A Six Sigma approach for R&D: measuring dissolved oxygen Online publication date: Wed, 22-Apr-2015
by Michael J. Johnson; Monique T. Claverie; Joseph E. Johnson
International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage (IJSSCA), Vol. 7, No. 2/3/4, 2012
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.
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