by David M. Williams, Ph.D. This is part of a series of blog posts on measurement for improvement. You can read them all here. Many authors and consultants join me in arguing for collecting data over time and displaying it in a time series chart like a run chart. Some also advocate for the added […]
What about qualitative data?
in Measurementby David M. Williams, Ph.D. This is part of a series of blog posts on measurement for improvement. You can read them all here. A core component of improvement work is understanding and learning from data. This can be new to many, and for some a little intimidating. One common assumption is that all data […]
When can I change my centerline and limits?
in Measurementby David M. Williams, Ph.D. This is part of a series of blog posts on measurement for improvement. You can read them all here. When you create a run chart or a Shewhart chart with baseline data, you can “freeze” the centerline and extend it into the future. Shewhart charts that have equal subgroup size […]
Signals and Special Cause: What are the rules?
in Measurementby David M. Williams, Ph.D. This is part of a series of blog posts on measurement for improvement. You can read them all here. A core pillar of the science of improvement is understanding variation. We use data to learn about a system or process and to know whether our changes are resulting in improvement. […]
How many data points do I need?
in Improvement Science, Measurement, Tools & Methods, Variationby David M. Williams, Ph.D. This is part of a series of blog posts on measurement for improvement. You can read them all here. One of the most common questions for a new improver is: How many data points do I need to start a chart? The answer is just 1. Starting with the first […]
No judgment. Measurement for improvement.
in Measurementby David M. Williams, Ph.D. This is part of a series of blog posts on measurement for improvement. You can read them all here. The primary purpose of measurement for accountability is confirmation if a measure meets or does not meet the established target. These measures are common in social systems. Examples include: Targets to […]
Please STOP the Red, Yellow, Green
in Measurementby David M. Williams, Ph.D. This is part of a series of blog posts on measurement for improvement. You can read them all here. There is an epidemic spreading globally affecting leaders and their use and display of data. In a recent article in the ACHE HealthCare Executive publication, fellow improvement advisor Brandon Bennett and […]
QOS: Activity 5 – Managing Improvement Efforts
in Knowledge, Quality as an Organizational Strategy (QOS)by David M. Williams, Ph.D. In a recent blog post (here), I shared how Associates in Process Improvement transformed Dr. Deming’s theory of Organizations Viewed as a Production System into a five-part approach known as Quality as an Organizational Strategy. In this series, we’ll take a deeper look at each of the five activities including […]
QOS: Activity 2 – Organization Viewed as a System
in Measurement, Quality as an Organizational Strategy (QOS), Systemsby David M. Williams, Ph.D. In a recent blog post (here), I shared how Associates in Process Improvement transformed Dr. Deming’s theory of Organizations Viewed as a Production System into a five-part approach known as Quality as an Organizational Strategy. In this series, we’ll take a deeper look at each of the five activities including […]
Improvement Science and Implementation Science
in Improvement Science, ResearchBy David M. Williams, PhD As the use of the terms ‘Improvement Science’ or the ‘Science of Improvement’ have spread across health care and education, some ask how it differs or relates to Implementation Science? While implementation, and the study of it, could apply to any sector, it appears Implementation Science had its genesis in […]