Abstract for "Intro to Quality"

Intro to Quality
Including the roots of most modern quality initiatives
Dr. Ron Graham
Stark State University
Spring 2012

Abstract

Statistical Process Control In this course, we consider the role the engineer plays (or can play, or should play) in the continuous improvement of products and services.

Because to figure out exactly how to improve things in the best way is something engineers can do well.

There are several underlying principles that serve as the background for most modern quality initiatives.

You need to know what you must measure and track.
You must have management support – and leadership – to succeed.
It's not about telling skilled workers how to do their jobs.
It's not about minimizing costs.
It's not about slogans or campaigns or quotas.

In order to trace quality initiatives through the 20^th Century to the present, we will look at several historical figures and initiatives: Frank Gilbreth, W. Edwards Deming, the Malcolm Baldrige award, Taguchi methods, the Skunk Works, Total Quality Management, ISO 9000+, Kaizen, and Six Sigma. Each has made some contribution to our current understanding, and taken all together, we can see some things we can do to make small improvements right away, without necessarily being an expert and/or hiring a squad of consultants.

Engineer, do you want to do good in the world? Then remember Samuel Florman's words:

The conscientious, effective engineer is a virtuous engineer.

For purposes of this course, we will use a definition of quality derived from the work of John Guaspari:

quality (n) – your assurances, given to customers, that their expectations for your product or service will be met.

The text that accompanies this course is Intro to Quality, edited by Ron Graham. This is a PDF, and you can receive it via e-mail during the first break in the course. If you are able to read more, the works of Deming and E. M. Goldratt are very good, though they may go into much more detail than you need to get things started.

Contents

Definitions of terms

Historical milestones

Frank Gilbreth, Sr. and Frederick W. Taylor
W. Edwards Deming and the 14 Points
The Malcolm Baldrige award
Genichi Taguchi and Taguchi methods
The Lockheed Skunk Works
Total Quality Management
ISO 9000+
Kaizen
Six Sigma
Dilbert

Overview of the science

Theory of Constraints
Design of Experiments
Statistical Process Control
TQM and scientific management
Just-in-time
QA and compliance

Sources

Note: most of these sources were gathered within the first few years after this book was first organized. This is to say that there are few entries on this list dated long after 2000. Despite the classic nature of the information in the texts listed here, I welcome suggestions for new texts – and I read them. Please feel free to make suggestions.

Deming, W. E. Out of the Crisis
Goldratt, E. M. The Goal
Rich & Janos, Skunk Works

Contact

Dr. Ron Graham is Principal of Clarity Strategic, based in the Akron, OH area.

Clarity provides among its services the following:

Social media presence, marketing, and integration with company Web site
Documentation of products, services, and processes
Development of e-books and other media for sale or public relations
Prototyping of new products and services
Development of staff, especially new employees and engineers / technical staff

Here's how you reach Ron:

phone 330.294.8000
e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Facebook http://facebook.com/ron.graham
LinkedIn http://linkedin.com/in/rongraham
Twitter http://twitter.com/rongraham1

You might like Ron's other engineering-related courses:

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