Back to Basics
2003
Column: Back to Basics: Collecting Data for Root Cause Analysis
Collecting Data for Root Cause Analysis by James J. Rooney and Lee N. Vanden Heuvel actual evidence derived from data gathering activities is the basis for all valid conclusions and recommendations from a root cause analysis. Management can analyze the ...
Column: Back to Basics: To Find the Root Cause, That's Why
Quality professionals often use tree diagrams to solve problems or implement solutions. Another tool, the why-why diagram, uses a similar approach to determine the root cause of a problem.1 A why-why diagram says, "Slow down. Before we find a solution,...
Column: Back to Basics: Using the NOIR Matrix
With the proliferation of statistical software packages, it is easy to choose the wrong statistical analysis methods for the variable being analyzed. The NOIR matrix (Nominal, Ordinal, Interval, Ratio) will help you avoid these mistakes. Many authors...
Column: Back to Basics: Process Improvement
Even minor changes can make an impact
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After her first attempt to lead a process-improvement team failed to yield workable strategies, the author used an example from her...
Column: Back to Basics: QFD Explained
Quality function deployment (QFD), often referred to as listening to the voice of the customer, is a structured method for translating customer requirements into appropriate technical requirements for each stage of product development and production....
A Simple Process Map
This approach will help you easily identify areas for improvement
Traditional organizations built on functional lines suffer from a silo syndrome. Each function or department acts like a silo whose output is tossed over the wall to the next function....
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