ABSTRACT
The first section concentrates on the concept of continuous improvement in industry, and management strategies for facilitating this ideal are discussed. Subsequent chapters demonstrates how statistical analysis is an essential part of these strategies. Is the process stable? Is the process capable of meeting the specification? Components of variance alaysis can be used to identify how best to reduce variability. Statistical quality control charts can be used to monitor the process. Reliability analysis for individual .components, typically using highly accelerated lifetime testing (HALT), is discussed. The Weibull model is introduced, and fitted to censored data using graphical methods Acceptance sampling is covered, in the context of aiming the ideal of a few reliable suppliers is . The chapter leads to the design of experiments for improving processes. The experiments “Weibull analysis of cycles to failure” and “Control or tamper” complement the material of this chapter. The chapter ends with: a summary of: notation used; the main results, MATLAB and R syntax; and exercises.
