Western Electric Rules

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School

Washington State University *

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Course

564

Subject

Management

Date

Feb 20, 2024

Type

odt

Pages

6

Uploaded by CommodorePigeonPerson202

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LaVareon Campbeell Operations Managment Professor Bill Hunt 7-24-2023 Title: Contributions to Process Management: Western Electric Rules As a student with a passion for both psychology and industrial engineering, I have always been into the field of process management and its impact on it can effect the quality systems. In this term paper, I will explore the significant contributions of the Western Electric Rules to process management and quality improvement. The Western Electric Rules, also known as the Western Electric Control Rules or simply Western Electric Rules, are a set of statistical process control techniques developed by Walter A. Shewhart and his team at the Western Electric Company in the early 20th century. These rules have had a profound impact on various industries, leading to enhanced efficiency and quality systems. Historical Context and Development of Western Electric Rules. To understand the significance of the Western Electric Rules, we must first delve into their historical context and development. In the early 1920s, Walter A. Shewhart, an American physicist and statistician, joined the Western Electric Company, which was known for its production of electrical equipment. Shewhart recognized the need for a scientific approach to control processes and maintain consistent quality. He introduced the concept of statistical process control (SPC), emphasizing the importance of understanding variation and using data-driven methods to manage processes effectively.
However, as I learn more about the purpose and benefits of the Western Electric RUules, I start to see how they can empower me to identify and address issues in real-time, while being able to lead and improve product quality and a sense of ownership over the process. Over time, I will start to become more open to embracing the rules and recongnizing their value in ensuring consistent excellence in our production line. Culture plays a huge role within shaping how individuals within my organizaiton respond to change. With me being a plant manger I am looking to implement a new quality management system. I know i will encounter some resistance from employees who are deeply into how things already are in their existing culture. I have a fear of the unknown and I need to address that our communication in my factory has been crucial. By listening to my team’s concerns and ackowliding their emotions, and also involving them in decision making process. So I can create a culute of trust and cooperation. Key Concepts of Western Electric Rules. The Western Electric Rules consist of several control charts, the most famous of which is the Shewhart Control Chart (also known as the X-bar and R chart). The primary purpose of these charts is to identify any variations or changes in a process that could indicate potential problems or deviations from the desired outcome. The key concepts of Western Electric Rules include many different examples such as, Control Limits: Control limits are established on the control charts based on historical process data. These limits represent the acceptable range of variation for the process. Any data points falling outside these limits indicate a potential issue requiring investigation. Common Cause Variation vs. Special Cause Variation: Also are distinguished between two types of variation in a process. Common cause variation is inherent in any process and is
expected. Special cause variation, on the other hand, arises due to specific, identifiable factors and indicates an abnormal condition that needs attention. Rule 1: One Point Beyond 3-Sigma Control Limits: If any data point falls beyond the 3- sigma control limits on either the upper or lower control chart, it suggests a potential issue that requires investigation. Rule 2: Nine Points in a Row on One Side of the Center Line: This rule implies that nine consecutive data points on the same side of the center line (either above or below) indicate a potential shift in the process. Rule 3: Six Points in a Row Continually Increasing or Decreasing: Six consecutive data points exhibiting a continuous increase or decrease in value signal a potential trend in the process that merits investigation. Application of Western Electric Rules in Industrial Settings. Over the years, the Western Electric Rules have found extensive application in various industrial settings, including manufacturing, healthcare, and service industries. Their adoption has led to several benefits. Rule 4 (Beyond 1 Standard Deviation): I monitor the process and look for any data points that fall beyond 1 standard deviation from the process mean. If any data points lie outside this range, I raise an alert as it might indicate a potential issue with the process. Rule 5 ( Beyond 2 Standard Deviations), My role is to keep a close eye on the data points that lie beyond 2 standard deviations from the process mean. Such occurrences are considered unusual, and I promptly notify the relevant personnel about these deviations.Rule 6 (Trend), within my business i have to pay attention to the trends in the data. If there are six or more consecutive points increasing or
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