re: post on prediction on the Deming Electronic Network:

I think your first point is correct, which I see as: learning by predicting, then looking at the result and then adjusting understanding to this new information is very powerful.

I believe Deming’s thoughts about prediction are most effectively put into action using the PDSA cycle. Specifically, you must predict what the results in the planning phase (prior to piloting improvements). I find that this is rarely done. I don’t think the form of that prediction is critical (narrative with loose numerical guesses, precise numerical prediction…). The critical issue is making the prediction, then comparing the results to that prediction and then figuring out how your original understanding can be improved based on the new data.

Learning will not only be about the specific case being examined, but also, over time, learning about your tendencies in prediction. For example, do you: overestimate the size of the improvement, underestimate the time it will take to institute a new process improvement, underestimate the complexity of IT projects…? Basically, over time, learning from your prediction history the biases that affect your predictions (which are then tied to your model for viewing the world…). Then, that knowledge can be used to improve your ability to make better predictions in the future. Without actually predicting and then examining the results people often make the same errors in their belief about the potential outcomes of changes for not just years, but decades.

I believe the act of formally making a prediction is critical to improving the learning process. I think prediction and examination of results is rarely done. And I think it is a very powerful component to creating an organization that can improve rapidly.

The understanding Deming had of prediction was as a component of the Theory of Knowledge. The importance of prediction is due to the impact it has our our learning. Prediction, with subsequent evaluation of results and then adjust to the model used to make the original prediction is a process that improves a person’s ability to understand how they think. By going through this prediction cycle many times the person becomes better at using the knowledge the have. Even if they don’t learn about the theory of knowledge abstractly as a concept they learn about the theory of knowledge in practice. On page 101 of the New Economic and for several pages thereafter Deming addresses prediction.

John Hunter