January 2009 Issue
Building From the Basics
Kaoru Ishikawa believed there were seven basic tools of quality that could be used to solve 95% of a company's problems. Get reacquainted with these essential tools to overcome your challenges and make a difference.
by James J. Rooney, T.M Kubiak, Russ Westcott, R. Dan Reid, Keith Wagoner, Peter E. Pylipow and Paul Plsek
Process Capability
Calculated Decision
There's a different way to transform non-normal data when you're verifying process control and calculating process capability.
ISO 9001
ISO-lating the Problem
Two healthcare organizations pursued ISO 9001:2000 certification, and not just to hang the certificate on the wall. The standard's requirements provided structure and guided them in building an effective quality management system.
Teams
Contacts That Count
A healthcare provider reached for lean Six Sigma tools to evaluate the way it was reaching its customers. The result? The organization dramatically improved customer interactions and saved $3.3 million.
Perspectives
Adapting to Troubled Times
In a challenging economic climate, versatility is crucial for quality professionals to help their companies navigate through the storm.
As economic pressures get more intense every day, QP editors want to know how the current climate has impacted your company. Let us know what you’re doing to survive … and even thrive.
ASQ Lean Six Sigma Conference
Mar. 2–3 | Phoenix, AZ
Call Mark Olsen at 800-248-1046 or e-mail molson@asq.org.
21st Annual ASQ Quality Management Conference
Mar. 5–6 | Irvine, CA
Call David Little at 717-810-3741 or e-mail dmlittle@tycoelectronics.com.
ASQ members exchange comments, suggestions, questions and ideas inspired by articles or letters in Quality Progress.
