This project involves researching and writing a short biography on Dr. Kaoru Ishikawa. Our text addresses many of the areas in the management and control of quality and provides a great amount of information on a number of different quality concepts. However, the authors only mention Dr. Ishikawa in passing. Just who is Kaoru Ishikawa? Prepare a 1,000-word biographical paper on Ishikawa, describing his contributions to quality. You should not limit your research to online materials. Two of his books are excellent sources: (1) What Is Total Quality Control: The Japanese Way (1985) and (2) Guide to Quality Control (1976). Submit the completed paper to your Dropbox.
You will research this person’s life and work to determine the impacts that he has had in the world. You will define the quality leader’s significant contributions to modern quality practices in terms of major impacts in a specific organization. The project will enable you to understand
- Ishikawa’s key ideas;
- how Ishikawa has influenced quality practices throughout the world;
- how his ideas fit into total quality management; and
- the implications of Ishikawa’s ideas for the future of quality.
The project will require sustained research effort until the paper is submitted. You are encouraged to begin work on the project during Week 1 and be prepared to submit the required project deliverables by the end of Week 3. A basic APA tutorial can be found in the Webliography, and a paper template can be found in Doc Sharing.
Guidelines
The paper will be a short biography on Kaoru Ishikawa. It will adhere to the grading specifications as described below. The student will submit a paper of at least 1,000 words, not including the title page and references, by the end of class Week 3. This paper is worth 80 points. The student will use at least two sources plus the course textbook for a minimum of three references. All references are to be from academic journals, professional or academic textbooks, authored websites, or standard business publications, such as The Wall Street Journal. Not more that 15% of the content can be taken directly from all sources. This means if Tunitin is used, then the similarity index must be 15% or lower. The final score will be reduced by one point for each percentage point over 15%.
NOTE: Wikipedia and unauthored websites are not acceptable sources. Do not use these types of sources, otherwise you will lose points.
The format of the paper should conform to the Publication Manual for the American Psychological Association (APA), 6th edition, for the title page, text, citations, references, and so forth. A basic APA tutorial can be found in the Webliography, and a template for the paper can be found in Doc Sharing. Completed papers will be submitted to your Dropbox as MS Word documents. All graphics will be a part of the Word document and submitted as a file. Documents authored in other applications, such as WordPerfect or MS Works, will not be accepted.
This project is to be accomplished individually and will reflect the work of each student. All DeVry University policies are in effect, including the plagiarism policy. Late papers will not be accepted without prior permission.
Submit your Ishikawa research paper to the Dropbox, located at the top of this page by the end of Week 3. The paper is worth 80 points. For instructions on how to use the Dropbox, read these step-by-step instructions or watch this Dropbox Tutorial.
See the Syllabus section “Due Dates for Assignments & Exams” for due date information.
Grading Rubrics
Ishikawa Research Paper Grading Rubric—also available in the Doc Sharing section (Ishikawa Research Paper Assessment):
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Content and Organization (64%)
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Points Possible
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Points Earned
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Comments
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|---|---|---|---|
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All key elements of the assignment are covered in a substantive way.
|
8
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| The content is comprehensive, accurate, or persuasive. The paper develops a central theme or idea directed toward the appropriate audience. |
8
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| The paper links theory to relevant examples of current experience and industry practice and uses the vocabulary of the theory correctly. |
8
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||
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The content addresses key questions.
|
8
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| The primary work and significant accomplishments provide sufficient background on each topic. |
8
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| The conclusion is logical, flows from the body of the paper, and reviews the major points. |
8
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| Total |
48
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Readability and Style (19%)
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Points Possible
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Points Earned
|
Comments
|
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Paragraph transitions are present and logical and maintain the flow throughout the paper. |
4
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| The tone is appropriate to the content and assignment. |
3
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| Sentences are complete, clear, and concise. |
3
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| Sentences are well constructed, with consistently strong, varied sentences. |
3
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||
| Sentence transitions are present and maintain the flow of thought. |
3
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| Total |
16
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Mechanics (19%)
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Points Possible
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Points Earned
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Comments
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| The paper, including the title page, reference page, tables, and appendices, follow APA guidelines for format. |
3
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| Citations of original works within the body of the paper follow APA guidelines. |
4
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| The paper is laid out with effective use of headings, font styles, and white space. |
3
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| Rules of grammar, usage, and punctuation are followed. |
3
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| Spelling is correct. |
3
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| Total |
16
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Total (100%)
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Points Possible
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Points Earned
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Comments
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80
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Best Practices
The following are the best practices in preparing this paper. Sample papers, using APA format, are located in Doc Sharing. Other useful information has also been provided there, including an APA paper template.
- Cover page: Include the person you prepared the paper for, who prepared it, and the date.
- Introduction: In APA format, the introduction is understood to be the first content of your work; thus, it does NOT require a title.
The purpose of an introduction or opening is to do the following.
- Body of your work: Include titles to identify different areas that you address. State the main ideas, major points in each idea, and supporting information. Break down each main idea you will use in the body of your paper. Show some type of division, such as separate sections that are labeled, separate groups of paragraphs, or headers. You would include the information you found during your research and investigation.
- Summary and conclusion: Summarizing is similar to paraphrasing, but it presents the gist of the material in fewer words than the original. An effective summary identifies the main ideas and major support points from the body of your report. Minor details are left out.
- Apply a three-step process of writing: plan, write, and complete.
- Prepare an outline of your research paper before you go forward.
- Complete a first draft, and then go back to edit, evaluate, and make any changes required.
- Use visual communication if it will help clarify and support your work. Any material that can be removed and not affect the clarity of your work is essentially filler and should be avoided. Fillerdistracts from the flow of your work and will most likely cause you to lose points.
- References: APA-formatted references are required for this assignment.
A possible topic outline of the paper is provided below.
- Cover Page
- Introduction
- Overview of the paper
- Purpose and importance of the effort
- Background
- Personal background and life history (education, family life, living situations, etc.)
- Primary work and significant accomplishments
- Summary of his philosophy
- Summary of what he was focused on accomplishing in terms of quality
- Reviews and highlights of his books, articles, and manuscripts
- Detailed description of his key ideas, concepts, and quality approach
- Description of results he achieved personally from his life work
- Summary of his influence on quality and total quality management (TQM)
- Conclusion
- Summarize the key points of your paper.
- References
