At last, a book that offers the reader a practical approach to process improvement using examples of common problems faced by data analysts! Author James L. Lamprecht, an experienced, widely published statistician, Master Black Belt, teacher, and consultant, has succeeded in combining examples that guide the reader through data analysis, Six Sigma project definition, conducting experiments, graphical analysis, and errors to avoid, all in one concise text. Unlike other books on data analysis, Lamprecht steers clear of classic, or “perfect” examples, preferring instead to address the everyday issues that data analysts confront, and explain the value certain data does and does not offer. The book includes numerous graphs that illustrate ways to intuitively analyze data. Data analysis techniques are presented first, then the author introduces Six Sigma concepts and integrates the two disciplines in a concluding chapter.!--nl--This book is ideal for Certified Six Sigma Black Belts as well as those who are uncertified, but would like to understand how data can be analyzed. Even those who rely on sophisticated statistical software to conduct their Six Sigma analysis will benefit from this insightful yet easy-to-use book by developing a true understanding of statistics and a better understanding of the results they are receiving. Numerous examples illustrate how various techniques are applied. Each example is reviewed from the perspective of what was not said in the example; in other words, the very information you will be faced with when you conduct your own analysis. Titles of some sections in the book include the words "optional" or "advanced." These sections cover more advanced but nonetheless useful topics, but skipping these sections will not affect the overall flow of the various subjects presented.

With the rise of Six Sigma, the use of statistics to analyze and improve processes has once again regained a prominent place in businesses around the world. an increasing number of employees and managers, bestowed with the titles Green Belt, Black Belt, or even Master Black Belts, are asked to apply statistical techniques to analyze and resolve industrial and non-industrial (also known as transactional) problems. These individuals are continuously faced with the daunting task of sorting out the vast array of sophisticated techniques placed at their disposal by an equally impressive array of statistical computer software packages. This book is intended for the ever-growing number of certified Black Belts as well as uncertified others that would like to understand how data can be analyzed. Many courses, including Six Sigma Black Belt courses, do a good job introducing participants to a vast array of sophisticated statistical techniques in as little as ten days, leaning heavily on statistical software packages. Although it is true that one can simplify statistical principles, learning how to interpret results produced by any statistical software requires the understanding of statistics that this book concisely provides.

This volume constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Software Process Improvement and Capability Determination, SPICE 2018, held in Tessaloniki, Greece, in October 2018. The 26 full papers presented were carefully reviewed and selected from 40 submissions. The papers are organized in the following topical sections: SPI systematic literature reviews; SPI and assessment; SPI methods and reference models; SPI education and management issues; SPI knowledge and change processes; SPI compliance and configuration; SPI and agile; industry short papers.

Primarily intended for the undergraduate students of industrial, production, mechanical and manufacturing engineering, and postgraduate students of industrial, quality engineering and management and industrial engineering and management, this book fills the gap between theory and practice of tools and techniques of quality control and quality improvement. In this book, the principles and concepts are presented clearly and logically with necessary numerical illustrations to reinforce the understanding of the subject matter. The book is organized in two parts. Part I deals with statistical quality control. It starts with the fundamentals of statistics and quality followed by elaborate discussion on statistical process control, process and gauge capability studies with emphasis on their practical application. It also covers detailed discussion on the various types of control charts used to monitor and control quality of processes and products. It includes acceptance sampling inspection procedures and standard sampling systems. Part II deals with quality improvement techniques/methods. It is a data driven approach that discusses the application of Design of Experiments and Taguchi Methods for improving quality of processes and products. A comprehensive discussion on total quality management is also presented. KEY FEATURES • Provides a well structured procedure for the application of all the tools and techniques. • Includes Shainin DOE tools widely used in Six sigma projects. • Demonstrates the application of quality improvement techniques through real life case studies.

Ellis Ott taught generations of quality practitioners to be explorers of the truth through the collection and graphical portrayal of data. From a simple plea to "plot the data" to devising a graphical analytical tool called the analysis of means (ANOM), Ott demonstrated that process knowledge is to be gained by seeking the information contained within the data.In this newest version of Ott's classic text, the authors have strived to continue down the path that he created for others to follow. Additions to this revised edition include: the use of dot plots as an alternative to histograms; digidot plots; adding events to charts; emphasis on the role that acceptance control charts play in controlling risks and the computation of average run length (ARL); a new chapter devoted to process capability, process performance, and process improvement, including the use of confidence intervals for process capability metrics; narrow-limit gauging as another means of assessing the capability of a process; Six Sigma methodology; design resolution; scatter plot matrices as applied to datasets of higher dimensions; and a new chapter on measurement studies.

Data Science Applied to Sustainability Analysis focuses on the methodological considerations associated with applying this tool in analysis techniques such as lifecycle assessment and materials flow analysis. As sustainability analysts need examples of applications of big data techniques that are defensible and practical in sustainability analyses and that yield actionable results that can inform policy development, corporate supply chain management strategy, or non-governmental organization positions, this book helps answer underlying questions. In addition, it addresses the need of data science experts looking for routes to apply their skills and knowledge to domain areas. - Presents data sources that are available for application in sustainability analyses, such as market information, environmental monitoring data, social media data and satellite imagery - Includes considerations sustainability analysts must evaluate when applying big data - Features case studies illustrating the application of data science in sustainability analyses

Organizations are continuously trying to improve by reducing cost, increasing customer satisfaction, and creating an environment of empowered employees who continuously strive for excellence in each process and product. In much the same way, governments are continuously required to do “more with less,” enhance budget and organizational performance, and identify innovative ways to increase their impact. There are challenges to applying the Lean-Six Sigma (LSS) tools in the public sector. Examples of these challenges include hierarchical environments, a lack of common goals, and the complexity of working in the public sector. The information included as part of this book provides over 30 spotlights highlighting project examples, lessons learned, and tips and tricks for using LSS in the public sector. These spotlights are based on interviews facilitated with a robust sampling of senior operations strategy practitioners. The LSS methodology focuses on eliminating waste (lean) and then reducing variation (Six Sigma) in a process or product that contains no waste. The information covered in this book will allow someone to have an immediate impact in any public sector organization. It describes some of the most powerful continuous process improvement tools that can be used, with limited training required. This is further enhanced by showing direct correlations to the LSS tools and the challenges that will be faced. Because the public sector spans such a diverse range of organizational charters (such as transportation, education, and defense), this book does not focus solely on either manufacturing or services. Rather, it provides a balanced approach to utilizing LSS in all environments.