Hu, Jigao (1995) Data visualization & TQM implementation : a study of the implementation of data visualization in total quality management in Victorian manufacturing industry. Coursework Master thesis, Victoria University of Technology.

Abstract

Introduction: Data visualisation (DV) is the process of creating and presenting a chart given a set of active data and sets of attribute and entity constraints. It rapidly and interactively investigates large multivariate and multidisciplinary data sets to detect trends, correlations, and anomalies. Data Visualisation is the latest analytical tool for both technical computer users and business computer users. Total Quality Management (TQM) is continuous improvement in the performance of all processes and the products and services that are the outcomes of those processes. In quality management, DV is one of the three new tools that complement the existing seven, which are flow charts, Ishikawa or cause and effect diagrams, Pareto charts, histograms, run charts and graphs, scattergrams and control charts. It lets quality control engineers readily see the real reasons for quality problems by presenting the data in up to six dimensions. Methodology: A survey by mail questionnaire was conducted to collect data from one hundred Victorian manufacturing companies. Responses were received from 52 companies out of the total of 100. The sample size for each analysis may vary from 52 to 49. The source for company information was Kompass Australia 1994/1995. The statistical analysis tool used was Statistica. Major Findings: The TQM program implementation tends to be more complete in companies with more employees. Wordprocessing software is adopted by all companies in TQM practice, mostly for producing a quality instructional manual. Spreadsheet and database packages are the second and the third most commonly used software. Companies that have completed their formal TQM program implementation generally use computer software in more aspects of their TQM practice than companies at lower TQM stages though not always. Two-dimensional DV techniques are more commonly used than three-dimensional ones with the 2-D colour and 2-D shade the most widely used by all. The 3-D animation tool needs to be explored. DV features are generally important for all the users. The ability to handle complex data is more important for companies at a higher stage of TQM program implementation than companies at lower stages.

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