
xvii
Preface to the Second Edition
“The average Japanese worker has a more in-depth knowledge of statistical
methods than an average American engineer,” explained a U�S� business exec-
utive returning from a visit to Japan, as a reason why the Asian rivals were
able to produce better quality products than U�S� manufacturers� That state-
ment, made almost 30 years ago, may be true even today as Japanese cars
are continuously sought by customers who care for quality and reliability�
Dr� Deming, recognized as the guru who taught the Japanese how to make
quality products, said: “Industry in America needs thousands of statistically
minded engineers