The article starts off asking an excellent question. Principles such as TQM, RC Analysis, Six Sigma, Lean and the other tools drive us to create lasting change and dynamics in the world around us. Yet, we are realizing, most basic problem solving (other than math) for everyday living and in the work place is embarrisingly and virtually non-existant in public and most private education spheres. And then we wonder why our best efforts at remedying issues--poor quality, poor delivery, wasteful, bureaucratic-laden programs keep boiling over and and never truly address the problems. The study gives us some hope. What's needed is for institutions of higher learning to inject not merely the idea or theory of these tools but, more importantly, the practical application and discipline in applying these tools. I would also advocate the practical application of these tools be included in most Masters level course work particularily science, engineering, business and yes--even political science. As citizens, if we don't push and demand this in our schools, then, I am afraid we are addicted to mediocrity and firefighting problems and thus, satisfied with the harvest they bring.

SE Printz

Great commentary Ryan.  In addition to industrial engineering coursework as was mentioned in another posted comment, I would also include the physical sciences as providing a good foundation for root cause analysis "thinking."  Although the quality tools are not included in the curriculum, it's the framing of an approach to discovery that I think is most fundamental.   It can be quite frustrating dealing with people who view cause and effect in a somewhat mystical fashion, rather than a challenge that can be researched, analyzed, quantified, and predicted.  

If MBAs do begin to teach Lean and Six Sigma they should also teach students that Sustainable change requires a change in management thinking. 

Lean and six sigma do not change management thinking (maybe why there is a 98% fail rate). Perhaps they should be taught on the history of business course?

I think SYSTEMS THINKER is onto something with the suggestion of a "History of Business" course. Beyond that is the concept of sustainability not only in an environmental sense, but also in a business setting as well.  How do you grow and sustain an environment of continual improvement thinkers that strive for sustained business success beyond the next business quarter?  I might add with the phrases shared by the Author, “step over a dollar to save a dime” and “we don’t have time to fix it right once, but we do have time to quick-fix it three times” come to mind. Instead of viewing results with a short-term mentality, we need to build a long-term committment to using the better improvement concepts of the day as a vital part of our "toolkit" to drive us to profitability over the long haul rather than in short bursts.  The lattest quality flavor-of-the-month is clearly not the answer. (See books by Jim Collins).

"Industrial engineering is concerned with the design, improvement, and installation of integrated systems of people, materials, information, equipment, and energy. It draws upon specialized knowledge and skill in the mathematical, physical, and social sciences together with the principles and methods of engineering analysis and design to specify, predict, and evaluate the results to be obtained from such systems." (AIIE,1955)IE body of knowledge typically includes: Systems Engineering, Applied Decision Theory, Human Factors Engineering, Industrial Costs & Controls , Industrial Systems Simulation, Engineering Economics, Work Process Analysis & Design, Facilities Planning, Layout & Design, Manufacturing System Design, Engineering Probability & Statistics, Design of Experiments, Statistical Quality Control, Quality Engineering, Operations Planning & Control, Production Planning and Control Management, Operations Research, Modeling and Simulation.... In addition to this, courses in the humanities and engineering design process.