Abstract

This article is a tribute to Armand V. Feigenbaum, a pioneer in the field of quality who passed away in November of 2014. Feigenbaum is best known for the multiple editions of his classic book Total Quality Control. Among his major recognitions are bestowal of the National Medal of Technology by President George W. Bush, election to the National Academy of Engineering, three honorary doctorates, and selection as an honorary member by the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and the International Academy for Quality (IAQ). Along with his international quality colleagues, Kaoru Ishikawa and Walter A. Masing, Feigenbaum was one of three individuals who are credited as founders of IAQ. In reflection, Feigenbaum's life serves as a role model of total commitment to quality. His philosophy of total quality quality control is comprehensively explained. The author concludes that Feigenbaum's legacy comes from the integration of quality concepts into a system for management of an organization.