Abstract

Many companies build their quality programs around the central themes of one guru. Most problems are complex and require more than one approach. This case study considers the synthesis of several gurus' approaches to solve a problem in the paper industry.

Team exercises were used to consider the central themes offered by several different quality gurus, and challenged to apply them in solving a product quality problem. Problems consist of a multiplicity of symptoms and effects; a multiplicity of approaches made finding the root causes of the symptoms and developing solutions easier and less time consuming. Gurus seem to base their themes on scientific approaches; synthesizing these makes for a holistically scientific process.

Why companies might be reluctant to use the teachings of more than one guru in their quality programs is considered in concluding this study.