As stated in their Preface, the authors present an algorithm designed to solve chronic problems on existing high- to medium-volume manufacturing and assembly processes. Their approach is based on extensive consulting experience, much of it through the Institute for Improvement in Quality and Productivity at the University of Waterloo (see http://www.iiqp.uwaterloo.ca/). The overall framework of the algorithm, to be implemented by small teams, is Question-Plan-Data-Analysis-Conclusions (QPDAC). similar in concept to the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle or the Defme-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control (DMAIC) approach used in Six-Sigma programs. The authors' more focused algorithm, however, has some unique features as discussed below. The target audience includes those involved in process improvement in manufacturing, those in Six-Sigma programs, trainers for process improvement methods, and teachers and students of courses in engineering statistics.
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