"Feigenbaum's Enduring Influence" by Gregory H Watson presents a description of the early career growth of Dr. Feigenbaum and describes his role in the evolution of quality. The article describes the evolution of a man from his days as an apprentice toolmaker and management intern with GE through his growth as a hands-on design engineer who rapidly advanced into top management. It describes the evolution of a man who would become "one of the most significant thought leaders in this second generation of the science of management. Feigenbaum's enduring influence is credited to his numerous contributions, including his development of the pragmatic engineering approach to quality that established total quality - the breakthrough conceptual framework that has dominated the business world's approach to delivering quality results for the last 50 years. Prior to Feigenbaum's work, engineers had not focused on a systematic approach to business improvement, but had worked on symptoms that were presented through specific problems. He was the first to define a systems engineering approach to quality and the first to combine management methods and economic theory with the use of financial performance as an indicator of poor quality. Today General Systems Company continues "The Feigenbaum Way" in providing direction for management innovation and systemic quality systems results. For more information see: A GLOBAL LEADER… : : http://www.gensysco.com/about_gsc.asp

T.M Kubiak provides excerpts from an interview and network discussion he moderated at the ASQ World Conference on Quality and Improvement in May in Seattle. Dr. Feigenbaum's responses provide a candid insight into his philosophy and concepts. Quality advice that was originally presented by Dr. Feigenbaum in prior years as a list of nine points is explored for their relevance in today's world. Feigenbaum submits that customer value and management innovation are points that have grown in importance and should be added to his earlier teachings. When quizzed about how Baldrige criteria, lean management, and Six Sigma relate with total quality control, Dr. Feigenbaum pointed out that historically they are all part of the management structure of total quality. They are all part of the constant evolution of quality and the opportunity available to quality professionals. Asked what he sees as the trend of quality today compared with 1956, Dr. Feigenbaum responded that "…quality is not about defect reduction anymore. Quality is about value enhancement." Many changes in our society have driven this forward, not the least of which is the Internet, which makes a business and its quality totally transparent. Today the quality field is about value enhancement. For another interview and quality advice from Dr. Feigenbaum see GSC APPROACH: http://www.gensysco.com/gsc_approach.asp