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Homer Sarasohn and American Involvement in the Evolution of Quality Management in Japan, 1945–1950

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  • Nicholas I. Fisher

Abstract

The history of Quality Management, and of the role of Statistics in Quality Management, is inextricably bound to the reconstruction of Japan immediately following the Second World War, and then to developments in the United States over three decades later. Even though these periods are, in societal history, just moments ago, yet there is profound lack of agreement about what was actually done, and who should be recognized for their contributions. This paper draws on historical materials recently made publicly available in order to clarify what actually took place between 1946 and 1950, and in particular the contribution of a remarkable engineer, Homer Sarasohn. L'histoire de la Gestion de Qualité, et le rôle que la statistique y a joué, sont inextricablement liés à la reconstruction du Japon après la seconde guerre mondiale, puis à des développements aux Etats‐Unis pendant les trente années qui ont suivi. Bien que dans l'histoire des sociétés ces périodes viennent tout juste de s'écouler, il y a cependant un profond désaccord sur ce qui a été réellement fait, et sur ceux qui pourraient être reconnus pour y avoir contribué. Cet article fait appel à du materiel historique récemment rendu disponible afin de clarifier ce qui s'est réellement passé entre 1946 et1950, et en particulier la contribution d'un ingénieur remarquable, à savoir Homer Sarasohn.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicholas I. Fisher, 2009. "Homer Sarasohn and American Involvement in the Evolution of Quality Management in Japan, 1945–1950," International Statistical Review, International Statistical Institute, vol. 77(2), pages 276-299, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:istatr:v:77:y:2009:i:2:p:276-299
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-5823.2008.00065.x
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    1. Taylor, Frederick Winslow, 1911. "The Principles of Scientific Management," History of Economic Thought Books, McMaster University Archive for the History of Economic Thought, number taylor1911.
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    1. N. I. Fisher & V. N. Nair, 2009. "Quality management and quality practice: Perspectives on their history and their future," Applied Stochastic Models in Business and Industry, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 25(1), pages 1-28, January.

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