SPC Simplified: Practical Steps to Quality [Paperback]

Robert T. Amsden (Author), Davida M. Amsden (Author), Howard E. Butler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0527763403 | ISBN-13: 978-0527763404 | Edition: 2

Written in clear language, this hands-on manual simplifies the essentials for monitoring, analyzing, and improving quality. While the authors employ statistical tools, these are rooted in practical examples, which require only basic math skills. The book explains how to set up and use variable and attribute control charts, as well as analyze frequency histograms, and evaluate machine and process capability. New sections cover such problem-solving tools as checksheets, flow charts, and scatter diagrams. The final module examines how SPC tools are used in organizations committed to continuous improvement. Practice problems are included at the end of each module.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Davida M. Amsden is a private consultant/educator in the areas of SPC, total quality systems, just-in-time manufacturing, and participative management.

Howard E. Butler is the owner of Quality Control Services Company. Previously, he worked at General Motors Corporation developing and managing quality management systems.

Robert T. Amsden is an associate professor of decision sciences at the University of Dayton.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Productivity Press; 2 edition (October 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0527763403
• ISBN-13: 978-0527763404
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 8.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #477,807 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Makes SPC easy and accessible to anyone, February 18, 2001

By 

Mike Tarrani "www.tarrani.com" (Deltona, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: SPC Simplified: Practical Steps to Quality (Paperback)

SPC is one of the most powerful tools available to any organization or workgroup that wants to implement continuous improvement. Unfortunately, it is not widely used outside of manufacturing or companies that are committed to quality. One of the reasons is that is perceived to be difficult to learn. This wonderful book changes that by introducing statistical process controls in a clear, gentle manner.

The book is divided into modules, each of which builds upon the preceding one, and can be used as a training text or as a self-study guide. The first module covers the basics: causes of variation, tools (historgrams, control charts, variable and attribute charts).

Modules 3 and 4 go deeper into the tools, explaining why you would use them, how to use them and how to interpret them. This is the heart of the book.

Machine and process capability, the subject of module 5, can be applied beyond the shop floor. For example, I work as an information technology consultant and was able to apply the knowledge from this module to project estimation and controls, service level measurement and quality assurance processes. This information is also applicable to other areas and will be useful to anyone who works at a company registered as ISO-9000.

Module 5 covers all of the common quality problem-solving tools ranging from brainstorming to scatter diagrams. IT consultants and practitioners will find the sections on cause and effect diagrams and Pareto analysis useful for process improvement for defect identification and removal, and other related objectives.

Elements of a TQM system covered in module 8 may have been better placed in module 1, but it is thorough and a good starting point for anyone who is new to quality.

This book finishes with a module that provides the answers and solutions to practice problems from the preceding modules, which underscores its value as a class test or self-study guide.

I recommend this book to associates who either have never heard of SPC (and there are a lot of them) or think it is beyond their ability to grasp. It is impossible to have a viable, effective program of continuous improvement without SPC. The authors have done a remarkable job of writing a book that lives up to its title by simplifying SPC. As such they have made an important contribution to quality by making this effective tool available to anyone who will take the time to read the book and apply what they learn.

24 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical guide that you can put into action right away., October 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: SPC Simplified: Practical Steps to Quality (Paperback)

SPC Simplified came along at just the right time. I needed help developing statistical analysis that I could interpret to upper management. I used this text to assist me in constructing my first run charts, variance analysis, error analysis, root cause analysis, brainstorming session and my first Process Cause and Effect Analysis. Great job. A good buy for anyone in Performance Improvement.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Control charts and Six Sigma 101, May 23, 2010

By 

M. Maloney (Central MO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: SPC Simplified: Practical Steps to Quality (Paperback)

I was fortunate enough to get to go to Six Sigma Black Belt training lately and better yet, had a great teacher. However, I was not aware of how much I wasn't prepared for the class until I got there. This book certainly explains standard deviation, control charts, capability, etc. in a simple and easy to understand way. More importantly, it shows you the Deming way of doing these things to learn them...by hand and not computer. I believe this will put it in your brain and keep it there. The book has a small section of workable problems at the end of each chapter to help you learn what is being explained, very helpful indeed.
I recommend this book for anyone struggling to understand basic quality principles and process improvement principles. It helps you to collect data, calculate the data, plot the data and analyze the data.
I believe it is also a great teachers manual to help explain things in a way that will be easy to show others. We have a tendency to forget how difficult things are to understand after we understand them. This book can help you teach others with simple examples and good explanations.
Beware, this book and its content can be addicting!