Quiz 22-2: History of Continuous Improvement: Deming and The Toyota Way

INTRODUCTION

In the last assignment, you were introduced to some continuous improvement concepts. In this assignment, you'll learn about where these ideas came from. More importantly, you'll learn why it's important to embrace a mindset of continuous improvement.

#

HISTORY OF CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

Why is embracing continuous improvement important? Well, as companies improve their processes, they bring in more revenue. As they bring in more revenue, they expand, bringing more opportunities and prosperity to an area. More opportunities means more money, security, and stability for you and your family. 

When companies do not embrace continuous improvement, when they don't grow, they either fail or move to another part of the country—or out of the country. That means fewer jobs and less prosperity for you. 

By embracing continuous improvement—by embracing innovation, learning, and growth—you contribute to the company's well-being, and by extension, your well-being and your community's well-being.

This video emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement, complete with real-life examples of what happens when companies don't innovate. Additionally, this video introduces you to Deming, the father of continuous improvement, and "the Toyota Way," an example of early continuous improvement in action.

#

WILLIAM EDWARDS DEMING

#

DEMING'S BOOK

If you're interested, you can also check out Deming's famous book, Out of the Crisis.

#

IF JAPAN CAN, WHY CAN'T WE?

This video is optional but can be very helpful for understanding the role Deming had in revolutionizing Japan's manufacturing industry. You will not be quizzed on the content of this video.

#

THE TOYOTA WAY

Watch this video on the Toyota Way.