Having access to an online game simulator is quite useful in teaching various aspects of statistics. We will look at three in order of complexity: a basic projectile simulator, a catapult and the trebuchet. While using an online simulator loses the hands-on aspect and the associated errors, it relieves us of having to have the [...]
What assumptions must be met to use a standard control chart? What should you do if one or more are not satisfied? We will focus on the Individual’s Control Chart. Three requirements must be met. Independence Normality Subgroup size (n = 1) Independence Independence occurs when the position of one data point does not influence [...]
Use a Yamazumi Chart to highlight the three broad types of process deficiencies to improve in Lean: Muda (Waste), Mura (Unevenness), and Muri (Overburden). Yamazumi is a Japanese word translated as huge mound, heap, or pile. A Yamazumi chart is simply a stacked bar graph. But by plotting process cycle time by process steps and [...]
Data transformations are useful and necessary in some statistical applications. We will discuss one of the most famous ones, the Box-Cox transformation. We will use two of the most often used software programs for Six Sigma analysis: SigmaXL and Minitab to implement the Box-Cox Transformation. First, let’s briefly remind you of why a transformation is [...]
Learn how Six Sigma is used in the wine-making business. At the Six Sigma Ranch, Kaj Ahlmann, former Exective Vice President and director of GE Capital Services, owner of Six Sigma Ranch, and currently Managing Director and Chairman of the Global Advisory Council for insurance at Deutsche Bank, uses Six Sigma principles to produce great [...]
We’ve heard a lot about the Plan/Do/Check/Act (PDCA) and the Plan/Do/Study/Act (PDSA) Cycles. What are they? Are they different? Are they related? We will first hear from two experts: The first, explaining PDCA and the second, explaining PDSA. Then we’ll explore the history, differences, and relationship via an important paper that includes W.W. Edwards Deming’s [...]
Machine learning is mentioned frequently in the media. How is it different from classical statistics? How is it similar? We found it best to learn about this from Brian Caffo, a Ph.D. in statistics who also has expertise in computing algorithms. Brian is a professor of biostatistics at John Hopkins University. Brian uses both machine [...]
Visual Management. What is it? Why use it? Examples. Do’s and Don’t’s. To address these, we first hear from two experts giving their take on visual management. Then we’ll get information on why visual management boards fail and finish with a look at what a professional visual management company has to say. Craig Otto, Production Support [...]
Lean and Six Sigma projects all have potential risks that may derail or impact the project in other ways: scope, time, and/or cost. Project risk management provides approaches and tools to mitigate such risks. Project risk management is a rich and sometimes complex subject. However, there are simpler tools that are idea for small to [...]
Predictive Maintenance is used to assess the state of operating equipment, materials, or other items in order to determine when maintenance is necessary. Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Statistical Methods are helpful in making the predictions in order to prevent more costly breakdowns later. Ryan Chan, CEO at Upkeep Maintenance Management, discusses Predictive Maintenance. “Predictive [...]
