Abstract

[This abstract is based on the author's abstract.] Statistical process control (SPC) is used to monitor and improve manufacturing and service operations. Arguments concerning the theory and application of the methods are common and intense. Some of the controversies and issues that are debated concern the relationship between hypothesis testing and control charting, the role of theory and the modeling of the control chart performance, the relative merits of competing methods, the relevance of research on SPC and the relevance of SPC itself. A resolution of some disagreements is presented in order to improve communications between practitioners and researchers.