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, Consultant
Early Life and Education
- Graduated from the University of Wyoming with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering (1921).
- Earned an M.S. in Mathematics and Physics from the University of Colorado (1925).
- Received a Ph.D. in Mathematical Physics from Yale University (1928).
Career and Major Achievements
- Worked at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Census Bureau.
- Taught at New York University.
- Significant contribution to statistical process control during World War II.
- Introduced and championed the Shewhart cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act).
- Played a crucial role in the post-World War II economic recovery of Japan by teaching statistical quality control methods to Japanese engineers and executives.
- Developed the 14 Points for Management.
- Advocated for a systems approach to management and continuous improvement.
Notable Works
- Out of the Crisis (1982)
- Quality, Productivity, and Competitive Position (1982)
- The New Economics for Industry, Government, Education (1993)
Legacy and Impact
William Edwards Deming's work revolutionized quality management and profoundly impacted industries worldwide. His statistical methods and management philosophies are credited with transforming Japan's economy and continue to influence organizational practices focused on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
Awards and Recognition
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Order of the Sacred Treasure, Second Class (Japan) | 1960 |
| Shewhart Medal | 1955 |
| Samuel S. Wilks Memorial Medal | 1983 |
This is a concise account of the life and work of the individual featured, and more specifically, the biography of edward deming.