Originally Posted by
WideScreen
I think, it is dangerous to insist on "quality", since this emphasizes "paperwork", which is already available in large quantities at Boeing, though watered down (because of the sheer volume), by those in charge to control the operations are performed according "the books". What Boeing needs is the reverse to the concept of technical excellence as a leading item. And the understanding that long-term profits only come from the fruits of this technical excellence.
Boeing produces both products and services. The client for any of their output makes a determination on the output based on quality and price, which is the basis of economic differentiation in the marketplace. The term Quality in that sense is not the narrow view of a QA program, it is what the output is considered by the purchaser to be fit for, and it occurs in a comparative space. If the alternative is an AN-2, then the B7XX may be attractive, warts n all. If Boeing is being compared to another competent provider, say one starting with the first letter of the alphabet, then when the products seem to be messed up in the kitty litter routinely, and over 25 years of the input from MDD manglement, it appears this is business as usual or business as desired. That's the quality matter that a purchaser looks at. Price can always be made so attractive that the purchaser's shareholders will have kittens (who don't mind the kitty litter surprises) if the customer doesn't take advantage of the short term gains in discounted products. The OEM's QA department is a part of the quality case, but is just a part. Not caring about your product certainly makes pricing a factor, like the AN-2.
Originally Posted by
WideScreen
I don't think, that is enough, there are far too many managers below that level, who simply miss the capabilities and/or drive for the technical excellence. But, hey, this is how all big companies in the end start to fail.
Gotta start somewhere, and that means probably at the top, they are the ones with the remit to take action. It is conceivable that the engineers and machinists and QA staff of the company could stage a mass walkout, but then it is quite possible that the mgt would care less, they probably can book an improved balance sheet due to the reduction in labor costs, grab their stash 'o cash and retire.
There was a time when we used to be proud of driving Boeing aircraft. Boeing still made hashes occasionally, like JAL 103, but then so did everyone, (DC-10 door locks... L-1011 CWS... Airbus rudder limiter design... vertical stab secondary structure...) Would be nice to have pride in their product.
PS: the AN-2 is actually a pretty neat plane in its own right,