This book looks at two of the central issues - quality control and productivity - facing industry (whether manufacturing or service industry) and considers the practical responses that management should take. Dr Deming has had a major role in establishing statistical techniques of quality control, and is widely recognised by the Japanese for his work in helping them achieve their enviable reputation for high quality goods. The book provides a full account of the author's fresh thinking on the primacy of improving quality, productivity, and competitive position, and of the key role of management in that achievement. It is not another manual of techniques, however - the emphasis throughout is to provide a better understanding of the causes of the distinct problems of industry in the United States, Britain, and elsewhere and how these problems can be resolved.