Written in clear language, this hands-on manual simplifies the essentials for monitoring, analyzing, and improving quality. The authors explain how to set up and use variable and attribute control charts, as well as analyze frequency histograms, and evaluate machine and process capability.

Statistical Methods for SPC and TQM sets out to fill the gap for those in statistical process control (SPC) and total quality management (TQM) who need a practical guide to the logical basis of data presentation, control charting, and capability indices. Statistical theory is introduced in a practical context, usually by way of numerical examples. Several methods familiar to statisticians have been simplified to make them more accessible. Suitable tabulations of these functions are included; in several cases, effective and simple approximations are offered. Contents Data Collection and Graphical Summaries Numerical Data Summaries-Location and Dispersion Probability and Distribution Sampling, Estimation, and Confidence Sample Tests of Hypothesis; "Significance Tests" Control Charts for Process Management and Improvement Control Charts for Average and Variation Control Charts for "Single-Valued" Observations Control Charts for Attributes and Events Control Charts: Problems and Special Cases Cusum Methods Process Capability-Attributes, Events, and Normally Distributed Data Capability; Non-Normal Distributions Evaluating the Precision of a Measurement System (Gauge Capability) Getting More from Control Chart Data SPC in "Non-Product" Applications Appendices

Written by an experienced European Patent Attorney and scholar, this book sets out in detail the framework for protection of pharmaceutical innovation under the SPC Regulation. With a focus on both biotechnological innovation and secondary innovation, and through extensive reference to the case law, Ulla Klinge surveys the court’s evolving interpretation of legal and technical eligibility for this extended term of protection. This book provides clear and pragmatic tools to reflect and guide future practice, while offering key explanations and insights as to why and how technological developments challenge the legal SPC framework.

SPC for Right-Brain Thinkers is not simply another made-easy book on the subject of statistical process control (SPC). The guiding principle in writing this book was to make SPC accessible to that large group of individuals who would readily characterize themselves as right-brain thinkers. The challenge that right-brained thinkers face in understanding and applying SPC goes beyond the math; it is also a matter of approaching the subject from a different perspective altogether—--through the side door, if you will, where the inner workings of SPC may be seen in action. The book is also intended to serve the information needs of those who either own or work within the job processes wherein SPC is applied. Since right-brain thinkers are often inclined to gravitate to service-oriented jobs, the examples used in this book demonstrate the use of SPC in a service organization: a pseudo law firm called Advocate General. These examples demonstrate the basic principles of SPC in way that can be adapted to any situation. This is a book for those who: are inclined to label themselves as right-brain thinkers; are intimidated by math, possibly even the mere mention of something as ominous-sounding as statistical process control; and/or need only a basic understanding of SPC, perhaps from a systems perspective or as a potential user of an SPC tracking system.

There is no doubt that quality has become a major feature in the survival plan of organisations. With diminishing markets resulting from improved competitive performance and the associated factor of single-sourcing arrangements by the major organisations, it is clear that unless there is a commitment to change, organisations will lose their competitive edge. This will unfortunately mean elim ination and the resultant harsh realities that come with it for the employees. It has been said on many platforms that unemployment is not inevitable. Those organisations which recognise the requirements for survival know that quality, and its association with customer satisfaction, is now a key issue. Survival programmes based on quality improvement require an unrelenting com mitment to include everyone, from the Managing Director down, in an ongoing, never-ending involvement based on monitoring, and improving, all our activities. These Total Quality Management (TOM) programmes, whatever their specific nature, have a common theme of measuring and then improving. This text describes the philosophy and techniques of one type of involvement programme-Statistical Process Control (SPC). The material to follow suggests that SPC is a major element of any programme and, if properly applied, could be a complete programme in itself. Measuring and improving means that data must be collected, used, understood, interpreted and analysed, and thereby lies the difficulty.