Quality Assurance Graduate Courses
QA 5000
Statistical Concepts for Quality Assurance
3-0-3
Students will learn basic statistical concepts including exploratory data analysis, probability distributions, confidence intervals and hypothesis tests. Analysis using Excel and Minitab will be introduced.
QA 6600
Methods of Analysis
3-0-3
A study of the analytic processes required to identify, document, define, and measure requirements and limitations for any operating system. Class work will focus on identifying, describing, and measuring existing manufacturing and service systems. Methods available for system improvement will be investigated.
QA 6602
Total Quality
3-0-3
This course is a study of the functions and responsibilities of the quality organization. TQM concepts, quality function deployment, and the tools for continuous improvement are analyzed for sequence of use and application. Emphasis is placed on design and performance aspects of a system-wide quality assurance function.
QA 6610
Statistics for Quality Assurance
3-0-3
Descriptive statistics for discrete and continuous variables, probability distributions, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing, elementary control charts for variables and attributes, the design of acceptance sampling plans, analysis of variance, and regression and correlation analysis.
QA 6611
Statistical Process Control
Prerequisite: QA 6610
3-0-3
The application of advanced statistical methodologies to the analysis and solution of quality and management problems, including probability theory, control charts, sampling, regression analysis, and design of experiments. The focus is on statistical process control and related quality technologies.
QA 6612
Design of Experiments
Prerequisite: QA 6610
3-0-3
This is an analysis of statistical experimental design strategies, and planning of experiments for the best strategy and objectives. The use of existing computer application packages will be stressed.
QA 6613
Linear Regression Analysis
Prerequisite: QA 6610
3-0-3
In this course, students will learn linear regression analysis techniques to include first order and polynomial modeling, use of indicator variables, variance stabilizing transformations, multi-collinearity diagnostics and residual analysis. The connections among ANOVA, design of experiments and regression will be emphasized. Statistical software will be used to analyze problems.
QA 6615
Applied Systems Reliability
Prerequisite: QA 6610
3-0-3
Analysis of appropriate probabilistic models for system reliability, including the exponential, Weibull, normal, and lognormal distributions, life prediction techniques, reliability test program plans, failure mode and effect analysis, Markov models, and maintainability concepts.
QA 6620
Inspection Systems Design
Prerequisite: QA 6610
3-0-3
This course deals with understanding inspection systems, measurement principles, and limitations. Included are acceptance sampling plans such as ANSI Z1.4, ANSI Z1.9, Dodge Romig, and stipulated risk, chain, sequential, and continuous plans.
QA 6630
Technical Training Methods
3-0-3
Adult learning theory, the development and management of training programs, presentation techniques, instructional aids, and assessment will be investigated.
QA 6640
Quality Cost and Supplier Evaluation
Prerequisite: QA 6602
3-0-3
A detailed analysis of cost reductions involved in continuous improvement. Supplier evaluation, including quality audits, is reviewed to establish capability. The concept of partnerships is explored.
QA 6650
Quality Systems Design
Prerequisite: QA 6602
3-0-3
Quality Systems Design prepares students for the development of the quality organization, systems, and procedures necessary for effective participation in world markets. Creating and documenting methods and procedures are stressed.
QA 6660
Six Sigma Black Belt Concepts
Prerequisite: QA 6611, QA 6612 and QA6650, or concurrent
3-0-3
A study and review of the Six Sigma Black Belt body of knowledge, including the DMAIC Methodology, Enterprise – wide deployment, project management, the lean enterprise and design for Six Sigma.
QA 6712
Quality Systems Simulation
Prerequisite: QA 6610
3-0-3
This course addresses the application of simulation to quality systems. Topics covered include fundamental simulation modeling techniques, random sampling procedures and methods of estimating performance measures from simulation outputs. Emphasis will be upon hands-on simulation of various quality systems using PC-based simulation languages.
QA 6722
Human Factors in Quality Assurance
3-0-3
Human Factors in QA is a comprehensive survey of human factors theory, research, and applications which are of particular relevance to quality assurance. Emphasis will be placed on operator constraints in the design of work processes, workplaces, and instrumentation.
QA6725
Quality Assessment of the Organization
Prerequisites: QA6602
3-0-3
Course covers the history and rationale behind various Quality Assessment systems, with particular emphasis on the National Malcolm Baldrige Quality Award. Students will interpret and apply the criteria and assess organizations through case studies.
QA 6763
Software Quality
3-0-3
The Personal Software Process (PSP) is a technology that brings discipline to the practices of individual software engineers, dramatically improving the quality, predictability, and cycle time for software-intensive systems. PSP makes engineers aware of the processes they use to do their work and the performance of those processes. The course covers quality assessment, cost estimation, configuration management, software performance measures, proof of correctness, validation and verification, and management of the total quality environment for software.
QA 6901-6903
Special Topics in Quality
1 to 3 hours
Students may arrange to study and perform independent research on a topic approved by a graduate faculty member. An appropriate research paper will be required and the student may be required to make an oral presentation to faculty, graduate students, and/or quality professionals.
QA 7403
Graduate Seminar
Prerequisites: QA 6602, QA 6611
3-0-3
The course is designed to cover various topics within the field of quality assurance which are not taught in other courses. These topics might include acceptance sampling, risk analysis, regression analysis, SPC training methods, and others.