Quality and reliability: Some recent developments and a historical perspective

A general review is given of the development of ideas on quality and reliability, starting with Josiah Wedgwood in the late 18th century, through the intense activity of the 1930s, to the present, including a brief account and assessment of ideas associated with the names of Deming and Taguchi. While there is some mention of statistical aspects, no technical details are given. The second part of the paper contains comments on a number of general issues, ranging from the implications for methodological research to the potential special role of operational research and to the implications for education.