Lancaster Medal - Dr. Manu Vora
The Lancaster Medal is presented to an individual in recognition of dedication and outstanding contributions to the international fraternity of quality professionals.
“Recognized for his outstanding leadership, dedication, and contributions in educating, promoting, and writing about quality management principles and practices to enrich the international fraternity of quality community.”
Acceptance Speech
I am honored to receive the prestigious 2005 E. Jack Lancaster Medal. I would like to dedicate this medal to all my friends around the world for their dedication to implement quality management and improvement in their respective countries. My personal thanks to the Lancaster Medal Committee members and all my sponsors – Navin Dedhia, Roger Eheverria, Dr. Miflora Gatchalian, Alexis Goncalves, Dr. John Hromi, Dr. Gopal Kanji, Ron Kingen, Janak Mehta, Dr. Alberto Miller, Prof. Jose Carlos Flores-Molina, Jose Gonzalez Prado, and Dr. Ken Stephens. My wife Nila; my sons Ashish and Anand; and I thank all of you for attending today's event to celebrate the achievements of so many distinguished people in the quality field.
This medal is about contributions to the International Fraternity of Quality Professionals. As I have had the opportunity to see the needs of professionals for leadership and ongoing education and training in the quality field, I would like to raise the question: “How can ASQ serve quality professionals around the world?”
With globalization, organizations around the world are striving to produce quality products and services for internal consumption and export. Let us look at global supply chain management. Without adequate quality, when an error is made by one partner of the supply chain it will impact all the partners on a global basis. Hence, the companies competing in the global economy have special needs for providing leadership to their quality professionals to use globally recognized approaches.
When we look at the emerging economic markets in China and India, they are eager to apply quality management principles and practices to sustain their growth and market positions. In particular, if you look at the software industry, India and China are quite advanced. Here lies an opportunity for us to learn from their best practices and share our quality expertise in the other fields. The world is truly moving toward a global village!
For ASQ to maintain its leadership position, we need to expand our activity in this global economy. ASQ should expand its horizons by collaborating with other organizations and individuals in the developing countries of the world. If this is accomplished, there is no limit for ASQ in terms of new members, products, and services.
What will it take? This will require a bold strategic plan to expand ASQ's reach around the globe, dedicate focused resources, and leverage the talents of many ASQ members who have cultural ties with developing countries. As we all know Quality is Not Free – you have to invest up front to reap benefits at the end.
I would like to share a few observations from my international travel over the last decade.
1). There is a tremendous respect for and interest in ASQ around the world. The challenge is to recognize our strength and take timely actions to connect with the world in a meaningful way. If we miss the boat, someone else will show up and snatch this opportunity away from ASQ.
2). ASQ should set the right priorities for the international area. It is necessary to allocate the right resources and engage ASQ members with cultural ties in developing countries to manage this project with a strong focus.
3). Light a torch of quality management knowledge around the globe. According to the late John F. Kennedy, “of those to whom much is given, much is required.” This is especially true of all of us at ASQ. From my travels through four continents, I am convinced that we have the right philosophy and necessary tools to make the entire world a better place.
How do we do this effectively? We all need to be lifelong learners and teachers. As volunteers and as a Society, we need to reach out and touch every human being around the globe by sharing the message of quality management. Remember, Mother Teresa aptly said, “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” We are the torchbearers of quality management knowledge and the whole world is counting on us. Won't you all join with us in this noble cause?
In conclusion, I accept the Lancaster Medal on behalf of my friends around the world. God bless you all!
Manu Vora Chairman & President of Business Excellence, Inc., past Grant Medalist, and ASQ Fellow since 1995.
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