The American Society for Quality (ASQ) will award University of California Berkeley Haas School of Business Professor Emeritus Robert E. Cole the ASQ Grant Medal. Professor Cole will receive the award for his lifetime commitment to rigorous research.
Professor Cole will be the first social scientist to ever win the Grant Medal. The Grant Medal is typically presented to those professionals with backgrounds in engineering or statistics. According to the American Society for Quality, the medal is awarded to an individual who has been judged by the committee to demonstrate exceptional leadership in a creditable educational program in quality control.
Professor Cole came to University of California Berkeley Haas School of Business in 1990. He served as co-director of the interdisciplinary Management of Technology Program, which is a joint program with the Haas School, the College of Engineering and the School of Information Management & Systems.
The professor’s work focuses on the differences among Swedish, Japanese, and United States work cultures, business management, and information technology practices. Known best for his work comparing quality inventiveness in United States and Japanese auto manufacturing. Professor Cole’s research focuses on the automotive and software industries.
His knowledge of Japanese work culture and quality management resulted in the publishing of his book, “Managing Quality Fads,” in 1999. The American Society for Quality commends Professor Cole’s engagement with research on the circumstances that influence work environment quality.
Cole is one of 21 individuals who will be honored by the American Society for Quality at its World Conference on Quality and Improvement on May 4, 2014 in Dallas, Texas.
