ABSTRACT
The Shingo system design approach was developed as a practical application of systems thinking as taught by three important scholars: Peter Senge, Russell Ackoff, and W. Edwards Deming. This chapter provides a brief overview of their thinking that has been most influential in the development of the Shingo Institute's recommendations. The essence of mastering systems thinking as a management discipline lies in seeing patterns where others see only events and forces to react to. The Shingo system design approach formalizes systems in order to better connect the elements of the systems to capitalize on Ackoff's teaching that the performance of the system depends on how the parts fit together, not how each part acts on its own. The Shingo system design approach encourages breaking down barriers by establishing common language and definitions. Properly functioning management systems will break down barriers and help the whole organization.
