Ishikawa Research Paper

Introduction

This is a research aimed at reviewing the quality management strategies developed by Professor Ishikawa. Most of these management strategies are aimed at improving the management process in modern world. This is with regards to emerging trends that affect the management process calling for better management strategies to address the emerging trends in management.

Personal background and life history (education, family life, living situations, etc)

Kaoru Ishikawa was born in the year 1915.He graduated from the University of Tokyo with a degree in applied chemistry. Between 1939 and 1941, he worked as a technical operator in the navy before moving to Nisan Liquid Fuel. In 1947, Ishikawa became an assistant professor at the university where he acquired his doctorate in engineering. As a full professor in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Tokyo, he developed the concept of quality circles.

Primary work and significant accomplishments

Ishikawa introduced the concept of quality circles in conjunction with JUSE. This primary objective of this management concept was to find the relationship between quality and the 'leading hand'. Quality circles would soon form an important link between itself and the Total Quality Management system. As his role as the Chairman of the Editorial Committee, Ishikawa used his position to write editorial analysis on non-sophisticated quality control in management.

Summary of his philosophy

In conjunction with other prominent Japanese quality experts, Ishikawa aimed at availing technical statistical techniques to industries. The basics of quality according to him are appropriate and effective data collection. He emphasized on open communication as a tool of enhancing construction of diagrams. Ishikawa's perception is that cause and effect diagrams are essential in improving quality.

Summary of what he is focused on accomplishing in terms of quality

Ishikawa aimed at focusing on organizational contributions rather than the previous technical contribution to quality. This quality control management strategy involves organizational participation at all levels. This strategy also incorporates statistical methods and their essence in quality achievement. The main aim of quality control concepts is to achieve solutions in the production process. These concepts also help the management I creating policies and problem solving in all the organization's departments.

Reviews and highlights of his books articles and manuscripts

Ishikawa's efforts in promoting quality control are contained in his books 'Guide to quality control' and 'how to operate QC circle activities'. His books are focused on educating leaders to be strategic in decision making and effectively be able to analyze and interpret statistical data in decision making. Ishikawa's objective in his books is changing what really think about work. His message is that managers should not be content with quality achievement but should go a step farther into customer service.

Detailed description of his key ideas, concept and quality approach

Ishikawa's main idea is the use of statistical data and diagrammatic representation and interpretation in quality control. Ishikawa described the importance of the seven quality tools namely; control charts, flow charts, Pareto charts, histograms, run charts and scatter diagrams. His main approach to quality control is that top level management practitioners should take quality control courses to effectively apply quality control in management (Ishikawa 1985).

Description of results he has achieved personally from his life work

Kaoru Ishikawa has been awarded the Deming prize for his outstanding contributions in quality control. He was also awarded the industrial standardization prize for his contributions in improving quality control. His final prize was the American Society for Quality Control Grant award for his education programmes on quality control and management techniques.

Summary of his influence on quality and total quality management

Ishikawa's quality control movement has helped management practitioners change the approach in quality control with intent of improving quality control but at the same time reducing cost. His quality control techniques have resulted to improved reliability, reduction of wasteful work, and improved human relations.

Conclusion

Ishikawa's quality control and improvement techniques have eliminate the barriers to effective management in business organizations. Ishikawa's emphasis lies in quality maintenance throughout the product's life cycle for a product to consistently meet consumer needs. Ishikawa stresses that it takes the commitment of the entire organization's staff to effectively achieve organizational success.