Who predicted that the quality of Japanese goods would surpass that of the US by the mid-1970s?

Joseph M. Juran is recognized for predicting that the quality of Japanese goods would surpass that of the U.S. by the mid-1970s due to his insights into the implementation of quality management practices and methodologies. Juran was instrumental in promoting the concept of quality control and management, emphasizing the significance of quality as a vital component of business strategy.

His involvement with quality improvement in Japan, especially during the post-World War II period, showcased his belief that a committed focus on quality would dramatically enhance product excellence and customer satisfaction. This prediction was particularly prescient given the shifts in global manufacturing and consumer preferences during the 1970s, where Japanese industries significantly advanced their production techniques and quality standards, leading to the international success of brands such as Toyota and Sony.

The other figures mentioned contributed greatly to quality management and practices but did not foresee the specific trajectory of Japanese quality surpassing that of the U.S. manufacturers during that timeframe in the same manner as Juran.