Statistical Thinking and Its Contribution to Total Quality

Much of American business has begun to respond to the new economic era in which we live. This response takes many forms. Much of it is aimed at improving the quality of everything we do. Many of us call this effort total qualitv. By aiming at total quality, our businesses will be competitive in global markets, the United States will continue to be a world leader, and we will continue to enjoy a high standard of living. This attention to total quality has brought with it a renewed emphasis on statistics, and in particular, on statistical thinking. The purpose of this article is to emphasize our need for acquiring greater understanding of statistical thinking and its role in total quality. It is my view that this understanding is not adequately developed today and, as a result, we cannot successfully respond to our changing world and the need for total quality. I will present some ideas on how statistical thinking can be used to help achieve total quality.