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Gauging Gage Part 3: How to Sample Parts
In Parts 1 and 2 of Gauging Gage we looked at the numbers of parts, operators, and replicates used in a Gage R&R Study and how accurately we could estimate %Contribution based on the choice for...
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R-Squared: Sometimes, a Square is just a Square
If you regularly perform regression analysis, you know that R2 is a statistic used to evaluate the fit of your model. You may even know the standard definition of R2: the percentage of variation in the...
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Statistical Fun … at the Grocery Store?
Grocery shopping. For some, it's the most dreaded household activity. For others, it's fun, or perhaps just a “necessary evil.”Personally, I enjoy it! My co-worker, Ginger, a content manager here at...
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What Do Ventilated Shelf Installation and Measurement Systems Analysis Have...
Have you ever tried to install ventilated shelving in a closet? You know: the heavy-duty, white- or gray-colored vinyl-coated wire shelving? The one that allows you to get organized, more efficient...
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Do Executives See the Impact of Quality Projects?
Do your executives see how your quality initiatives affect the bottom line? Perhaps they would more often if they had accessible insights on the performance, and ultimately the overall impact, of...
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How Could You Benefit from Between / Within Control Charts?
Choosing the right type of subgroup in a control chart is crucial. In a rational subgroup, the variability within a subgroup should encompass common causes, random, short-term variability and represent...
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Understanding Monte Carlo Simulation with an Example
As someone who has collected and analyzed real data for a living, the idea of using simulated data for a Monte Carlo simulation sounds a bit odd. How can you improve a real product with simulated data?...
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Making the World a Little Brighter with Monte Carlo Simulation
If you have a process that isn’t meeting specifications, using the Monte Carlo simulation and optimization tool in Companion by Minitab can help. Here’s how you, as a chemical technician for a paper...
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Understanding Qualitative, Quantitative, Attribute, Discrete, and Continuous...
"Data! Data! Data! I can't make bricks without clay." — Sherlock Holmes, in Arthur Conan Doyle's The Adventure of the Copper BeechesWhether you're the world's greatest detective trying to crack a case...
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Using a Value Stream Map to Find and Slay the Dragons of Process Waste
In ancient times dragons were believed to be set by the gods to guard golden treasures. This is because dragons were the most fearsome creatures and would deter would-be thieves. Dragons typically...
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For Want of an FMEA, the Empire Fell
by Matthew Barsalou, guest bloggerFor want of a nail the shoe was lost,For want of a shoe the horse was lost,For want of a horse the rider was lostFor want of a rider the battle was lostFor want of a...
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How Can a Similar P-Value Mean Different Things?
One highlight of writing for and editing the Minitab Blog is the opportunity to read your responses and answer your questions. Sometimes, to my chagrin, you point out that we've made a mistake....
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Reducing the Phone Bill with Statistical Analysis
One of the most memorable presentations at the inaugural Minitab Insights conference reminded me that data analysis and quality improvement methods aren't only useful in our work and businesses: they...
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A New Spin on the "Stand in a Circle" Exercise (Part 1)
In the mid 1940s, Taiichi Ohno established the Toyota Production System, which is primarily based on eliminating non-value-added waste. He discovered that by reducing waste and inventory levels,...
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Control Your Control Chart!
As a member of Minitab's Technical Support team, I get the opportunity to work with many people creating control charts. They know the importance of monitoring their processes with control charts, but...
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A New Spin on the "Stand in a Circle” Exercise (Part 2)
In Part 1 of my A New Spin on the "Stand in a Circle" Exercise blog, I described how Taiichi Ohno, the creator of the Toyota Production System, used the “Stand in a Circle” exercise to help managers...
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Methods and Formulas: How Are I-MR Chart Control Limits Calculated?
Users often contact Minitab technical support to ask how the software calculates the control limits on control charts.A frequently asked question is how the control limits are calculated on an I-MR...
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Submitting an A+ Presentation Abstract, Even About Statistics
For the majority of my career, I've had the opportunity to speak at conferences and other events somewhat regularly. I thought some of my talks were pretty good, and some were not so good (based on...
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5 Conditions that Could Put Your Quality Program on the Chopping Block
By some estimates, up to 70 percent of quality initiatives fail. Why do so many of improvement programs, which are championed and staffed by smart, dedicated people, ultimately end up on the chopping...
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Monitoring Rare Events with G Charts
Rare events inherently occur in all kinds of processes. In hospitals, there are medication errors, infections, patient falls, ventilator-associated pneumonias, and other rare, adverse events that cause...
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