DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

MET 641

FALL SEMESTER 1999

Instructor: Dr. Aaron K. Ball Office: 210 Elm, ABTCC

Telephone: 258 - 3941 (Asheville) 227-2165 (Cullowhee)

Fax: 258 - 3941 (Asheville) 227-7705 (Cullowhee)

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Study of the techniques used in managing the quality function of industry for maximizing consumer satisfaction and controlling costs. The emphasis on the practical use of statistics will be interpretation and analysis of data relative to quality assurance. The focus will be on quality systems and decision making for continuous quality improvement.

PRE-REQUISITES: An undergraduate course in statistics and quality control and IET 603.

REQUIRED TEXT: The Management and Control of Quality by Evans and Lindsay.

REQUIRED MATERIALS: 1. Computer with MS Excel & Internet access

2. Notebook.

3. Two 1.44 meg floppy's.

COURSE PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this course is to provide an opportunity for students to gain a working knowledge of quality systems and systematic methods for assurance of meeting quality goals. Specifically, the course will provide students with an opportunity to attain the following objectives:

I. Gain an understanding of the theoretical basis for quality assurance by:

A. Studying the historical development of quality management and control;

C. Studying quality assurance models and components of the models;

1. Implementing statistical tools for assessment of quality assurance goals;

2. Observe quality in practice through:

1. Reviewing actual case studies;
2. Field observations;
3. Interviews with quality professionals.

2. Develop a quality assurance application plan for an organization.

EVALUATION: Each student will be evaluated on four major areas of performance. These areas and percentages of the total grade are shown below:

A ten point grading system will be in effect:

A = 90 - 100

B = 80 - 89

C = 70 - 79

F = 69 and below.

PROJECTS: A personal quality assurance plan will be developed by each student. The purpose of this "mini" project is to implement quality methods for an activity that you have control over. The goal is to develop a working model to bring about a positive change in personal behavior. Implementation of the plan will include measurement of attributes and variables and monitoring the effectiveness of the developed plan during the course of the semester. Additionally, each student or "team" (two students maximum) must complete an applied QUALITY ASSURANCE project. This project will be completed throughout the semester. A preliminary proposal must be submitted for instructor approval by week 4, and a formal presentation the last week of class. The project will be 30 percent of your total grade. Professional development and presentation is expected. A format guide for writing the final report will be determined by the organization or appropriate accepted standards.

PROBLEM SETS: Case studies and problems sets will be assigned during the course. The purpose of these assignments is to gather information, conduct analyses, and present findings to the class.

A written summary is required. All case studies, problem sets and journal reviews, and field visit summaries must be kept in a notebook. The instructor will conduct periodic review.

The following format should be used:

1. Statement of the Problem (in plain English); e.g. What is the PURPOSE?[ 10 points]

2. II. Statement of objectives [15 points]

IV. Presentation of Results; [ 25 points]

V. Major Findings and summary. [ 25 points]

VI. Appendices (Supporting data, references, pertinent documentation).

NOTE: Late work is unacceptable.

NOTES ON ASSIGNMENT 1: Conduct a quality assurance evaluation of a prior work place and develop a written summary addressing the following:

1. Describe the "product(s)";
2. Describe the customers (all stages);
3. Develop a cause and effect diagram (e.g. fishbone chart);
4. Develop a flow diagram showing processing stages and "value" added;
5. Identify how quality is measured/monitored;
6. Identify ways for Quality Improvement.

Visit the Malcomb Baldrige Award Site. Determine the following:

1. What is the purpose of the award?
2. What is the award criteria framework?
3. Who were recent recipients of the award?

Develop an outline for a personal quality assurance plan to change

One major behavior. Identify the inputs, the "customers" and develop a cause and effect diagram.