W. Edward Deming’s theories of management have informed
our thinking and practices for four decades. In
addition to informing business practices, his thinking
provided a cornerstone in the foundation for the
discipline known as knowledge management. We consider
three questions: (1) how do Dr. Deming’s theories align
with the current representation of knowledge management?
(2) how might today’s knowledge management theory and
practice help realize Dr. Deming’s vision? (3) What form
of education encourages systemic transformation? This
paper begins with a topical map that represents the 21st
century view of knowledge management, including its 10
competency areas. Dr. Deming’s theory of management,
fourteen points and five leverages are overlaid on the
map. The paper suggests that we must move from business
management to knowledge management in order to achieve
Dr. Deming’s vision. It also proposes that knowledge
management education will be the primary driver. This
paper proposes two education models: (1) a model for a
Master’s degree in Knowledge Management, and (2) a model
for a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a
focus on knowledge management.