L'insegnamento è tenuto in Inglese.

The course focuses on the major methodologies, good practices and tools for achieving Quality within industrial environments

Knowledge of the major techniques for implementing Quality Management Systems, according to existing standards.
Mastery of tools and techniques to achieve Quality within industrial environments: FMECA (Failure Mode, Effects and Criticality Analysis), QFD (Quality Function Deployment), SPC (Statistical Process Control), etc..
At the end of the course, students will be able to operate in industrial environments in which Quality Management and SPC techniques are implemented.

Essentials of Mathematical Analysis, Statistics and Production Technologies.

1. Preliminary concepts
Terms and definitions.
Introduction of Quality Management techniques in industry.
The importance of Quality in design and production.
Basic notions on Statistics

2. Quality in design
Offered, expected and perceived Quality.
Quality Function Deployment (QFD).
Customer Requirements, Technical Characteristics and Relationship Matrix.
Prioritization of the Technical Characteristics.
FMECA (Failure Mode, Effects and Criticality Analysis).
Quality Costs.

3. Statistical Process Control (SPC)
Introduction to statistical methods for Quality control.
Variability and natural tolerance of the process.
Variability propagation and the Delta method.
Control charts for variables and attributes.
Operating Characteristic (OC) curves relating to control charts.
Design and construction of control charts.
Process Capability Ratios (PCRs).
Theory of inspection and acceptance sampling plans.
Sampling plans for attributes.
OC curves relating to sampling plans.
Design of sampling plans for attributes.

Several classroom exercises concerning the topics covered in the course and an optional group-project about QFD and FMECA

Apart from the course notes and documents distributed by the teacher, the following textbooks are recommended:
• Franceschini F., Advanced Quality Function Deployment, St. Lucie Press/CRC Press LLC, Boca Raton, FL, 2002.
• Montgomery D.C., Introduction to Statistical Quality Control, 7th Ed., J. Wiley, New York, 2012.

The exam will be based on a written test, of about 2 hours, containing:
(i) exercises concerning SPC techniques;
(ii) theoretical open questions concerning the totality of the topics covered.

Students will use the material indicated by the professor – i.e., specific statistical tables and a free-formula sheet; lecture notes, books, manuals, laptops, tablets or smartphones will be strictly forbidden.

During the course, students will also be involved in an optional group-project on QFD and FMECA. In the case of positive evaluation, group members will gain 1 or 2 extra points. The maximum possible mark for the exam will be 30L, including the said extra points.

Even though the standard exam is written, the professor reserves the right to perform a supplemental oral exam. On the other hand, requests for oral examination by students will not be accepted.