1st Edition

Mastering Statistical Process Control

By Tim Stapenhurst Copyright 2005
    496 Pages
    by Routledge

    496 Pages
    by Routledge

    Mastering Statistical Process Control shows how to understand business or process performance more clearly and more effectively. This practical book is based on a rich and varied selection of case studies from across industry and commerce, including material from the manufacturing, extractive and service sectors. It will enable readers to understand how SPC can be used to maximum effect, and will deliver more effective monitoring, control and improvement in systems, processes and management.

    The common obstacle to successful use of SPC is getting bogged down with control charts, forgetting that visual representation of data is but a tool and not an end in itself. Mastering SPC demonstrates how statistical tools are applied and used in reality. This is a book that will open up the power of SPC for many: managers, quality professionals, engineers and analysts, as well as students, will welcome the clarity and explanation that it brings to understanding the use and benefit of SPC in a wide range of engineering, production and service situations.

    Key case studies include using SPC to:
    · Measure quality and human factors
    · Monitor process performance accurately over long periods
    · Develop best-practice benchmarks using control charts
    · Maximise profitability of fixed assets
    · Improve customer service and satisfaction

    Part 1: Using & interpreting control charts; The old way: how & why moving averages mislead management; Part 2: Case Studies: Accounting for human error; Measuring quality & human factors; Measuring process performance accurately; Application of control charts to benchmarking; Coping with trends; Two metrics on the same chart; Analysing production data; Celto-Styrocell case study; Training analysis using SPC; Using charts to maximise usage; Analysis of incidents; Exam results; Teaching how to draw control charts; Plotting the results of consecutive phases on a single chart; Budget vs actual plotting; Using charts to improve customer service; Estimating the cost of poor performance; Methods of sampling in complex systems; SPC in context: SPC, Six Sigma & Quality Management; Part 3: The Basics of SPC; Constructing charts; Interpreting charts; Examples & exercises

    Biography

    Tim Stapenhurst

    ‘Mr. Stapenhurst has provided our field with a much needed, refreshing treatment of SPC. This book is a welcome contribution to the field of business improvement and quality management.’

    Joseph A. De Feo, President & CEO, Juran Institute Inc.

    "Tim Stapenhurst brings together a fascinating range of practical examples of SPC, dispelling the myth that SPC is only for 'eggheads', engineers and statisticians, whilst providing an excellent reference for the quality professional. SPC is the managers' key to understanding the processes that make up their business. It unlocks process improvements and provides a gateway to quality."

    Nick Baxter, founder and CEO of Cornerstone Community Care, and award-winning social entrepreneur