ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to present an overview of the basic concepts in quality engineering techniques both statistical and non-statistical. Reviewing statistical techniques, the chapter explains the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques. A review is also provided of a previous functional model for effective employment of statistical techniques in a quality management system. And while the triple aspects of continuous improvement; namely, productivity, sustainability, and added value are explained, they are elaborated in more detail and emphasized. These three concepts are discussed along with important factors that have influence on them. Chapter 1 is designated to meet the needs of the general reader who desires to have a basic familiarity with the techniques in quality engineering techniques. Even so, it provides the reader with a useful perspective by introducing the relationship between quality engineering techniques and productivity, sustainability, and added value concepts through industrial sections. Also, given in this chapter are requisite assumptions to help readers follow other chapters in the book.
