Chuan Shi, Rajesh Jugulum, Harold Ian Joyce, Jagmet Singh, Bob Granese, Raji Ramachandran, Donald Gray, Christopher H Heien and John R. Talburt
This paper aims to propose a funnel methodology that selects business data elements for data quality improvement practices at a financial company. Data quality is crucial in…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to propose a funnel methodology that selects business data elements for data quality improvement practices at a financial company. Data quality is crucial in post-crisis recovery of the financial services industry. This allows the bank to monitor its critical data assets and improve its business operation by Six Sigma engagement that benefits from the good quality of data.
Design/methodology/approach
A funnel methodology is invented. It utilizes a rationalization matrix and statistical methods to identify critical data elements (CDEs) for data quality efforts from numerous candidates across business functions. The “Voice of the Customer” is achieved by including subject matter experts, whose knowledge and experience contribute to the entire process.
Findings
The methodology eliminates redundancy and reduces the number of data elements to be monitored, so that attention becomes focused on the right elements. In addition, the methodology ensures that the conduct of the data quality assessment is framed within a context of the functional area’s business objectives.
Originality/value
Measuring and improving data quality form a solid foundation of every Six Sigma engagement. When presented with large data elements, determining what to measure can be an arduous task. Having a proven systematic and valid process to reduce the CDE candidate pool becomes an operational necessity of paramount importance, and this justifies the value of the proposed methodology. Its implementation is described by a Basel II case study. The methodology is not restricted to financial services industry, and can be used readily in any other industry that requires data quality improvement.
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Li-Hsing Ho, Pi-Yun Chang and Tieh-Min Yen
The purpose of this paper is to propose a modified Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) model and calculates the performance of quality characteristic for the purpose of defining…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a modified Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) model and calculates the performance of quality characteristic for the purpose of defining quality improvement strategy.
Design/methodology/approach
This study developed modified IPA by introducing the Mahalanobis Distance and multiple regression analysis to evaluate the performance gap and implicit importance of quality characteristics. This paper used a large air-conditioning manufacturer in Taiwan as the case analysis and study targets. It discussed and validated the modified IPA analytical results by studying case history and market analysis.
Findings
Through the case study, the quality characteristics of air-conditioning product and service needed to be improved immediately are Green product (Q3) and Repair service (Q10), and the Price (Q11) and Serviceability (Q2) could be kept or enhanced to win the market competitive advantages.
Originality/value
This study developed a modified IPA to help organization identifying key quality characteristics of product and service, and choosing its improvement strategies to win the market competitive advantages effectively.
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Lei Nie, Michael H. Azarian, Mohammadreza Keimasi and Michael Pecht
This paper seeks to present a prognostics approach using the Mahalanobis distance (MD) method to predict the reliability of multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) in…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to present a prognostics approach using the Mahalanobis distance (MD) method to predict the reliability of multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) in temperature‐humidity‐bias (THB) conditions.
Design/methodology/approach
Data collected during THB testing of 96 MLCCs were analyzed using the MD method. In the THB tests, three parameters (capacitance (C), dissipation factor (DF), and insulation resistance (IR)) were monitored in situ. A Mahalanobis space (MS) was formed from the MD values of a set of non‐failed MLCCs. MD values for the remaining MLCCs were compared with an MD threshold. Data for MLCCs which exceeded the threshold were examined using the failure criteria for the individual electrical parameters to identify failures and precursors to failure.
Findings
It was found that the MD method provided an ability to detect failures of the capacitors and identify precursors to failure, although the detection rate was not perfect.
Research limitations/implications
It was observed that the quality and construction of the MS, together with the choice of the MD threshold, were the critical factors determining the sensitivity of the MD method. Recommendations are offered for improved sensitivity to enable assessment of intermittent failures.
Originality/value
MD analysis of the multivariate MLCC data set illustrates how detection of failures can be simplified in a system for which several parameters were monitored simultaneously. This makes the MD method of great potential value in a health‐monitoring system.
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Elham Ghasemi, Abdollah Aaghaie and Elizabeth A. Cudney
The purpose of this paper is to present and analyze the current literature related to developing and improving the Mahalanobis-Taguchi system (MTS) and to present the shortcomings…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present and analyze the current literature related to developing and improving the Mahalanobis-Taguchi system (MTS) and to present the shortcomings related to this method for future research.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, articles in the literature are classified to give an overview on the MT strategy. For this purpose, 46 articles are considered for classification from 2000 to 2013 on the basis of: MTS contribution area, description of the issue, and results.
Findings
In this paper a review on the concepts and operations of the MTS was provided as a new method in the field of pattern recognition, multivariable diagnosis, and forecasting. A large number of studies were performed in recent years consisting of developing MTS and MTS case studies. The analysis of the articles showed the fields of MTS which had more potential for future studies and developing. The comparison of the MTS to other methods and the selection of the normal group for constructing the Mahalanobis space have received the most attention by researchers. In addition, several studies concentrated on the use of other methods instead of design of experiments, finding applications for multiclass MTS and finding an alternative for the SN ratio.
Originality/value
This paper contains the publications in the field of MTS chronologically and shows different areas for developing and case studies. It will be useful to researchers and professionals who are interested in pattern recognition, multivariate analysis, and forecasting.
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The purpose of this paper is to discuss new product development (NPD) based on a traditional stage-gate process and to examine how NPD tools, such as Lean design for Six Sigma…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss new product development (NPD) based on a traditional stage-gate process and to examine how NPD tools, such as Lean design for Six Sigma, can accelerate the achievement of the main goals of NPD: reliable product quality, cost-effective implementation, and desired time-to-market. These new tools must be incorporated into a new approach to NPD based on the Advanced Product and Quality Planning methodology.
Design/methodology/approach
This research paper is based on the theoretical background presented in peer-reviewed scientific research papers during the period 1990-2012. In the second section of this study, the author provides examples of the proposed tools and of advanced techniques to show evidence that validates the hypothesis.
Findings
This study presented the theoretical background on the NPD process and related functions in today’s organizations as it relates to competition. NPD was identified as one of the top priorities of every firm, which is why the NPD process must be optimized and oriented toward customers to ensure the quality and reliability of products while minimizing manufacturing costs. The effect on timing and cost is greatly appreciated by top management, and it is well known throughout the firm when a strong, reliable product is launched that it is flawless.
Research limitations/implications
To fully deploy all NPD tools requires basic steps such as the following: marketing and planning, design, process, product process validation and the integration of operations from a concurrent engineering standpoint.
Practical implications
This research paper provides step by step guidance in order to apply Lean Sigma tool in NPD process in order to achieve Six Sigma quality level in manufacturing.
Social implications
Promoting the practice of Lean design for Six Sigma and its tool enables firms to increase their competitiveness since they will make more reliable products delivered to its consumers.
Originality/value
The approach of this research paper combines proven statistical tools to be applied in an original sequence in order to design robust product to match manufacturing capabilities.
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Cecilia Guadalupe Mota-Gutiérrez, Edgar Omar Reséndiz-Flores and Yadira Iracema Reyes-Carlos
The purpose of this paper is to show a bibliographical review of the applications of the MTS throughout the time and the different fields.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to show a bibliographical review of the applications of the MTS throughout the time and the different fields.
Design/methodology/approach
The Mahalanobis-Taguchi system (MTS) is an analytical method used for the diagnosis and/or pattern recognition of multivariate data for quantitative decision making.
Findings
Its scope is very broad, ranging from engineering, medicine, education, and manufacturing, among others. This work presents a classification of the literature in the following areas of the MTS: introduction of the method, cases of study/application, comparison with other methods, integration and development of the MTS with other methods, construction of Mahalanobis space, dimensional reduction and threshold establishment. It realized a wide search of the publications in magazines and congresses.
Originality/value
This paper is a summary of the main applications, contributions and changes to MTS.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to develop a methodology to reduce the field failures of splined shafts. The paper also demonstrates the application of Mahalanobis-Taguchi system…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a methodology to reduce the field failures of splined shafts. The paper also demonstrates the application of Mahalanobis-Taguchi system (MTS) for identifying the optimum hardness profile to avoid failures.
Design/methodology/approach
Through the usage profile analysis and comparison between the failed and good shafts, the major reason for shaft failure was identified as hardness variation. Then MTS approach was used to identify the optimum hardness profile for the shafts. An experiment was designed with power, feed and the gap between inductor and quench ring representing the heat transfer rate, heat removal rate and the time between heat transfer and removal of induction hardening process as factors. Based on experimental results, the optimum combination factors that would reduce the variation around the optimum hardness profile were identified.
Findings
The study showed that the shaft failures can be reduced by optimizing the hardness profile of the shafts rather than warning customers on overloading, changing the raw material or investing on machining operation to achieve better shaft finish. The study suggested heat transfer rate, heat removal rate and the time between heat transfer and removal had significant impact on the shaft's hardness profile. The study resulted in reducing the field failures from 0.32 to 0.029 percent.
Practical implications
This study provides valuable information on how to identify optimum hardness profile using MTS methodology to reduce shaft failures and how to minimize the variation around the optimum hardness profile using design of experiments.
Originality/value
To the best of author's knowledge, no study has been conducted to identify optimum hardness profile using MTS methodology. The study also provides an approach to minimize the variation around a non-linear hardness profile using design of experiments.