Blog
April 4, 2024
Juran’s Quality Expert Dr. Joe DeFeo Shares His Insights
Boeing’s ongoing quality and safety challenges underscore the importance of a holistic approach to quality excellence through continuous improvement and proactive risk management.
Boeing, a stalwart of the aerospace industry, has faced a decade-long struggle with quality and safety issues that have cast a shadow over its reputation. While no passengers have suffered direct harm due to these publicized failures, there have been alarming close calls that have raised concerns among industry stakeholders. Recent critiques from industry observers, including Mark Graban’s article in Industry Week, April 1, “Boeing Executives Failed to Lead, Waved Off Lean,” highlight the pressing need for Boeing’s leadership to address systemic issues within the company.
As someone deeply invested in the pursuit of excellence, I share the sentiment echoed by my peers in wanting to collaborate with Boeing’s leadership to effect meaningful change in the company’s culture. The significance of Boeing’s role as a global leader in quality cannot be overstated. Its success is not only vital for its employees, customers, and passengers but also for the entire aerospace ecosystem and the various industries that rely on its products and services.
Despite my lack of recent firsthand experience within Boeing’s facilities, it’s clear that there is a pressing need for introspection and improvement within the company. While I cannot pinpoint the exact reasons behind Boeing’s quality and safety failures, I am confident that with concerted effort and the right approach, the company can overcome these challenges.
The current situation should serve as a wake-up call not only for Boeing but also for other companies that may have been neglecting quality in pursuit of other objectives. Having worked in various industries for over three decades, I understand the complexities involved in balancing time and effort to meet quality requirements. However, quality and safety must always remain paramount, and leaders must be proactive in addressing potential issues before they escalate.
Boeing’s commitment to quality, as outlined on its website, is commendable. However, it’s imperative that these words translate into tangible actions and a genuine cultural shift within the organization. While adherence to standards like AS 9100 is essential, true quality goes beyond compliance—it requires a holistic approach that prioritizes continuous improvement and proactive quality and risk management.
In conclusion, Boeing’s recent challenges underscore the importance of a steadfast commitment to quality and safety in the aerospace industry. By engaging with voices of experience and expertise, Boeing can chart a path toward regaining its status as a paragon of excellence in the industry. It’s my hope that the lessons learned from this experience will not only benefit Boeing but also serve as a catalyst for positive change across the broader industry landscape.
Quality Experts – Juran, an Attain Partners Company
Juran provides advisory, consulting, and training to empower organizations to improve quality. Offering tailored solutions to address specific quality challenges and empower organizations to drive continuous improvement, our methods and depth of experience will get your organization on the right path to excellence. Contact Joe at [email protected].
About the Author
Joseph A. DeFeo has been at the forefront of building cultures of excellence. Recognized as one of the world’s leading experts on quality management and operational excellence, Dr. DeFeo has worked as a trusted advisor helping business leaders increase sales, reduce costs and improve its customer experience through the deployment of performance excellence programs. With a career spanning higher education, corporate training, consulting, and leadership coaching, he has dedicated his life’s work to the pursuit of helping organizations across the globe improve the quality of their people, services, and processes. Previously, Dr. DeFeo served as the Chairman and CEO of Juran Institute, now Juran, an Attain Partners Company.
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