`If Japan can . . . why can´t we?´-total quality management at Naval Aviation Depot North Island

The author describes the efforts of the Naval Aviation Depot North Island, CA, over the past five years (1984-9) to implement the total-quality-management (TQM) philosophy of W.E. Deming. The cultural gains and lessons learned during the implementation efforts are highlighted. Also provided are background information on TQM, a summary of the history of TQM at North Island, an explanation of TQM organization at North Island, and selected results. Based on experience at North Island, TQM is judged a success