ANOVA a statistical tool in Six Sigma
Analysis of Variance or ANOVA forms an integral part of six sigma and is quite widely used not only in six sigma techniques but also in many other management techniques. The roots of ANOVA were sowed in the early 1800.
ANOVAs General Linear Model is extensively used in Six sigma. It is a statistical tool and is used to test for differences in the means over a large set of data that is collected in the process of the six sigma project. This tool tests to check if the difference between the means of each level is more than the variation within each level. This test is quite effective in testing the effect of two or more factors with several levels. This can be carried out with a single factor or in combination on a dependant variable. Thus the use of ANOVA GLM in six sigma holds a special consideration while measuring the cause and effect of the defects that have been cropping up in the process or a system.
The important X’s for a Project Y can easily be found with the help of ANOVA as ANOVA helps one to learn the mean differences involving two or several factors or levels and also it is extensively used for identifying the effect of two or more factors which are independent variables on a dependent variable.
A Hypothesis test is later carried out to see if the amount of variation is statistically important. F test is generally employed while doing a hypothesis testing.
The General Linear Model can also be seen as an extension of linear multiple regression. Thus understanding of multiple regressions has to be very clear before one can carry on with ANOVA GLM. There are other techniques like MANCOVA and ANCOVA which are extensively used in Six Sigma Projects to have a clear and better understanding of the variables that are responsible for the defects. These techniques come handy while the factors for causing the defects are removed and the change in the variation has to be measured.
Thus a Project Manager has to be an expert in at least employing these statistical methods to analyze and check the factors that are responsible for the defects and in the process reducing or eradicating those defects so that they don’t have a negative effect on the quality of the product or service being churned out of the organization.
Learn more about online certification programs and Online Certification Training. See more articles from author on six sigma black belt certification, online certification programs, six sigma certification online, professional project management certification, Six Sigma Certification and project management certification by visiting – http://onlinecertification.bravejournal.com/entry/64963
Article Source: http://blog.brainmeasures.com/2011/07/26/anova-a-statistical-tool-in-six-sigma.aspx
Processing your request, Please wait....
