Some say the movement is just another management fad. Others say that quality works, but it is a lot of hard work that may not be worth the effort. But futurist Joel A. Barker says quality is necessary to excel in the 90's and to survive in the next century. An effective quality system incorporates five distinct dimensions of quality. It is critical because in this dimension things are actually done.
Vision becomes reality.
Unless this dimension is fulfilled, plans remain plans and are not put into action. This dimension provides us with knowledge of the system. For example, surveys are used to measure customer satisfaction. Also, statistical process control methods are used to ensure a process is in control, or stable. The relationship or systems thinking dimension permits correlation between activities and results of activities.