A Six Sigma approach for R&D: measuring dissolved oxygen. (26th April 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Johnson, Michael J.; Claverie, Monique T.; Johnson, Joseph E.
• Is Part Of: International journal of six sigma and competitive advantage. Volume 7:Number 2/3/4(2012)
• Page Start: 134
• Page End: 150
• Publication Date: 2013-04-26
• Subjects: six sigma -- research and development -- R&#38 -- D -- analysis of variance -- ANOVA -- gauge R&#38 -- R -- statistical analysis -- quality improvement -- dissolved oxygen -- colorimetry -- spectrophotometer -- statistics -- measurement variability; Six sigma (Quality control standard) -- Periodicals; Quality control -- Periodicals; 658.4013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1479-2494

Abstract

A Six Sigma approach was applied to an R&D application with the goal of understanding and reducing measurement variability. Typically, Six Sigma is applied to a manufacturing process. Many aspects of processes and R&D applications are similar, e.g., input variables, measurements, and output values. In the current study, variables were identified, a gauge R&R test and Pareto analysis performed, and correction actions implemented to improve measurement variations. The gauge R&R study included an analysis of variances (ANOVA) using the Fisher test. The system under study was a new method to quantitate dissolved oxygen (DO) by colorimetry. Specifically, measurements were performed using a newly developed i–LAB® spectrometer. Various statistical and mathematical tools were employed to improve measurement variation, resulting in the standard deviation decreasing from 0.66 to 0.23. Additionally, the Six Sigma approach may be applied to other relevant R&D systems.