MelisAnne Marieworks for a software company as a technical support representative. Her duties include answering the telephone, providing information to customers, and troubleshooting technical problems. Her supervisor told her to be courteous and not to rush callers. However, the supervisor also told her that she must answer an average of 15 calls per hour so that the department’s account manager can meet his budget. Anne Marie comes home each day frustrated because the computer is slow in delivering information that she needs and sometimes provides the wrong information, causing her to search for the information in complex manuals. When she is pressed for time, she often cuts the call off prematurely or provides only the minimal information necessary.

1. What might Deming say about this situation? Would you agree with Deming? Explain.

2. Explain which of the 14 Points might be violated.

3. Drawing upon Deming’s principles, outline a plan to improve this situation. What would you need to learn and how would you go about getting that knowledge? What would likely be your first steps?