Has the quality initiative failed in America? Absolutely not, says author Kathryn Huddleston. Quality itself hasn't failed, she explains, but many companies got "off the track" during the turbulent 1980s, when they failed to make the fundamental transitions necessary to create a true, total quality environment. In actual fact, there are many outstanding examples of thriving organizations in both the public and private sectors that have applied quality measures with great success.In other words, quality is alive and well, and working in America! In Back on the Quality Track, Huddleston, head of a respected quality training consultancy, shares intimate stories of numerous "champions of quality" she's assisted in their continuous improvement efforts. In great detail, she reveals where quality is working - and how.These insiders' stories examine how these companies have been able to conceive, implement,and sustain a high level of quality throughout their organizations. Back on the Quality Track also scrutinizes many companies that got off the track. It looks at the many causes: bloated bureaucracy, lack of long-term vision, poor communication, ignoring the culture of a company.As you read these insightful accounts, you'll begin to notice certain elements that keep popping up in the successful companies. All the winners maintain a sustained focus on quality - at all levels of the company; make use of multifunctional teams to design new products; and organize integrated customer teams for fast response to customer problems. Read Less