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Home » Authors » Jimmy L. Smith

Articles by Jimmy L. Smith

a senior technician inspecting large industrial metal coils
Face of Quality

Still Seeking Better Quality

The quality journey must be embraced across the enterprise.
Jimmy L. Smith
May 30, 2026

Quality giants like Joseph M. Juran, W. Edwards Deming and Armand V. Feigenbaum ushered in the era of total quality management (TQM) movement about seven decades ago.


Read More
This image shows two industrial workers in a manufacturing facility reviewing information on a tablet computer.
Face of Quality

Sustaining a Quality Culture, Part 2

A culture of quality flows from organizational values.
Jimmy L. Smith
March 17, 2026

I felt it might be of interest to continue the discussion from my previous column on organizational culture. It is not easy for some organizations to convert to a culture that is truly focused on establishing a robust culture of quality.


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The image depicts a diverse business group standing in a heart formation, symbolizing unity, teamwork, and collaboration
Face of Quality

Sustaining a Quality Culture

Strong quality cultures are built on core values.
Jimmy L. Smith
February 10, 2026

What is culture? Culture is the shared beliefs, values, attitudes, and behavior patterns that characterize the members of a family, a community or an organization. 


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a moment of a multiracial team of construction workers and engineers discussing a construction project blueprint or plan
Face of Quality

Refining Product Design

Enhancing the design process helps improve everything downstream.
Jimmy L. Smith
January 11, 2026

While consulting with a hydraulic pump manufacturer, the executive officer related their company’s revolutionary journey. 


Read More
an industrial engineer working in a factory or similar environment
Face of Quality

The Dynamic Duo: Why Quality and Safety Must Evolve Together

Core values of quality and safety must always be changing and advancing.
Jimmy L. Smith
November 12, 2025

During my management career at a Fortune 50 company, we were taught to treat quality and safety as top priority. They were considered essential and everything else was secondary. 


Read More
Male engineer in factory, wearing a white safety hardhat, and overalls.  The factory floor background is blurred.
Face of Quality | Jim L. Smith

The Improvement Trap: Why Many Improvement Efforts Fail

Jimmy L. Smith
October 12, 2025

Continual improvement is a challenging journey, often hindered by a misunderstanding of processes. With decades of experience, I’ve seen how reframing questions can unlock meaningful change. Remember, improvement is a marathon, not a sprint.


Read More
QM-Columnists-JimsGems-900x550.jpg
Jim's Gems

Keep Going

Jimmy L. Smith
June 28, 2022

Have you thought much about failure?


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Jim’s Gems: Focus on Positive Thoughts

Jimmy L. Smith
April 1, 2014

The most important step toward success is having faith that you will succeed. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. 


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Jim's Gems

Creating An Inspiring Organization

Jimmy L. Smith
July 15, 2013
The latest Gem from the desk of Jim Smith!
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Face of Quality: Big Q vs. Little Q

Jimmy L. Smith
September 29, 2009
Should an organization focus on continual improvement or aim for the home run? As a follower of Dr. Joseph M. Juran, I see the value and power of his philosophies. Juran displayed his concept of continuous improvement gained through hundreds of projects with his spiral of progress in quality.
Read More
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This image shows a person seated next to a Bobcat T66 compact track loader.

Supercharging Digital Gauging at Bobcat North America

Dorsey Calibration Lab photo by Tom LaBarbera Picture this Studios

Ensuring Product Quality in a Competitive Manufacturing Landscape

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Manufacturing Retention: Strategies for Improving Company Culture, Engagement and Skill Development

2026 Quality Professional of the Year!

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