ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book presents the basic statistics that form the foundation for effective design of experiments (DOE). It introduces more powerful tools for the statistical analysis. The book explains how to use the primary tool for DOE: two-level factorials. These designs are excellent for screening many factors to identify the vital few. Furthermore, two-level factorials are incredibly efficient, producing maximum information with a minimum of runs. Many general statistical packages offer DOE on mainframe or personal computers. The book provides more general factorial tools, which can accommodate any number of levels or categories. It presents a process for planning experiment designs that takes statistical power into account. The book also provides a workaround for factors that experimenters find difficult to change in random fashion.
