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A listing in reverse chronological order of articles by:
“Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.” Sun Tzu
The Oxford English dictionary defines “detection” as “discovery (of what is unknown or hidden); finding out.”
Reference the article Understanding FMEA Detection – Part 1 which discusses how Detection is defined and applied in FMEA.
We just want to do our jobs and not get distracted collecting information in support of metrics given to us. However, engaging in the metric process will allow us to do a better job and garner the support for our jobs that we crave. [Read more…]
Recognizing the purpose and value of design reviews will allow a product development team to prepare more effectively and efficiently. It is a decision point, and the basis of your own decisions needs to be clear and confident. [Read more…]
After years of teaching and watching how grades change during a class, I have found that “stupid people” can convince those with higher grades of their view on take home assignments. While we should be open to options and new ideas, we need to be firm in our own beliefs up front. This will help our decision making in many areas of life. [Read more…]
To gain an advantage on our competition, we need to accelerate and sharpen our learning process. This video provides some elements to allow us all to improve in this area. [Read more…]
“Luck is not chance, it’s toil; fortune’s expensive smile is earned.”
Emily Dickinson
The Oxford English dictionary defines “occurrence” as “the fact or frequency of something happening.”
Reference the article Understanding FMEA Occurrence Risk – Part 1 which discusses how Occurrence is defined and applied in FMEA.
The concept of mindset has been around a long time. New findings from Carol Dweck take this to a new level (her book of the same title is amazing). How does it impact us with leading teams? Having and developing a Growth Mindset is essential. The impacts can be far-reaching. [Read more…]
Some will argue that chemical mixtures must use the dependent mixture matrices at all times. Others suggest that a factorial approach using ratios can accomplish the same objective with more flexibility. I have had success with the factorial approach in several situations, with several technologies. [Read more…]
In Experimental Design, users will at times suggest use of a 2×2 matrix. This is not a practical approach for all but the rarest of occasions. Worse yet, some will teach the 2×2 matrix because it is simple. This misleads users that it is a reasonable option. This video explains the reasons why this design should never be used during phase 1 testing. [Read more…]
“However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results.”
Winston Churchill
The Oxford English dictionary defines “strategy” as “a plan of action or policy designed to achieve a major or overall aim.”
Reference the article Understanding FMEA Severity Risk – Part 1 which discusses how Severity is defined and applied in FMEA.
When using tools such as DOE and Monte Carlo analysis, it is important to understand the capabilities of the input variables. This can lead to robust design. However, many do not ask the right questions and are surprised with less than desired performance. [Read more…]
Model Building is a key theme for several advanced techniques. It boils down to creating an equation. Done well, one can predict and forecast how things will behave. Creating understanding reduces product risk and increases the chances for success. [Read more…]
New Product Development is constantly under pressure to get projects done faster – to shorten the development schedule. Making the analogy from basketball to engineering projects, if you want to play fast – you are going to have to live with turn overs. Similarly with engineering, you are going to experience some bumps in the road when trying to create a speed record. [Read more…]
Six Sigma has been a business improvement idea for several years now. Debate has existed for some time if the concepts apply to Research and Development. This video breaks down the debate into simple terms. The answer – yes, but not always. Find out why! [Read more…]
FMEAs take time and cost money. They should be done when a certain level of risk can be effectively addressed by the FMEA procedure. Preliminary Risk Assessment is a procedure that uses company-determined criteria to select which FMEAs to do.
“The key is to schedule your priorities.” ― Steven Covey
