In the United States it’s dangerous to unveil a new technology before it’s ready to go to market. Customers are bound to be frustrated by their inability to purchase a usable product after viewing new technology. It is better to hold off demonstrating new technology until there’s a product ready to ship.

The Last Word: ‘Visible' Innovation

June 29, 2007

By Thomas Sloma-Williams

No Comments

In my June column, I related that Praveen Gupta’s new book, Business Innovation in the 21st Century, contends that innovation is a process that can be understood and, hence, taught and refined to improve the results of innovation. This is an important concept, because if true, it means that the United States has a means by which it can maintain its innovative and competitive edge in the global market. However, like most ideas, it is critical to see “learned innovation” in practice to determine whether it can be accomplished.

The Last Word: Innovate or Lose

June 1, 2007

By Thomas Sloma-Williams

No Comments

Webster’s Dictionary defines innovation as, “a new idea or method or device.” That definition is rather vague as it implies that anything new is innovative. That is simply not the case. Painting a blue widget red, or making it round instead of square may have merit, but it is not necessarily innovative.

From the Publisher: Real Quality Change Is Needed

March 1, 2007

By Thomas Sloma-Williams

No Comments

Can lasting improvement come about as a result of quick and readily apparent changes, or does it only come about as a result of well thought-out and substantive decisions? Many professionals find themselves in such challenging positions within their companies. Such is the struggle for Ford Motor Co. as it tries to revive sagging North American sales and a correct a perception of poorly made domestic brand vehicles.

From the Publisher: Quality is Key to Chinese Competition

February 1, 2007

By Thomas Sloma-Williams

No Comments

By the time you read this column, the North American International Auto Show will be complete. Two stories from the show point to the state of the U.S. auto industry and the role China may play in the global automotive market.

From the Publisher: Resolution Solution

January 2, 2007

By Thomas Sloma-Williams

No Comments

It’s the new year again, and if you are like most people, you’ve set some personal goals and resolutions that may, if not done correctly, have the lifespan of a fruit fly.

From the Publisher: More of the Same

December 1, 2006

By Thomas Sloma-Williams

No Comments

The 2006 elections are over and the new Democrat-lead Congress is getting ready to take power next month. What will this mean for manufacturing and quality? During the past six years, manufacturing has suffered both a tremendous blow (9/11) and a remarkable recovery.

From the Publisher: Japan Can Learn Quality from the U.S.

November 1, 2006

By Thomas Sloma-Williams

No Comments

Japan is having a meltdown about quality "problems." The New York Times reported that in the wake of recent, large-scale recalls of defective products made by Toyota and Sony, Japanese

From the Publisher: Thank You for 45 Years!

October 1, 2006

By Thomas Sloma-Williams

No Comments

When a milestone birthday is celebrated, many questions arise. Is it a happy occasion to reach that age? Are the coming years anticipated with hope or fear? Is a party

From the Publisher: ‘Metrics' on Long-Ago Promise

September 1, 2006

By Thomas Sloma-Williams

One Comment

Someone out there thinks Americans are stupid. Or, that we are too slow. Or, perhaps that we are too skeptical. These are the only conclusions I can come to

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