Institute for Improvement in Quality & Productivity, Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

2002-06-06

G3.33 (G block, 3rd floor)

Statistical Engineering (SE), or Shainin methods, is the name given to a problem solving and quality improvement system widely used and promoted in industry. Much of the SE methodology, however, is not well-documented and discussed in peer-reviewed journals. The goal of this seminar is to provide an overview and critical assessment of the SE methods. The emphasis is on discussion of the guiding philosophy and principles. The general philosophy is compared and contrasted with some other quality improvement systems. The overall SE problem solving approach is found to be very valuable for many types of problems. However, many of the specific tools promoted in conjunction with the SE approach are not novel, or necessarily the best.