Includes comments on a previously published series attempting to answer the question: “Japan ‐ myth or miracle?”, as well as suggesting new theories on the subject. Considers the previous articles to be misleading and inconclusive. Asserts the need to understand why the Japanese have been...

Attempts to show that, while ISO 9000 is part of total quality management, the organizational culture that is suited to ISO 9000 is not suited to the other aspects that make up total quality. Total quality is a balance between these factors such that, if the pull in one direction is too strong,...