Taguchi Methods, once one of the best-kept secrets in the quality-improvement field, is rapidly gaining favor in Western companies. And no wonder: These techniques hold the power to trim costs, bolster quality, and improve an organization's product- and process-development cycles. Many managers have shied away from learning about Taguchi Methods, however, believing only engineers would understand their technical focus.

Quality by Design provides the first user-friendly introduction to Taguchi Methods, making this potent quality-improvement technique accessible to any manager. Author Lance Ealey explores the history of Taguchi Methods, including how it has evolved, where it works, and what it means for the future competitiveness of US manufacturers. Ealey also includes his one-on-one interview with Dr.

Taguchi, who provides a unique, enlightening perspective of Taguchi Methods, its original objectives, and its possibilities and future applications.

You'll also discover case studies that illustrate how today's Western companies have attempted to implement Taguchi Methods, enabling you to learn from their successes and shortcomings; a framework that helps managers assess their implementation strategy and prepare for possible pitfalls along the way; and detailed appendixes to help you gain technical insights into Taguchi Methods.

Clear, concise, and nontechnical, Quality by Design is a must for anyone who wants to understand the fundamentals of Taguchi Methods and the essentials of efficient technology-development practices.