Baldrige Backbone

摘要

Since its inceptionin 1987, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award has recognized U.S. organizations for achieving quality and performance excellence. This year, 70 organizations applied to be considered for the prestigious honor, and countless other organizations base their quality programs on the Baldrige framework. For a full breakdown of this year's applicants by category, turn to "Under the Microscope," p. 12.rnWe feature the tumultuous journey of a 2008 Baldrige award recipient in the article "Watershed Moment," p. 38. Assistant Editor Brett Krzykowski delves into how quality processes and practices can afford a level of resilience-even when it comes to a natural disaster. Cargill Corn Milling North America's Cedar Rapids, LA, plant was nearly wiped out by a devastating flood in June 2008, but the company's process focus helped it to reopen less than three months later and host a site visit by Baldrige examiners that October.