Title: Chapter 2 Introduction
Course: Canvas Practice Course > Section: Week 1, 23 March to 26 March

KEY CONCEPTS

Prior to the advent of mass manufacturing quality systems were not required, but once mass production became part of the manufacturing process quality systems became necessary for a company’s survival. A quality system became a company’s competitive tool. America was in a unique position after World War II because it literally had no manufacturing competitors but this lack of competition made American businesses complacent. By the 1980s U.S business awoke to the gradual loss of market share and the customer’s desire for quality.

Achieving quality does not depend on a nation’s natural resources. Indeed, quality can only be achieved with a nation’s only true natural resource—its people. A well-educated and well motivated workforce is the greatest natural resource a country can possess.