Methods for Quality and Productivity Improvement

The need for higher quality products necessitates the use of methods to increase such quality and improve productivity. The most significant contribution to improving product quality during the past decade is attributable to a basic change in attitude regarding quality by the American industry. There are many methods that can be used to evaluate quality and improve productivity. This research report examines some of the methods for quality and productivity improvement. Methods presented include Statistical Process Control, Pareto Analysis, Taguchi Techniques, Total Quality Concept, and ergonomic attributes of work environment for improved operator performance. The report also presents some ~xamples and case studies that demonstrate the application of such methods