"Four Days with Dr. Deming: A Strategy for Modern Methods of Management" by
William J. Latzko and David M. Saunders, published by Addison-Wesley
Publishing Company (One Jacob Way, Reading, MA 01867), 1995, 228 pages,
$27.95 list.
 
A Book Review by Norman C. Frank, PE, CQE, CQA
CER Corporation, Washington, DC
 
"Four Days with Dr. Deming" is an excellent book covering the content
presented by Dr. Deming in his four-day course.  This book provides a bit
more than just the philosophy.  The authors use quotes from Dr. Deming, their
own explanations, and a fictional executive's voice to clarify the philosophy
and the concepts.  This book would serve as a self-study book and as a text
for an in-house course for everyone (top management on down) in a company. 
It is the second book in the Addison-Wesley "Engineering Process Improvement
Series".
 
The book begins by showing the need for transformation of "Western
Management".  The concept of Profound Knowledge is next followed by a
discussion of the "14 Obligations" (previously called "14 Points").  Each is
illustrated by a figure as well as with examples.  The red bead experiment is
covered in detail to illustrate the "superstitious learning" that has led to
Western management's current beliefs on how to run a company and treat
employees.
 
Next the authors discuss the Seven Deadly Diseases and Ten Obstacles to
getting the job done.  These round out the basic philosophy.
 
The latter part of the book covers the Funnel Experiment (to show the effects
of tampering); the need for operational definitions: management of people,
leadership, and training; and system of measurement.
 
An Epilogue written by the authors provides a brief answer to the often asked
question, "where of we go from here?"  Questions for discussion at the back
of the book allow you to think for yourself and explore the Deming Philosophy
in depth either in self-study or as a part of a course.
 
"Four Days with Dr. Deming" is written in a style reflecting the voice and
speaking pace of Dr. Deming.  People who have attended his lectures or
watched his video tapes will recognize and appreciate this simple tribute to
Dr. Deming.
 
This book is excellent because of the writing and presentation style, the
close adherence to the Deming course, and the generous use of examples to
clarify points.
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Mr. Frank has over 25 years experience in the field of quality, in the areas
of nuclear quality assurance, research and development, and consulting.  He
is currently in Washington, D.C., with CER Corporation out of Las Vegas,
Nevada.