Quality ─ A Critical Introduction

Quality: A Critical Introduction, fourth edition, continues to provide a complete knowledge platform for all those wishing to study the development of the theory and practice of quality management.

Exploring the basics of management theory and the work of the quality gurus, who have formed the foundation of current practice, this new edition builds upon the previous editions’ unique critical perspective of quality. A number of key management practices are considered including the new ISO9001:2015 standards, EFQM, systems thinking, systems practice, business process reengineering, six-sigma, organisational learning, intelligent organisation, skills based quality management and service quality management. An extended, in-depth case studies completes the text, exploring organisational performance transformation through the use of key methodologies, such as: soft systems; viable systems modelling; process analysis, job design, and statistical methods.

Replete with examples, vignettes and diagrams this comprehensive textbook is ideal for those new to the field of quality management and for students on undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Operations Management where quality management is taught.

John Beckford is an independent consultant and Visiting Professor in the Department of Science, Engineering, Technology and Public Policy at University College London and in the Centre for Information Management at Loughborough University, UK