Posts by Andrew Stotz
Building Knowledge Through Predictions: Deming in Schools Case Study with John Dues (Part 4)
In this episode (part 4 of the series), John and Andrew continue their discussion from part 3. They talk about how to use data charting in combination with the Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle to gain the knowledge managers need to lead effectively.
Read Full PostWhy Variation Matters: Awaken Your Inner Deming (Part 3)
In this episode, Bill and Andrew discuss variation, the impossibility of true interchangeability and why we need to apply “shades of gray” thinking at work. Bill shares the key question that will take your organization beyond “meets specifications” and help improve your processes, so you can delight your customers.
Read Full PostOptimizing Diversity: Role of a Manager in Education (Part 3)
In this third discussion in a series on the Role of a Manager, David and Andrew discuss how a manager should view, and treat, people. Deming wrote, “It’s just not ranking people, it is instead recognition of differences between people and an intent to put everybody in position for development.” David applies this to education: literally looking at how to support everyone with limited resources.
Read Full PostMaking Data Meaningful: Deming in Schools Case Study with John Dues (Part 3)
Education is often touted as data- or evidence-driven. But in this discussion, John Dues contends that educational data is often fiction, given how easy it is to distort, both via the inputs and outputs and through manipulation.
Read Full PostMeeting Requirements Is Not Enough: Awaken Your Inner Deming (Part 2)
What is quality? Does it mean always meeting specifications? What if the calculus for specifications means little and tells managers almost nothing about the process or its potential for improvement? Dr. Bill Bellows discusses the negative consequences of this kind of black-and-white thinking and what to do about it.
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