In this book, W. Edwards Deming details the system of transformation that underlies the "14 Points for Management" presented in Out of the Crisis. The "Deming System of Profound Knowledge", as it is called, consists of four parts: appreciation for a system, knowledge about variation, theory of knowledge, and psychology. Describing the prevailing management style as a prison, Deming reveals how applying the System of Profound Knowledge increases productivity, quality, and people's joy in work and joy in learning. Another outcome is short-term and long-term success in the market. Indicative of Deming's philosophy is his advice to abolish performance reviews on the job, to look deeper than spreadsheets for opportunities, and even to rethink how we teach and manage our schools. Moreover, Deming's method enables organizations to make accurate predictions, which is a valuable tool in today's uncertain economic climate.

This third edition features a new chapter (contributed by business consultant and Deming expert Kelly L. Allan) that explains the relevance of Deming's management method, case studies from organizations that have adopted Deming's System of Profound Knowledge, and offers guidance on how organizations can effectively "do Deming".