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75 Posts
Hello All,
You might be interested in a book called "The Problem with Quality Management: Process orientation, controllability and zero-defect processes as modern myths" by Bettina Warzecha. The title pretty much tells you what it says. It's available at the usual booksellers, Amazon, B&N, & Scribd. If anyone wants to read the book and comment here, I'd be very interested. You may also want to leave reviews on the above sites as well. That's what I've done.
You might be interested in a book called "The Problem with Quality Management: Process orientation, controllability and zero-defect processes as modern myths" by Bettina Warzecha. The title pretty much tells you what it says. It's available at the usual booksellers, Amazon, B&N, & Scribd. If anyone wants to read the book and comment here, I'd be very interested. You may also want to leave reviews on the above sites as well. That's what I've done.
7 Replies
62 Posts
Dear Norm,
I have read this book and believe that it represents "horribly inept" academic. First she constructs a strawman to define what is the argument she is attacking - one which is so archaic that it belongs somewhere in the middle of the past century; then she attacks it using a solution that I would characterize as late 20th century quality thinking. The title is a poor descriptor. The author is not any kind of quality specialist and her research is so poor, that I found it was not even worth my time to write a review. And, those who know me understand that I am willing to invest my time willingly. However, in this case, the book was so poor that I would rate it 👎👎👎👎👎
Clearly this book is not worth while investing your time! See the ASQ QMD "Managing for Quality" for a more current view of what quality is today and what it is becoming.
Best regards,
Greg
I have read this book and believe that it represents "horribly inept" academic. First she constructs a strawman to define what is the argument she is attacking - one which is so archaic that it belongs somewhere in the middle of the past century; then she attacks it using a solution that I would characterize as late 20th century quality thinking. The title is a poor descriptor. The author is not any kind of quality specialist and her research is so poor, that I found it was not even worth my time to write a review. And, those who know me understand that I am willing to invest my time willingly. However, in this case, the book was so poor that I would rate it 👎👎👎👎👎
Clearly this book is not worth while investing your time! See the ASQ QMD "Managing for Quality" for a more current view of what quality is today and what it is becoming.
Best regards,
Greg
11 Posts
Greg,
Now I really want to read the book to understand the author and the comments on the book.
Thanks,
John
Now I really want to read the book to understand the author and the comments on the book.
Thanks,
John
75 Posts
Well, Greg, I did read the book. Your comment sums up my views perfectly. I wanted to let people draw their own conclusions before weighing on this forum. My review on Amazon was that this book itself needed a QMS.
62 Posts
Dear John and Norm,
Do you think it would be worth my time to provide a detailed rebuttal to Bettina Warzechna's book? I put it as a low priority on my own "to-do" list - it is down around #300 or so. I thought that since it was an old book (2017) that it hadn't made any waves. However, as I checked it on Amazon, it is rated four stars based on two reviews. I am going to post a review to Amazon. However, do you think that something more public should be done? I seek your advice!
Best regards,
Greg
Do you think it would be worth my time to provide a detailed rebuttal to Bettina Warzechna's book? I put it as a low priority on my own "to-do" list - it is down around #300 or so. I thought that since it was an old book (2017) that it hadn't made any waves. However, as I checked it on Amazon, it is rated four stars based on two reviews. I am going to post a review to Amazon. However, do you think that something more public should be done? I seek your advice!
Best regards,
Greg
11 Posts
Norm,
I read the book with an open mind. I found the book to be valid and justified. I could relate to many of the problems discussed. The book can spark an uprise in those who are offended by the truth, but all are entitled to their own opinions.
I read the book with an open mind. I found the book to be valid and justified. I could relate to many of the problems discussed. The book can spark an uprise in those who are offended by the truth, but all are entitled to their own opinions.
75 Posts
Hi John,
I think that Quality professionals should at least take a look at the book. Not because it's well written. Warzechna is a bad writer; certainly in English, but also, I suspect, in her native language. The reason we should look at it is that her screed hits the usual complaints about QMSs. We need to pay more attention to those complaints IMHO. We try to often to cram amorphous business processes into predetermined algorithms, leaving good workers with vertigo. But that's a discussion for another day.
My biggest problem with the book is that she appears to throw all QMSs into a dumpster. She offers no replacement; just nihilism. She brings no solutions to the table.
I think that Quality professionals should at least take a look at the book. Not because it's well written. Warzechna is a bad writer; certainly in English, but also, I suspect, in her native language. The reason we should look at it is that her screed hits the usual complaints about QMSs. We need to pay more attention to those complaints IMHO. We try to often to cram amorphous business processes into predetermined algorithms, leaving good workers with vertigo. But that's a discussion for another day.
My biggest problem with the book is that she appears to throw all QMSs into a dumpster. She offers no replacement; just nihilism. She brings no solutions to the table.
75 Posts
Hi Greg,
1) Nice webinar yesterday. 2) No, don't waste your time. I mentioned the book only because of the venom that drips from it. The problems she describes are well known in the industry. I just think we all need to be aware of how deep the antipathy is.
1) Nice webinar yesterday. 2) No, don't waste your time. I mentioned the book only because of the venom that drips from it. The problems she describes are well known in the industry. I just think we all need to be aware of how deep the antipathy is.
