Statistical Methods – Does Anyone Really Use Them?

Abstract

Students taking courses in quality management at Luleå University of Technology receive extensive education in statistical methods. To improve the education and to understand what kind of competence students need when they graduate, a survey was preformed examining how and to what extent the methods Statistical Process Control, Capability Analysis and Design of Experiments are used by organisations hiring the alumni. The result shows that the students employed in the Swedish industrial sector witness a modest use of statistical methods, while use of statistical methods in other sectors hiring the alumni is uncommon. Lack of competence and resources within the organizations are stated as hindrances to expanded use. Conclusions from the study are that implementation techniques must be emphasized in the curriculum and that different types of courses should be given – practical, hands-on courses for engineers, managers and others working in organizations. Furthermore, courses offered at universities must have a strong focus on practical problems such as difficulties randomizing experiments and that graphical methods should be favoured.