Learn More: International Quality Standards Many of the most important quality initiatives today have been proposed and supported by the non-profit non-governmental worldwide federation, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Access their Web site and explore the pages under "About ISO," to learn more about this organization. Then, from the home page, click on "ISO 9000/ISO14000" and then select "The Basics." From this page, take the online tour of ISO 9000 and ISO 14000. In particular, be sure to read the document titled "Quality Management Principles," which summarizes ISO's approach to quality.

1. Both ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 describe how organizations should go about their work and do not address the end product of the work. Do you think this is an appropriate focus for quality standards? Why or why not?
2. Choose one item from ISO's "Quality Management Principles" list. Describe actions that an organization could take to better employ that principle in operating their business.

Check It Out
To learn more about the work of W. Edwards Deming, go to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Center for Advanced Educational Services Internet site and click on "Products." On the Products page, select "About Dr. Deming" and explore the various options. Be sure to read the preface to his classic book, Out of the Crisis.

1. In the preface of Out of the Crisis, Deming says, "Dependence on protection by tariffs and laws to 'buy American' only encourage incompetence." Do you agree or disagree, and why?
2. Another Deming quote from the preface of his book claims, "Everyone doing his best is not the answer. It is first necessary that people know what to do." Again, do you agree or disagree, and why?