Statistical Thinking. Improving Business Performance

Unique coverage of manufacturing management techniques–complete with cases and real-world examples. Improving Production with Lean Thinking picks up where other references on production processes leave off. It is increasingly important to integrate and systematize lean thinking throughout production/manufacturing and the supply chain because the market is becoming more competitive, products are becoming more complex, and product life is getting shorter and shorter. With a practical focus, this book encompasses the science and analytical background for improving manufacturing, control, and design. It covers specific methodologies and tools for: * Material flow and facilities layout, including a six step layout design process * The design of cellular layouts * Analyzing and improving equipment efficiency, including Poka-Yoke, motion study, maintenance, SMED, and more * Environmental improvements, including 5S implementation With real-life case studies of successful European and American approaches to lean manufacturing, this reference is ideal for engineers, managers, and researchers in manufacturing and production facilities as well as students. It bridges the gap between production/manufacturing and supply chain techniques and provides a detailed roadmap to improved factory performance.

This book is an introductory book on improving the quality of a process or a system, primarily through the technique of statistical process control (SPC). There are numerous technical manuals available for SPC, but this book differs in two ways: (1) the basic tools of SPC are introduced in a no-nonsense, simple, non-math manner, and (2) the methods can be learned and practiced in an uncomplicated fashion using free software (eZ SPC 2.0), which is available to all readers online as a downloadable product. The book explains QC7 Tools, control charts, and statistical analysis including basic design of experiments. Theoretical explanations of the analytical methods are avoided; instead, results are interpreted through the use of the software.

Written by a well-known lecturer and consultant to the pharmaceutical industry, this book focuses on the pharmaceutical non-statistician working within a very strict regulatory environment. Statistical Thinking for Clinical Trials in Drug Regulation presents the concepts and statistical thinking behind medical studies with a direct connection to the regulatory environment so that readers can be clear where the statistical methodology fits in with industry requirements. Pharmaceutical-related examples are used throughout to set the information in context. As a result, this book provides a detailed overview of the statistical aspects of the design, conduct, analysis and presentation of data from clinical trials within drug regulation. Statistical Thinking for Clinical Trials in Drug Regulation: Assists pharmaceutical personnel in communicating effectively with statisticians using statistical language Improves the ability to read and understand statistical methodology in papers and reports and to critically appraise that methodology Helps to understand the statistical aspects of the regulatory framework better quoting extensively from regulatory guidelines issued by the EMEA (European Medicines Evaluation Agency), ICH (International Committee on Harmonization and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration)

Statistical Thinking for Non-Statisticians in Drug Regulation, Second Edition, is a need-to-know guide to understanding statistical methodology, statistical data and results within drug development and clinical trials. It provides non-statisticians working in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries with an accessible introduction to the knowledge they need when working with statistical information and communicating with statisticians. It covers the statistical aspects of design, conduct, analysis and presentation of data from clinical trials in drug regulation and improves the ability to read, understand and critically appraise statistical methodology in papers and reports. As such, it is directly concerned with the day-to-day practice and the regulatory requirements of drug development and clinical trials. Fully conversant with current regulatory requirements, this second edition includes five new chapters covering Bayesian statistics, adaptive designs, observational studies, methods for safety analysis and monitoring and statistics for diagnosis. Authored by a respected lecturer and consultant to the pharmaceutical industry, Statistical Thinking for Non-Statisticians in Drug Regulation is an ideal guide for physicians, clinical research scientists, managers and associates, data managers, medical writers, regulatory personnel and for all non-statisticians working and learning within the pharmaceutical industry.

Praise For Business Process Mapping: Improving Customer Satisfaction, Second Edition «A must-read for anyone performing business process mapping! This treasure shares step-by-stepapproaches and critical success factors, based on years of practical, customer-focused experience.A real winner!» —Timothy R. Holmes, CPA former General Auditor, American Red Cross «Paulette and Mike make extensive use of anecdotes and real-life examples to bring alive the topic ofbusiness process mapping. From the outset, this book will engage you and draw you into the worldof business process mapping. Who would have thought that reading about business process mapping could make you smile? Well, Mike and Paulette can make it happen! Within each chapter, theauthors provide detailed examples and exhibits used to document a process. Each chapter also includes a 'Recap' and 'Key Analysis Points' which enable the reader to distill the highlights of the chapter.» —Barbara J. Muller, CPA, CFE, Senior Lecturer, School of Accountancy W. P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University «Keller and Jacka cut through the drudgery of process mapping with a path-breaking approach thatenables the reader to better understand processes, how they work and how they work together toward successful achievement of business objectives. With great style and flair, this book will provide youwith a different way of thinking and new tools to assist you in process analysis and improvement. This book is a must-read for auditors, risk managers, quality improvement management, and businessprocess engineers.» —Dean Bahrman, VP and Internal Audit Director (Retired) Global Financial Services Companies «Mike Jacka and Paulette Keller show their expertise with the application of business process mappingin increasing customer service and satisfaction in this updated and expanded edition of this popular book. With clear, practical examples and applications, this book shows the writing talents of bothauthors, and it will be used over and over by those from all lines of industries and professions. Kudos for a job well done!» —Joan Pastor, PhD, Founding Partner, Licensed Industrial-Organizational Psychologist JPA International, Inc., Beverly Hills, California

This book covers all the latest advances, as well as more established methods, in the application of statistical and optimisation methods within modern industry. These include applications from a range of industries that include micro-electronics, chemical, automotive, engineering, food, component assembly, household goods and plastics. Methods range from basic graphical approaches to generalised modelling, from designed experiments to process control. Solutions cover produce and process design, through manufacture to packaging and delivery, from single responses to multivariate problems.

Human Factors Methods for Improving Performance in the Process Industries provides guidance for managers and plant engineering staff on specific, practical techniques and tools for addressing forty different human factors issues impacting process safety. Human factors incidents can result in injury and death, damage to the environment, fines, and business losses due to ruined batches, off-spec products, unplanned shutdowns, and other adverse effects. Prevention of these incidents increases productivity and profits. Complete with examples, case histories, techniques, and implementation methodologies, Human Factors Methods for Improving Performance in the Process Industries helps managers and engineering staff design and execute an efficient program. Organized for topical reference, the book includes: An overview on implementing a human factors program at the corporate level or the plant level, covering the business value, developing a program to meet specific needs, improving existing systems, roles and responsibilities, measures of performance, and more Summaries of forty different human factors relating to process safety, with a description of the tools, a practical example with graphics and visual aids, and additional resources Information on addressing the OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) requirement for conducting human factors reviews in process hazard analyses (PHAs) A CD-ROM with a color version of the book Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

Collaboration between nonprofits and businesses is a necessary component of strategy and operations. Creating Value in Nonprofit-Business Collaborations: New Thinking & Practice provides breakthrough thinking about how to conceptualize and realize collaborative value. With over a hundred case examples from around the globe and hundreds of literature references, the book reveals how collaboration between businesses and nonprofit organizations can most effectively co-create significant economic, social, and environmental value for society, organizations, and individuals. This essential resource features the ground-breaking Collaborative Value Creation framework that can be used for analyzing the sources, forms, and processes of value creation in partnerships between businesses and nonprofits. The book is a step-by-step guide for business managers and non-profit practitioners for achieving successful cross-sector partnerships. It examines the key dimensions of the Collaborative Mindset that shape each partner's collaborative efforts. It analyzes the drivers of partnership evolution along the Collaboration Continuum, and sets forth the key pathways in the Collaboration Process Value Chain. The book concludes by offering Twelve Smart Practices of Collaborative Value Creation for the design and management of cross sector partnerships. The book will empower organizations to strategically increase the potential for value creation both for the partners and society. Praise for Creating Value in Nonprofit-Business Collaborations: New Thinking & Practice! «This is a playbook for enabling business and nonprofits to co-create shared value. These new types of collaborations about creating value, rather than the tense standoffs of the past, are part of the way we will create actual solutions to society's challenges.» Michael J. Porter, Bishop William Lawrence University Professor, Harvard Business School «Co-creating value is a powerful concept Jim Austin and May Seitanidi are sharing with us that will bring business and non-profit leaders to a new level of understanding and performance. This new book is the indispensable guidebook for leaders of the future.» Frances Hesselbein, Founding President and CEO of the Frances Hesselbein Leadership Institute, Former CEO of the Girl Scouts of America, and Holder of Presidential Medal of Freedom «I love the book! While it focuses on „cross sector“ collaboration, it should be read by every executive in the „for-profit“ sector. Business is about how to collaborate with stakeholders to create value. This book tells you how to do it. Bravo!» R. Edward Freeman, University Professor and Olsson Professor The Darden School University of Virginia «Finally a book that demystifies what is probably the single most indispensable strategy for advancing social change: cross sector collaboration that creates genuine, measurable value for all. The book is an original and valuable resource for both the nonprofit and business sectors, providing a promising new roadmap that shows how to go beyond fighting for one's share of the pie, to collaboration that actually makes the pie grow.» Billy Shore, Founder and CEO of Share Our Strength and Chairman of Community Wealth Ventures «Professors Austin and Seitanidi provide essential guidance for managers determining how to produce benefits for their organizations and high impact for society. This is an informed, thoughtful, and practical analysis.» Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Ernest L. Arbuckle Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School and author of SuperCorp: How Vanguard Companies Create Innovation, Profits, Growth and Social Good

Organizations thrive or struggle as a result of interactions among team members. To optimize the performance of teams, Group Dynamics and Team Interventions bridges the gap between the most up-to-date academic research findings about group behavior and real-life practice. Chapters summarize the theories behind group and team behavior while offering proven application and intervention techniques that can be utilized in workplace settings. Topics addressed include team formation and development; understanding culture and team diversity; improving team cohesion, decision making, and problem solving; managing and reducing team conflict; team leadership, power, and influence; and others. Brief case studies and interventions that illustrate each theory help to enhance the clarity of the topics. Group Dynamics and Team Interventions will benefit academics and practitioners alike, who gain from a better understanding of the dynamics that inform team behavior, along with assessment tools and practical intervention techniques to create and maintain a high-performing team.

Organizations thrive or struggle as a result of interactions among team members. To optimize the performance of teams, Group Dynamics and Team Interventions bridges the gap between the most up-to-date academic research findings about group behavior and real-life practice. Chapters summarize the theories behind group and team behavior while offering proven application and intervention techniques that can be utilized in workplace settings. Topics addressed include team formation and development; understanding culture and team diversity; improving team cohesion, decision making, and problem solving; managing and reducing team conflict; team leadership, power, and influence; and others. Brief case studies and interventions that illustrate each theory help to enhance the clarity of the topics. Group Dynamics and Team Interventions will benefit academics and practitioners alike, who gain from a better understanding of the dynamics that inform team behavior, along with assessment tools and practical intervention techniques to create and maintain a high-performing team.