Statistical Engineering: An Algorithm for Reducing Variation in Manufacturing Processes Review

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Statistical Engineering: An Algorithm for Reducing Variation in Manufacturing Processes ReviewThis is NOT a typical book on statistical tools. It is a strategy book on how to search for cost-effective changes to reduce variation using empirical means (i.e. observation and experiment). The uniqueness of this book:
(1) Summarizes the seven ways to reduce variation so we know the goal of the data gathering and analysis
(2) Present analysis results using graphs instead of P-value.
(3) It integrates Taguchi, Shainin methods and classical statistical approach.
It is a must read for those who are in the business of reducing variation using data, in particular for the Six Sigma Black Belts and Master Black Belts. Don't forget to read the solutions to exercises and supplementary materials to each chapter on the enclosed CD-ROM.Statistical Engineering: An Algorithm for Reducing Variation in Manufacturing Processes OverviewReducing the variation in process outputs is a key part of process improvement. For mass produced components and assemblies, reducing variation can simultaneously reduce overall cost, improve function and increase customer satisfaction with the product.The authors have structured this book around an algorithm for reducing process variation that they call "Statistical Engineering." The algorithm is designed to solve chronic problems on existing high to medium volume manufacturing and assembly processes. The fundamental basis for the algorithm is the belief that we will discover cost effective changes to the process that will reduce variation if we increase our knowledge of how and why a process behaves as it does. A key way to increase process knowledge is to learn empirically, that is, to learn by observation and experimentation.The authors discuss in detail a framework for planning and analyzing empirical investigations, known by its acronym QPDAC (Question, Plan, Data, Analysis, Conclusion). They classify all effective ways to reduce variation into seven approaches. A unique aspect of the algorithm forces early consideration of the feasibility of each of the approaches.Benefits:The CD-ROM included contains case studies, chapter exercises, chapter supplements, and six appendices.

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Global Action Networks: Creating Our Future Together (Bocconi on Management) Review

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Global Action Networks: Creating Our Future Together (Bocconi on Management) ReviewGlobal Action Networks provides an outstanding framework for addressing today's complex social and environmental issues. It gives a comprehensive overview of current systemic, large-scale change methodologies and also describes how the complex problems we face globally are being addressed by a new type of entity, the global action network. Based on research of 80 networks, it's rife with grounded examples and concrete ways these networks have been successful.
Waddell cites trends of continuing globalization, diversity, complexity and the disruptive impact of new technology as contributing factors to our inability to address today's issues utilizing traditional strategies. These factors are an impetus for shifting our assumptions about the way the world works and the way we engage and innovate to address social and environmental problems. He posits that we need to address issues by utilizing systems thinking and including an array of stakeholders to craft solutions and envision emerging futures rather than breaking up a problem and analyzing its parts in a linear fashion. This leads to more effective, locally applicable, timely solutions that work, given the dynamic nature of our interdependent world.
Global Action Networks are basically multi-stakeholder networks that span geographical and institutional boundaries in order to effect systemic change. Because they involve systems thinking, developed by Peter Senge and others at MIT, and are designed to build connections and trust, Waddell argues that they lead to superior results. He says the networks help shift perspectives because they create a collective understanding of a problem, take into account impacts on multiple parties, and operate from a place of future possibilities. The solutions tend to be breakthroughs that change the rules of the game.
Examples of global action networks include the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which has increased access to effective treatments, saving 3.5 million lives; the Forest Stewardship Council, which has certified 300 million acres of forests and engaged 16,000 retail businesses in 100 countries to sell certified products; and the Principles for Responsible Investment, which is changing the logic of the global finance system through a set of principles that has engaged 850 signatories representing $US 20 trillion in assets. These networks take a whole systems approach and a stance of emergence, where the relationships and power dynamics shift due to interactions of diverse players - and change can go viral by connecting local actions.
Waddell helps us understand characteristics of successful networks. While the speed and rapid growth of viral networks may be the most visible trait, he shows how crafting a set of principles, embracing diversity, building trust, and fostering entrepreneurial action are necessary components that help networks take global concerted action while responding to a wide range of local conditions. With their voluntary leadership, focus on levers for change, and advancement of best practice GAN's aim to reach a tipping point to shift the global system in their issue area. GAN's go beyond "scaling up" and beyond reform to "scaling across" geographies, applying "triple-loop learning" where the change is both meaningful and transformational. The depth of his approach is similar to Frieze's observations on building resilience and "scaling across" in Walk Out and Walk On (Barrett-Kohler, 2011).
The book includes chapters on "seeing the whole," "mastering change," and "formalizing connections" with some specific and very useful tools to develop effective networks. Mapping in many different forms is presented as a way to understand the complex and dynamic relationships of network players and to distinguish between types of complexity (spatial, cultural, knowledge, change, relational).
In the chapter on mastering change, Waddell starts with action learning as a basis for change and expands on that by proposing four change strategies that range from the individual to the collective to inter-personal to systemic, noting that in order for change to be transformational, it must include both individual and structural change - even bringing in spiritual aspects of change. He includes "leading from the future as it emerges" as seen in Otto Scharmer's Theory U (Society for Organizational Learning, 2007) as well as many forms of Dialogue (reflective, generative) including those in the comprehensive text Democratic Dialogue by Pruitt (UNDP/OAS, 2007).
In addressing formalizing connections, the book gets into some of the nuts and bolts of organizing, utilizing design principles and building structural components of the network.
One of the most helpful chapters outlines competencies required for success. This well thought out set of eight competencies not only applies to those in GAN's but also to any leader working with complex issues, uncertainty, and tumultuous change. They include knowledge, skills, and behaviors in leadership, network development, measuring impact, conflict and change, communications, learning systems, policy and advocacy, and resource mobilization. He brings in the concept of shared leadership seen in "Leadership, Excellence and the Soft Skills" by Bradford and Robin (Stanford GSB, 2004) and personal mastery and learning organizations in Senge's The Fifth Discipline (Doubleday, 1990).
Waddell's model is part of a growing body of work that addresses social issues with a level of depth and engagement that leads to impact on the global, local, and personal levels as it shifts the system within which it works. In the United States, The Interaction Institute for Social Change (IISC), with its eighteen-year track record, is probably the leading organization pioneering this transformational work. Waddell asserts that global action networks represent a 21st-century global governance model that stems from two main sources: the positive impact of technology on how work and society is organized; and the weaknesses in post-World War II international institutions. Global Action Networks contributes to this articulation of what's next in governance by showing how we can envision a future and work collaboratively to create a better world.
With solid examples and clear logic, Waddell articulately presents a concise, effective, and useful model for us to consider local and global approaches to the complex issues we face as a society. The book will help any social innovation practitioner look at his or her competencies, learn an emerging networked approaches, and find new ways to discern and navigate our most complex problems.
Patrick McNamara
Appreciative Inquiry Consulting
Global Action Networks: Creating Our Future Together (Bocconi on Management) OverviewThe world's governments are overwhelmed with climate change, war and unrest, the global financial crisis and poverty but there is a promising invention in Global Action Networks (GANs). GANs mobilize resources, bridge divides and promote the long-term deep change and innovation work that is needed to address the global challenges.

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Visual Tools for Transforming Information Into Knowledge Review

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Visual Tools for Transforming Information Into Knowledge ReviewThis book discusses the value visual mapping: brainstorming, graphic organizers, and concept mapping and offers suggestions for student use. More importantly, the book validates these visual maps with research, software references, and other authors and books. It's a great way to map student thinking and if done correctly, students can transfer the skills when needed. The author relies less on reproducible orangizers and more on student-centered products in conjunction with questions, collaborating and evaluating. A good resource for a team to tackle interdisciplinary units. Additionally, the author demonstrates visual mapping uses in the business world and on a district or school level. Great staff development idea.Visual Tools for Transforming Information Into Knowledge OverviewFeaturing new research and examples, this practical resource focuses on brainstorming webs, graphic organizers, and concept maps to improve instruction and enhance students' cognitive development.

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Tools for Project Management, Workshops and Consulting: A Must-Have Compendium of Essential Tools and Techniques Review

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Tools for Project Management, Workshops and Consulting: A Must-Have Compendium of Essential Tools and Techniques ReviewI am the author and I am posting some review I have received.
Prof. Dr. Tom Sommerlatte - Management Consulting expert
"This book is of the kind you always wanted but didn't think would or could ever exist: the universal field theory of problem solving. "
Read Preface by Tom Sommerlatte
www.Themanagement.de
'Again a book on tools', was the first thought that crossed my mind, when I was asked to review this book. Andler's book presents tools and techniques for consulting, workshops and project management. It would seem that there many books already on this topic on the market. Well, the book is actually a pleasant and positive surprise, and there are three reasons for that:
- All tools are catalogued at the start and assigned to a consulting/problem solving process. The author used his own consulting practice experience and only selected tools and techniques that he considered valuable and useful for the various situations and problems.
- Before the reader enters the sections with the detailed explanation of each tool, a problem solving process and framework is introduced. Again, the author's professional experience shows.
- One can clearly see the origin and foundation of this book: it is from the practice for the practitioner'.
The book is not a scientific, theoretical paper on the backgrounds and theories on models and methods, but rather the opposite. Each tool is explained in a cook-book style logic following the steps: Intention (Why and when do I use it), Purpose (What does it do), Instruction (How do I do it), Hints and tricks, examples, templates, cross-reference to other tools in the book, sources. Based on the approach and focus of a very pragmatic and practical book, Andler sees the typical user of this book as being professional consultants, employees of an internal consulting/advisory department, managers, who want to know more about problem solving. Andler also offers two bonus sections in the book: Check questions for quality assurance of your work and work scenarios. Andler calls it a shopping list of tools for various scenarios like e.g. feasibility studies, strategy workshop, project definition phase, etc.
www.Consulting-insider.com
The first challenge in your first consulting job is project management. One of the most importance things that is expected from a consultant or young business professional is to be competent in executing project tasks under pressure and delivering excellent results. Various standard methods exist which can be studied and acquired with different levels of efforts and ease-of-use and can then be applied to the many problem- and project scenarios. The biggest problem for graduates and less experienced consultants is the insufficient experience for the selection of the right approach and right choice of tools in order to be successful. Whilst many projects don't fail because of a lack of solutions or technology, but rather because of the inter-personal dissonance; however the right selection of tools and techniques in order to work effectively and efficiently is also a vital part of a success project management. Nicolai Andler 'tools for project management, workshops and consulting' how to select the right tool. Amongst the 100 tools and techniques, you will find some of the more familiar models and frameworks like the SWOT analyses as well as many less known and still practical tools.
Text translated from the German source).
www.Projektmagazin.de
The All-In-One-toolbox for management methods.
The author's goal was to provide a practical and simple although comprehensive collection of tools and techniques, which are easy and applicable immediately without having to go through wads of theory. Well, he did excellent. Don't expect solutions - however plenty of tools that will help to find solutions to your problems.
The biggest value add is the systematic structure, which enables you to quickly find the tools you are looking for. The tools are categorised and labelled by application area, purpose, effectiveness, ease of use and applicable problem solving process step.
The illustration and explanation for each tool is concise, easy to understand and supported by instructions, examples, templates and tips.
Overall, a very practical compilation that surely will not remain unused.
Content: 4 out of 5
Practical orientation: 5 out of 5
Understandability: 5 out of 5
Entertainment value: 1 out of 5
(Text translated from the German source).
www.Business-wissen.de
The book is a useful toolbox to resolve problems and to lead projects to success. The reader will learn which tools is best used in which phase of a project- or problem solving phase and how to be go about it step by step.
Anybody who wants to expand or improve his problem solving techniques will find this book useful. The format layout is especially helpful with the direct implementation and application. The classification of the tools within a superior (problem solving-)framework makes it particularly easy to find the appropriate tool for the job.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Prof. Dr. Schelle - German Association for Project Management
Andler's book stands out of the unmanageable amount of project management literature as he does not address for the 175th time the same topics and does not repeat what can be read in every other project management book. The author presents tools in the broadest sense and consolidates all types of available tools in a concise and comprehensive way. To help the reader, the author created categories and assigned the tools to those categories, based on their purpose and applicability.
The project management section does not provide anything new for an expert in this field, that was not to be expected. However, an interested reader can find plenty of other simple but useful tools in the many other sections, which he would have had to collect cumbersome from many different books. And, many of the about 100 tools can be applied in a project management context as well. The whole toolbox is well arranged and laid out and supported by many examples.
Conclusion: a very useful and pragmatic book that will save you a lot of time.
Prof. Dr Haberfellner - University Graz (Austria)
Getting to grips with Andler's encyclopaedia is easy and quick, as it explains well how to best use the book. There is an outstanding overview of the problem solving steps and the methods that are relevant in each of the four problem solving steps (which are diagnosis, goal setting, analysis and decision making'). Selecting the right tool is easy as the book supports this well.
It is almost impossible to have an absolute complete list of all tools and methods as this area is in constant change and development. Nevertheless, I would have wanted to have some specific tools mentioned, such as the critical path method.
Some of the mentioned tools (e.g. hypothesis, helicoptering, 3P statements, span of control) I consider not really tools but rather guidelines or support techniques for other tools and methods. I would have also wanted an index to find the a tool based on the various synonyms that exist for the same tool. The author considers consultancies, consultants and the related professions as the key target user and not the novices. Well, I think that particularly the beginners like university graduates or new joiners without little competence in methods and tools will benefit tremendously from this book as it provides an overview over the numerous methods and many excellent instructions and examples for the application of the tools.Tools for Project Management, Workshops and Consulting: A Must-Have Compendium of Essential Tools and Techniques OverviewTypically today's management tasks include project management, running workshops and working with consultancies - all complex activities, which require a multitude of skills and competencies. This book gives you a reference or cookbook-style access to the most important skills in a user-friendly format.Nicolai Andler presents in his book about 100 of such tools arranged according to task complexes. To make personal use of the tools as easy as possible, they are grouped into task-specific categories entitled Define Situation, Gather Information, Creativity, Goal Setting, Organisational Analysis, Technical Analysis, Strategic Analysis, Decision Making, Project Management, Checklists and Questions as well as Scenarios.Elements of information this books covers:- Relevant and appropriate for your needs- Up to date and as timely as possible- Comprehensive and sufficiently wide in scope, combined with a practical level of detail without being too academic- Reliable information from numerous tested sources and real implemented cases- Accessible and easy-to-use due to many different search options and self-help guidesThis book is a unique reference work and guide for those wanting to learn about or who are active in the fields of consulting, project management and problem solving in general. It presents cookbook-style access to most important skills, including a rating of each tool in terms of applicability, ease of use and effectiveness.

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