to</strong> solve their economic <strong>and</strong><br />
management problems. Mythology allows us <strong>to</strong> corrupt <strong>and</strong> dis<strong>to</strong>rt good<br />
concepts, good behavior <strong>and</strong> good intentions.<br />
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