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Concentrating on Whey

The Use of Statistics in Process Control

By Helen S. Joyner

Concentrating on Whey


 

Abstract

This interrupted case study follows the progress of Kenny, the head operator for a whey protein processing system, as he works with Cheryl, a quality management specialist, to implement control charts to monitor process variables. Students assume the role of Cheryl as she shows Kenny how to create a control chart, explains the different types of out-of-control behaviors seen in control charts, and demonstrates how to calculate process capability and capability index.  Kenny uses this information to determine a probable cause of variation. Originally developed for a senior-level undergraduate statistical quality management course, this case study is also appropriate for courses focusing on quality management in industrial settings, as well as for a general undergraduate statistics course. Although familiarity with HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) principles is assumed, students are not expected to know about whey protein processing fundamentals.

   

Date Posted

12/19/2014

Overview

Objectives

  • Differentiate between variables and attributes.
  • Differentiate the appropriate uses for Xbar, R and s charts.
  • Select the appropriate quality characteristic(s), rational subgroup, and sampling method for a given process.
  • Construct and revise variable and attribute control charts.
  • Evaluate control charts for out-of-control patterns.
  • Explain why a given process is in control or out of control.
  • Calculate process capability and process capability index and explain what the results mean in terms of process control.
  • Calculate the quality rating of a product and explain what the results mean in terms of process contro.

Keywords

Quality management; quality rating; process control; process capability; capability index; control chart; variables and attributes; sampling method; food safety; food quality; whey

  

Subject Headings

Food Science / Technology
Statistics

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate upper division, Graduate, Continuing education

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Analysis (Issues), Discussion, Interrupted

 

 

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