Quality: A Critical Introduction

The 3^rd edition of this top-selling text continues to provide a complete knowledge platform for all those wishing to study the development of the theory and practice of quality management. Building upon previous editions’ unique critical perspective on quality, this edition is enhanced by the inclusion of the latest contemporary developments in quality thinking, including Integrated Management Systems, Lean Manufacturing and SMART thinking, as well as updated, real-world examples in applying quality methods. In addition, existing understanding of the environmental impact of the quality movement will be extended into a broader understanding of environmental, financial, regulatory and behavioral sustainability. The book also addresses the issues of Corporate Governance and Corporate Social Responsibility which are now informing the decision making and behavior of managers.

Key features include:

• Complete introduction to quality in the context of management thinking
• In depth reviews of the contributions of ‘Quality Gurus’
• Contemporary developments in theory and practice
• International case studies drawn from both public and private sectors
• Equal emphasis on both manufacturing and service sectors
• Practical ‘case study’ focused toolkits and applications

John Beckford, PhD is currently Managing Director and founder of Integra Management Systems, Ltd. He lectures extensively at the masters and doctoral level and has researched, written, and developed a wide variety of management education courses for universities and commercial organizations. He has worked worldwide in both the public and private sectors with a variety of organizations including Great North Eastern Railway, Hoverspeed, Doncaster, and South Humber Healthcare Trust NHS. Beckford is visiting Professor at the Department of Information Science at Loughborough University. He holds a PhD in Management Science, is a Member of the Institute of Management Services, and a Fellow of the Cybernetics Society.