11 Insights about the Future of Quality

Rocketdyne spawns another thought leader!

Great information Diane! It takes some reflection about how the "future of quality" will impact the "future of the quality professional." However, the discussion here also shows the gap that still exists between ASQ and its membership even after implementing a new model to improve member "value." ASQ Certification is just one product offering, but it has also served to define ASQ. Memorization is not required to pass any of the ASQ exams today as they are almost exclusively open-book. However, time constraints to solve each question place a limit on how much reference a candidate can do during the exam. In the first point, "self-awareness and constant learning" are promoted as a motivation for quality practitioners. The problem is that industry hasn't always been sold on why to hire a quality manager vs. quality engineer vs. quality technician or analyst. Obviously, the discussion needs to continue from here. For example, by raising the price of ASQ products (e.g., recertification), is more value being offered? Thanks again for your efforts.

Thank you for your kind words, Dave. I understand the disappointment in ASQ with regard to development of professionals. Life was so much simpler when ASQ offered only 4 certifications (CQM, CQT, CQE and CRE). The advent of the internet seems to have both complicated and simplified our lives. I feel as though some of the complication has been the tendency to over-specialize. This seems evident with the proliferation of industry-specific and interest-specific ASQ credentials. At the same time, the broad and deep information now at our fingertips with regard to quality-related disciplines almost demands simplification. While memorization is never a preferred path toward achieving objective outcomes in relation to a body of knowledge, it is the way I started with most of the more complex information I now apply often to my work... and I feel as though I'm a pretty objective professional, but that required the learning that comes only through experience. I don't think we're going to get away from buzzwords, acronyms or any other form of rhetoric anytime soon. People seem to eat it up, as a general rule of thumb. While I don't want to bash those in upper management positions, and I don't think this challenge is limited to those in upper management, I agree that discerning ability from appearances is a challenge. An ASQ certification does no more to ensure that a quality professional is competent than an ISO certification does to ensure that a company has an effective approach to quality assurance. I think the simple outcome of this type of observation is that buyers need to beware. When it comes to hiring a quality assurance professional, requiring an ASQ certification ensures that, as a minimum, they have seen the body of knowledge with which they are expected to be proficient and, at least once, were able to demonstrate some level of comprehension in that regard. It does not say that they are objective. Their work history will need to attest to that. A similar thing is true of ISO certifications. It is a starting point. It says that, at one time, the organization at least understood that they were supposed to comply with a standard for management of quality and was able to convey that it did at a point in time. The acceptance rate of product received will need to attest to the adequacy of continuous compliance and quality management effectiveness. So, I'd rather not toss out the babies with the bathwater with regard to the value of certification, but I agree that both the ASQ and ISO certification systems could benefit from improvement. Some of what needs to happen, however, is for us to improve awareness of what certifications do and don't represent for those who value them.

Thanks for the synopses Diane. I agree that these elements are necessary, but, the ASQ still refuses to put any burden on developing people with some objectivity. It is still focused on buzzwords, acronyms and the memorization of same. Development is geared toward getting certifications rather than experience. Upper management can't tell the difference between real ability and superficial certification. Stay out there and keep them honest.

Glad you found it of value, Lisa. :)