Deming and the SPCA: an investigation into the value of Industrial Engineering philosophy

Abstract

This is an unorthodox project. The purpose of the project is to display the importance of utilizing Industrial Engineering philosophy in the practical application of Industrial Engineering techniques. The purpose of the project will be achieved by solving problems and optimizing processes through using Industrial Engineering techniques while analyzing the effects of various proposed solutions on the greater system. The project will show that the application of Industrial Engineering techniques to solve problems may in fact produce adverse effects on the greater system if there is a lack of appreciation for the greater system in using these techniques. The results from which conclusions are drawn will not be abstract; conclusions will only be based on empirical evidence. The issue of psychology will be cautiously addressed because it is of too great an importance to Industrial Engineering to be ignored. The method of dealing with matters of psychology is discussed. The format of the project will be modular – several separate processes will be analysed as opposed to choosing a single problem. Several Industrial Engineering techniques will be employed; the choices of Industrial Engineering techniques utilized being based on the insights provided by the analyses of the processes. The generic method for analysis of processes that will be employed is included under the heading of “Project Scope”. The development of an Industrial Engineering philosophy is beyond the scope of this project, therefore the Deming Method will be used for reference to Industrial Engineering philosophy. The reasons for choosing the Deming Method are given. In short the aim of this project cannot be achieved without reference to an Industrial Engineering philosophy; therefore since the formulation of an Industrial Engineering philosophy is not within the scope of this project an external philosophy had to be adopted as a rubric. The Deming Method is by no means assumed to be inerrable, it is however a rare example of a generic and complete methodology for the field of Industrial Engineering. This project must strive to be perfectly objective due to the improvable and contentious nature of much of Deming’s work. A result of this dynamic is that although it is not the aim of the project; the project will take on the form of a contemporary analysis of the practical value of the Deming Method.