Statistical Engineering: Making It All Happen

• Activity Number: 528
• Type: Topic Contributed
• Date/Time: Wednesday, August 7, 2013 : 10:30 AM to 12:20 PM
• Sponsor: Quality and Productivity Section
• Author(s): Stephanie DeHart*+ and Paul Berg*+ and Fred Faltin*+ and Stephanie Palermo*+ and Robert G Wilkinson*+
• Companies: Dupont and Eli Lilly & Co and The Faltin Group and Capital One and The Lubrizol Corporation
• Keywords: Statistical Engineering ; Project Management ; Leadership ; Case Study

Abstract

Statistical Engineering (SE)is defined by Hoerl and Snee (2010) as "the study of how to best use known statistical principles and tools to solve high impact problems for the benefit of mankind". It encompasses the strategic integration of statistical thinking with the application of statistical methods and tools at the operational level. Statistical engineering projects are large, complex, and interdisciplinary involving sponsors, customers, subject matter experts, information technology experts, etc. Statisticians are equipped the technical knowledge to accomplish these projects but require development of the soft skills or career success factors required to accomplish them successfully. At JSM 2012, a panel discussion entitled "The Human Side of Statistical Engineering", which focused on human interactions, was delivered. This 2013 Panel Session builds on the success of the previous one and focuses on the business and organizational soft skills required to effectively accomplish a statistical engineering project. Topics include statistical leadership, bulding the business case, the basics of team building, basic project management skills, and project case studies.