Evaluating the Gauge Repeatability and Reproducibility for Different Industries

Measurement plays a significant role in Six sigma program. Usually, the gauge repeatability and reproducibility (GR&R) study needs to be conducted prior to the process capability analysis for verifying the accuracy of measuring equipments and helping organizations improve their product and service quality. Therefore, how to ensure the quality of measurement becomes an important task for quality practitioners. In performing the GR&R study, most industries are using the acceptance criteria of Precision to Tolerance(P/T) ratio as stipulated by QS9000. However, the adequacy of applying the same acceptance criteria to different manufacturing processes is very questionable. In this paper, a statistical method using the relationship between GR&R and process capability indices is proposed for evaluating the adequacy of the acceptance criteria of P/T ratio. Finally, a comparative analysis has also been performed for evaluating the accuracy of GR&R among three methods (ANOVA, Classical GR&R, and Long Form). Hopefully, the results of this research can provide a useful reference for quality practitioners in various industries.     

Measuring process capability index <Emphasis Type="Italic">C</Emphasis><Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">pm</Emphasis></Subscript> with fuzzy data

The process capability index C _pm , which considers the process variance and departure of the process mean from the target value, is important in the manufacturing industry to measure process potential and performance. This paper extends its applications to calculate the process capability index [(C)\tilde]_pm{\tilde {C}_{pm} } of fuzzy numbers. In this paper, the α-cuts of fuzzy observations are first derived based on various values of α. The membership function of fuzzy process capability index [(C)\tilde]_pm{\tilde {C}_{pm} } is then constructed based on the α-cuts of fuzzy observations. An example is presented to demonstrate how the fuzzy process capability index [(C)\tilde]_pm{\tilde {C}_{pm} } is interpreted. When the quality characteristic cannot be precisely determined, the proposed method provides the most possible value and spread of fuzzy process capability index [(C)\tilde]_pm{\tilde {C}_{pm} }. With crisp data, the proposed method reduces to the classical method of process capability index C _pm .     

Generalized confidence intervals for the process capability index C pm

Process capability indices have been proposed to the manufacturing industry for measuring process reproduction capability. The C _pm index takes into account the degree of process targeting (centering), which essentially measures process performance based on average process loss. To properly and accurately estimate the capability index, numerous conventional approaches have been proposed to obtain lower limits of the classical confidence intervals (CLCLs) for providing process capability information. In particular, lower confidence limits (LCLs) not only provide critical information regarding process performance but are used to determine if an improvement was made in reducing the nonconforming percent and the process expected loss. However, the conventional approach lacks for exact confidence intervals for C _pm involving unknown parameters which is a notable shortcoming. To remedy this, the method of generalized confidence intervals (GCIs) is proposed as an extension of classical confidence intervals (CCIs). For evaluating practical applications, two lower limits of generalized confidence intervals (GLCLs) for C _pm using generalized pivotal quantities (GPQs) are considered, (i) to assess the minimum performance of one manufacturing process/one supplier, and (ii) to assess the smallest performance of several manufacturing processes/several suppliers for equal as well as unequal process variances.     

The communion bridge to Six Sigma and process capability indices

Six Sigma has already become an efficient improvement technique adopted by a great number of enterprises. Numbers of Sigma has become a tool of measuring process capability in some enterprises. But some of enterprises still use process capability indices (PCIs) to measure the process capability. So numbers of Sigma and PCIs both can be used to measure the process capability. The paper will research the relationship between PCIs and numbers of Sigma. In bilateral specifications, the paper will research the relationship between the PCIs which are C_p, C_pk, C_pm and C_pmk, S_pk and numbers of Sigma. In unilateral specifications, the paper will research the relationship between the PCIs which are C_pu and C_pl and numbers of Sigma. If supplier and buyer use different tools to measure the process capability, then the communion bridge to Six Sigma and PCIs can decrease the communicate noise.     

Estimating and Testing Process Precision with Presence of Gauge Measurement Errors

Process capability indices have been widely used in the manufacturing industry. Those capability indices, quantifying process potential and performance, are important for any successful quality improvement activities and quality program implementation. Because of the simplicity and easy of understanding, the precision index C_p has gained its popularity for measuring process consistency. However, the quality of data on the process characteristics relies very much on the gauge measurement. Conclusions about capability of the process just only based on the single numerical value of the index are not reliable. In this paper, we not only conduct the performance of the index C_p with gauge measurement errors, but also present adjusted confidence interval bounds and critical values for capability testing purpose of C_p with unavoidable measurement errors. Our research would help practitioners to determine whether the factory processes meet the capability requirement, and make more reliable decisions.     

Process Capability Evaluation for the Process of Product Families

Process capability analysis is a highly effective means of assessing the process ability of manufacturing product that meets specifications. A larger process capability index (PCI) implies a higher process yield, and lower expected process loss. Many PCIs have been effectively and widely used to determine whether the quality of a process meets preset targets. However, those existing PCI cannot be applied to evaluate the process capability of a process producing a product family. This work presents a novel PCI (C _pm ^T ) which takes into account all family members and obtains the probability density function for the PCI for a product family. The relationship between the PCI and process yield is described. An example is provided to demonstrate the methodology for practical application.     

A new process capability index

In this paper a new process capability index (C _pq ) has been introduced, which is easy to compute and performs well when compared with its natural competitor (C _pm ). Work done while he was Lukacs Visiting Professor on leave from the University of Maryland.     

Graphical Analysis of Capability of a Process Producing a Product Family

Statistical techniques are effective and powerful means of quantifying the variability of processes, analyzing this variability with reference to product requirements, and eliminating this variability in product manufacturing. Many process capability indices have been effectively and widely used to determine whether the quality of a process meets preset targets. However, conventional process capability indices cannot be applied to assess the entire process capability of a product family with nominal-the-best specifications. This work presents a novel process capability index (C_pp^T), which takes into account all family members. The index C_pp is a simple transformation from index C_pm, and C_pp^T provides additional, individual information concerning the accuracy and precision of a process. Vännman’s (δ, γ)-plot [Vännman and Deleryd, Quality and Reliability Engineering International 15(3): 213–217 (1999)] is revised to compare the process capabilities of family members under both 100% inspection and sampling plans. Examples are provided to demonstrate the method’s practical application.     

工业与民用建筑施工阶段的测量监理工作体会

工业与民用建筑施工所带来的测量监理相比于其他施工工程监理存在很多不同的地方,总体来说就是在保证安全和质量的前提下保证工程的顺利进行,在施工测量监理过程中,探索一种测量监理体系符合施工建设需要,在书面规划和主动控制上加以重视相信工业与民用建筑的测量监理工作并非如此棘手。     

Process capability assessment for index C pk based on bayesian approach

Process capability indices have been proposed in the manufacturing industry to provide numerical measures on process reproduction capability, which are effective tools for quality assurance and guidance for process improvement. In process capability analysis, the usual practice for testing capability indices from sample data are based on traditional distribution frequency approach. Bayesian statistical techniques are an alternative to the frequency approach. Shiau, Chiang and Hung (1999) applied Bayesian method to index C_pm and the index C_pk but under the restriction that the process mean μ equals to the midpoint of the two specification limits, m. We note that this restriction is a rather impractical assumption for most factory applications, since in this case C_pk will reduce to C_p. In this paper, we consider testing the most popular capability index C_pk for general situation – no restriction on the process mean based on Bayesian approach. The results obtained are more general and practical for real applications. We derive the posterior probability, p, for which the process under investigation is capable and propose accordingly a Bayesian procedure for capability testing. To make this Bayesian procedure practical for in-plant applications, we tabulate the minimum values of Ĉ_pk for which the posterior probability p reaches desirable confidence levels with various pre-specified capability levels.     

测量系统分析及其监控策略

本文论述了测量系统波动源分离的两种方法:测量系统分析、田口方法,构造了测量系统本身的统计过程控制图——基于方差分量控制的控制图,以达到对测量过程本身的统计过程控制目的。最后给出了综合运用测量系统分析及监控技术的策略图。     

Control Charts for One-sided Capability Indices

There are many industrial product characteristics are desired to be the bigger the best and the smaller the best. The two well-know processes capability indices C _pl and C _pu, which measure larger-the-better and smaller-the-better process capabilities. Obviously, the formulae for the two indices C _pl and C _pu are easy to understand and straightforward to apply. Thus, indices C _pl and C _pu have been utilized by a number of Japanese companies and the U.S. automotive industry by Ford Motor Company. Boyles (1991, Journal of Quality Technology. 23: 17–26) and Spring (1995, Total Quality Management 6(3): 427–438.) point out that as soon as and S control charts are in statistical control, the control charts of process capability indices can be used to monitor the quality of process. In the previous, we know that if the process is not in control, the process capability index control chart can be used to monitor the differences of process capability, and as soon as the process is in control the stable process capability can be identified. Therefore, process capability index control chart not only can be used to monitor the stability of process’s quality but also can be used to monitor the quality of process. Since Boyles (1991, Journal of Quality Technology 23: 17–26.) and Spiring (1995, Total Quality Management 6(1): 21–33.) had had research about control chart of the bilateral specification index C _pm., but there are many kinds of products, which meet unilateral quality specification. Therefore, we will construct the control chart of unilateral specification index C _pl and C _pu to monitor and evaluate the stability of process and process capability.     

The (mis)measurement of M&A performance—A systematic narrative literature review

This paper seeks to further the understanding of the variety of meanings M&A scholars attach to the label “M&A performance” by providing an alternative way to interpret the claimed inconsistency of M&A research findings. While many scholars contend that the problem stems from the multiplicity of M&A performance measures, we believe the problem rests in trying to compare different measures as if they were measuring the same feature of the organization. Through our narrative review of empirical research we analyze factors shaping the M&A – as well as the organizational – performance measurement process. The conclusion is that it is not possible to talk about M&A performance as if it was a universal construct.     

供水企业导入ISO9000质量管理体系的探讨

ISO9000质量管理体系为各类组织的质量管理提供了理论基础和应用方法。文章分析了我国供水企业的产品质量现状,讨论了供水企业导入ISO9000质量管理体系的必要性和可行性,并提供了供水企业导入ISO9000质量管理体系的途径和步骤。     

Are innovation and R&D the only sources of firms’ knowledge that increase productivity? An empirical investigation of French manufacturing firms

The economic literature presents knowledge accumulation as one of the most important characteristics of innovation. The accumulation of knowledge arises from complex and dynamic interactions between a firm??s own internal capacity and external expertise. Research and development (R&D) remains important in the innovation process, but it must be integrated with knowledge from other sources, such as training and knowledge capitalization. This paper investigates the relationship between such knowledge sources and the productivity of French firms. Using asymptotic least squares, a Cobb-Douglas function including R&D, innovation, training expenditure and ISO 9000 certification is estimated for 1,213 French manufacturing firms. Our results show that innovation, training and ISO 9000 certification have a positive and significant impact on firms?? productivity.     

森林生物多样性价值会计确认与计量研究

森林生物多样性价值传统会计从未进行核算,其确认与计量成为会计核算中亟待解决的难题。本文在分析森林生物多样性资产特殊性基础上,从会计角度得出森林生物多样性资产及其所产生的生态效益符合会计要素确认条件;森林生物多样性价值会计计量尺度应采用货币计量和非货币计量两种形式,计量属性可采用“历史成本 公允价值”的模式的结论。     

基于ISO9000标准的中小企业组织管理体系研究

随着全球经济一体化的发展和ISO9000标准在我国的普及 ,推行ISO9000标准并借鉴其管理思想建立现代组织管理体系成为我国中小企业规范管理手段、提高管理水平的一个契机。本文在对ISO9000标准和我国中小企业的特点进行分析的基础上 ,提出在中小企业建立面向流程的组织管理体系 ,并就体系的具体实施提出了几点建议。     

贯彻ISO9000标准 提高质量管理水平

就ＩＳＯ９０００标准提出的质量体系２０个要素，阐述通过强调文件化的质量体系、预防为主的思想、自我改进、过程质量的控制，进而实现全员、全部门、全过程综合的质量管理。指出企业贯彻ＩＳＯ９０００标准，是提高质量管理水平的必由之路。     

In search of alliance-level relational capabilities: Balancing innovation value creation and appropriability in R&D alliances

In order to advance our knowledge of alliance-level relational capabilities, this paper investigates how searching across different knowledge domains affects both innovation value creation and appropriability in R&D alliances. Focusing on the alliance level of analysis, we advance that, in R&D strategic alliances, search span has a curvilinear (inverted U-shape) relationship with value creation and a positive relationship with value appropriability. Our analysis on a sample of 1515 interfirm dyadic R&D alliances confirms these hypotheses. We find that, after a threshold level of search span, joint value creation decreases. Conversely, the allied firms’ ability to appropriate the value of their jointly developed inventions grows exponentially as the alliance search span increases. Thus, value creation and appropriability may have conflicting exigencies. We argue that firms involved in R&D strategic alliances should develop the interorganizational relational capability to jointly manage the process of search that occurs at the interorganizational level, and specifically the span of their search, in ways that balance the needs of value creation and appropriability.     

测量系统和测量方法的准确度标准体系

高度准确的测量结果在各行各业中都是非常重要的,没有准确的测量,产品质量就无从谈起。欲保证测量结果的高度准确,必须对测量系统进行分析,本文侧重用统计技术对测量系统进行分析,并提出了在哪些方面应该制定国家标准,用标准来规范测量系统。