Statistical training of researchers in total quality management: The Japanese experience

A training system for statistical methods in Total Quality Control or Total Quality Management is discussed and we suggest what and how to teach. It is stated that we have no department of statistics in the universities in Japan and stressed that applied statistics is most efficiently taught to those who have their own problems and motivations to apply these statistical methods. It is then essential for a company to have their own training systems for the TQM researchers although some extra company training courses may also be efficiently utilised. As an example we introduce in some detail the seminars provided by JUSE as well as in-company training systems of Toyota Motor Corporation and Takenaka Corporation.