CONTACT: Phil Ramsey
603-862-2613
WRITER: Suki Casanave
603-862-3102
INNOVATIVE UNH PROGRAM AIMED AT BETTER BUSINESS
University of New Hampshire graduate certificate is unique in the nationDurham, N.H.--An innovative University of New Hampshire program--the only one of its kind in the nation--is aimed at dramatically improving the way we do business.
Those who complete UNH's four-course Certificate of Graduate Study in Industrial Statistics learn, through the use of statistical methods, how to take their business to a new level of quality.
Modeled after a highly successful program developed by Motorola and GE, the ultimate desired goal is a mind-boggling improvement in production: a total number of failures that are less than 3.4 defects per million. Compare this to the 10,000 or 20,000 failure rate not uncommon for many corporations.
"This is an extremely stringent requirement," says Phil Ramsey, adjunct professor of mathematics, "but working toward this goal brings vast improvementsÑincreased productivity along with reduced costs. The savings some companies achieve are in the millions of dollars."
The certificate program is unique in the country, according to Ramsey, who coordinates the program along with Marie Gaudard, professor of mathematics and statistics. "Students learn a wide range of statistical and quality methods with application to industry. And they come away with an in-depth understanding of technical methods. We've been very gratified with the response to this new program."
The first five participants to complete the program, offered through UNH's College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, include Frederic Kneisley, a quality manager at Textron in Farmington; Mia Stephens, a process manager at Prime Tanning in York, Maine; and three high school math teachers Beth McFall and Jane Viatkunas of Pembroke Academy and Roger Tessier of Bow High School.
A significant feature of the program includes training in "design of experiments" (DOX). This highly effective method for designing scientific experiments solves problems more efficiently and accurately than the conventional process of changing one variable at a time. In a "designed" experiment, two or more variables are changed simultaneously, producing faster results and taking into account the relationships among variables.
"This is training in statistics that's very much focused on application," says Ramsey. "One of the comments I always get from industry people taking the program is, 'Boy, it's really nice to take a course where I can immediately apply it to what I'm doing.'" The courses include a mix of industry people, as well as UNH students and high school math teachers.
"This is another goal," says Ramsey, "to help get students more interested in math and science. And from what teachers are saying, it's helping to generate interest in doing experiments and analyzing data." The program also provides an opportunity for teachers and students to get a glimpse of DOX at work by visiting companies who are using the process in their manufacturing operations. "More and more companies are seeing the value in educating students to enhance the quality of our work force," says Gaudard.
Understanding these statistical methods could ultimately help students find jobs. "People in industry are looking for people who can solve problems and think," notes Ramsey. "And these methods are really geared to encouraging this. Our engineering grad students are also starting to take this course because it plays so well in job interviews. It's a win-win situation for everybody."
Gradually, the word about industrial statistics is spreading--among industry leaders, as well as high school and university students. This is good news not only for business, but for the Granite State economy. "More and more people in New Hampshire are applying this statistical approach," says Ramsey. "In fact, New Hampshire is the only state in the country right now with a net gain in manufacturing jobs, and this program is one of the things supporting this growth."
The certificate courses, which are offered throughout the year, can also be taken over the internet through UNH's distance learning program, "Far View." For more information, contact: Phil Ramsey at 603-862-2613 or Marie Gaudard at 603-862-1872.