William Edwards Deming was an American engineer, statistician, and management consultant, best known for his work in quality control and improvement. He developed the Deming Cycle, also known as Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA), which emphasizes continuous improvement in processes and products. His ideas significantly influenced manufacturing practices, particularly in Japan after World War II, helping to transform its economy. Deming advocated for a holistic approach to management, focusing on the importance of understanding systems and processes. He believed that quality should be a primary goal for organizations, leading to increased efficiency and customer satisfaction. His teachings laid the foundation for modern quality management practices.