Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
W. Edwards Deming developed seminal quality management principles widely implemented across manufacturing and food processing industries.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Deming introduced the '14 Points for Management' in his book Out of the Crisis.
These fourteen management obligations provide a systematic framework for long-term continuous quality improvement, leadership transformation, employee empowerment, and waste elimination.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, the number of principles/steps in Deming's quality improvement theory is 14.