Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma Definitions

Glossary terms, history, people and definitions about Lean and Six Sigma

Kaoru Ishikawa

Kaoru Ishikawa (July 13, 1915 – April 16, 1989) was a Professor at the Faculty of Engineering at The University of Tokyo, most noted for his quality management innovations and initiatives, particularly the Quality Circle and Ishikawa diagrams (cause and effect diagrams).

In 1949, Ishikawa joined the JUSE quality control research group. After World War II, Japan looked to transform its industrial sector, and his skill of mobilizing large groups of people towards a specific common goal was largely responsible for Japan’s quality improvement initiatives. He facilitated, translated, integrated and expanded the management concepts of W. Edwards Deming and Joseph Juran into the Japanese system, such as the Seven Quality Tools.

Influences

Influenced

  • JUSE
  • US Naval Academy

Links

Books 

 

Additional Resources