Statistical Quality Control MATH 4491

Upon successful completion, the student will be able to:

• Explain common quality control acronyms.
• Prepare a complete statistical description of sampled data including the calculation of appropriate measures of central tendency and variation and construction of a histogram.
• Use the problem-solving strategies of brainstorming, flowcharting, Pareto and cause and effect (CE, fishbone) diagrams to focus efforts on the improvement of process stability and/or capability. (These concepts are covered in OPMT 1182).
• Solve problems requiring the basic rules of probability including the addition and multiplicative laws.
• Distinguish between discrete and continuous probability distribution models.
• Use the appropriate model (hypergeometric, binomial or Poisson) to solve typical industrial sampling problems.
• Illustrate the use of hypothesis testing in the context of proportions using six identifiable steps.
• Distinguish between Type I and Type II errors as they relate to:
• Hypothesis testing
• Sampling plans (producer versus consumer risk)
• Control charts (falsely looking for trouble versus failing to detect trouble).
• Use the normal probability distribution to solve applications involving out of specification product, warranties and as an approximation to the discrete probability models.
• Construct an operating characteristic curve (OC) for a given sample size and acceptance number.
• Retrieve and verify requested information contained within the Mil-Std-105E attribute sampling plans.
• Apply the Central Limit Theorem to problems involving the sampling distribution of the sampling means (e.g., x-bar control charts).
• Distinguish between process control and process capability.
• Discuss the important preliminary considerations prior to the establishment of control charts.
• Calculate Shewhart (standard x-bar and range) control chart limits.
• Construct x-bar and range charts.
• Distinguish between common and assignable cause variation when analyzing control charts.
• Analyze Shewhart charts (standard control charts) for non-random patterns (using Western Electric Rules) and bring into a state of control.
• Interpret process capability indices (Cp, Cpk, Cr) in terms of the situation.
• Use software to create histograms and to construct and interpret control charts of various types.
• Meet most of the statistical requirements of the American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Technician (CQT) Program and many of the statistical requirements of the ASQ Certified Quality Engineer's Program. (Certification requires at least a 2-year work experience component before the examination can be taken.)
• Adapt quickly to an existing quality program and be a competent team player within such a program.

Effective as of Fall 2003