Applying response surface methodology
Overview
This standard covers the competencies required for applying response surface methodology. It involves selecting an appropriate process on which to carry out the activity and applying the principles and processes of response surface methodology utilising orthogonal array, level and factor. You will be expected to determine the scope/parameters of the activity, estimate the resources required (which will include costs, time scales, manpower, plant/equipment and materials) and identify the expected benefits to be gained by carrying out the activity. You will be required to utilise sample size selection to ensure the statistical validity of the experiment and calculate the correct sample size methodology within an improvement project.
You will also be expected to record the results of the activity in the appropriate format, analyse the data gathered and identify areas where improvements can be made. You will need to produce a report of the response surface methodology activity undertaken which identifies the areas where improvements can be made and the optimum operating conditions along with an action plan to ensure the identified improvements are implemented.
Your responsibilities will require you to comply with organisational policy and procedures for the activities undertaken and to report any problems with the activities that you cannot solve or are outside your responsibility to the relevant authority. You will need to ensure that all the necessary documentation is completed accurately and legibly. You will be expected to take full responsibility for your own actions within the activity and for the quality and accuracy of the work that you produce.
Your underpinning knowledge will provide a good understanding of response surface methodology and provide an informed approach to the techniques and procedures used. You will need to understand the principles and application of response surface methodology in adequate depth to provide a sound basis for carrying out the activities to the required criteria.
Applying safe working practices will be a key issue throughout.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
- work safely at all times, complying with health and safety and other relevant regulations, directives and guidelines
- select an appropriate process on which to carry out the response surface methodology and obtain all the required information
- estimate the resources and expected benefits for the response surface methodology and gain approval
- utilise sample size selection to ensure the statistical validity of the experiment and calculate the correct sample size required
- determine the scope/parameters of the response surface methodology activity
- carry out the response surface methodology within an improvement project utilising the appropriate tools and techniques
- record the results of the project in the appropriate format
- analyse the data gathered and identify areas where improvements could be made
- identify suitable optimum conditions and produce a response surface methodology report which includes an action plan to ensure the improvements are implemented
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- how to work safely at all times, complying with health and safety and other relevant regulations and guidelines
- the use of response surface methodology and how it can be used in a Six Sigma improvement project
- how to carry out a response surface methodology project and the tools and techniques used
- where to obtain the required data necessary to carry out the project
- how to calculate a statistically valid sample size to be used in the response surface methodology activity
- what is the meaning of population and a sample in terms of the response surface methodology activity
- what is meant by a method of steepest ascent
- what is meant by the terms: coded variables and uncoded variables
- what is meant by Alpha risk and Beta risk
- how to use the data collected to calculate: mean, median, mode, standard deviation, range and variance
- how to calculate cost benefits when considering response surface methodology
- the extent of your own authority within the project and whom you should report to, in the event of problems that you cannot resolve
Scope/range
Scope Performance
1. Carry out response surface methodology utilising:
1.1. orthogonal array
1.2. level
1.3. documentation and information required
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2. Document the resources required to include:
2.1. financial
2.2. time scales
2.3. manpower
2.4. plant/equipment
2.5. materials
* *
3. Identify for the response surface methodology undertaken:
3.1. a suitable Alpha risk level
3.2. a suitable Delta that needs to be observed
3.3. a suitable Beta level
3.4. steepest ascent for the surface design