Nonparametric Statistical Process Control

A unique approach to understanding the foundations of statistical quality control with a focus on the latest developments in nonparametric control charting methodologies

Statistical Process Control (SPC) methods have a long and successful history and have revolutionized many facets of industrial production around the world. This book addresses recent developments in statistical process control bringing the modern use of computers and simulations along with theory within the reach of both the researchers and practitioners. The emphasis is on the burgeoning field of nonparametric SPC (NSPC) and the many new methodologies developed by researchers worldwide that are revolutionizing SPC.

Over the last several years research in SPC, particularly on control charts, has seen phenomenal growth. Control charts are no longer confined to manufacturing and are now applied for process control and monitoring in a wide array of applications, from education, to environmental monitoring, to disease mapping, to crime prevention. This book addresses quality control methodology, especially control charts, from a statistician’s viewpoint, striking a careful balance between theory and practice. Although the focus is on the newer nonparametric control charts, the reader is first introduced to the main classes of the parametric control charts and the associated theory, so that the proper foundational background can be laid. 

• Reviews basic SPC theory and terminology, the different types of control charts, control chart design, sample size, sampling frequency, control limits, and more
• Focuses on the distribution-free (nonparametric) charts for the cases in which the underlying process distribution is unknown
• Provides guidance on control chart selection, choosing control limits and other quality related matters, along with all relevant formulas and tables
• Uses computer simulations and graphics to illustrate concepts and explore the latest research in SPC

Offering a uniquely balanced presentation of both theory and practice, Nonparametric Methods for Statistical Quality Control is a vital resource for students, interested practitioners, researchers, and anyone with an appropriate background in statistics interested in learning about the foundations of SPC and latest developments in NSPC.

SUBHABRATA CHAKRABORTI, PHD is Professor of Statistics and Morrow Faculty Excellence Fellow at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL , USA. He is a Fellow of the American Statistical Association and an elected member of the International Statistical Institute. Professor Chakraborti has contributed in a number of research areas, including censored data analysis and income inference. His current research interests include development of statistical methods in general and nonparametric methods in particular for statistical process control. He has been a Fulbright Senior Scholar to South Africa and a visiting professor in several countries, including India, Holland and Brazil. Cited for his mentoring and collaborative work with students and scholars from around the world, Professor Chakraborti has presented seminars, delivered keynote/plenary addresses and conducted research workshops at various conferences.

MARIEN ALET GRAHAM, PHD is a senior lecturer at the Department of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education at the University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa. She holds an Y1 rating from the South African National Research Foundation (NRF). Her current research interests are in Statistical Process Control, Nonparametric Statistics and Statistical Education. She has published several articles in international peer review journals and presented her work at various conferences.