Deming 2010

There are many philosophical approaches to performance improvement in existence today, but the most comprehensive, robust philosophy is W. Edwards Deming’s System of Profound Knowledge. The Corpus Optima Super Performance Improvement Series is an exposition of this philosophy, comprised of four parts: systems thinking, an understanding of variation, a theory of knowledge, and an appreciation for the role of psychology.

API’s Model for Improvement, the most effective and robust improvement methodology in use today, is explained and practiced as the core of a battery of highly effective improvement tools contained in the series. The Model proposes repetitive Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles of improvement emanating from rapid, small scale tests of change.

These constitute a proven set of methods and practices for improving capabilities in this vital and fundamental area.

The lessons are ideal for teaching teams to establish a charter, assemble relevant current knowledge and develop tests of change.

Using repetitive PDSA cycles of improvement, teams can learn to test changes on a small scale, learn from the tests, and use that knowledge to deploy changes on a wider scale or implement the next cycle of testing and learning.

Knowledge has power, but infinitely greater power if it is shared. Practice exercises include simulations that promote cooperation and interdependence. This gives rise to systems thinking and a broader community of practice that enlarges its own knowledge capital by promulgating improvement and facilitating the interactions of its members.