ASQ Columbus Section November 2025 Dinner Meeting

Presentation Title: The Impact of Not Understanding Variation

Summary of presentation: 
“Variation is life, or life is variation” is how Dr. W. E. Deming described the extent of what we observe in our personal and work outcomes. If the outcome can be measured, like commute time to work or school, one can easily show fluctuation from one day to the next. The variation observed may be attributed to controllable factors, such as departure time, as well as those beyond one’s control, such as weather and traffic conditions. If the commute time averages 20 minutes, it may take 23 or so minutes when traffic is dense or 18 minutes when weather conditions are favorable
 
So, variation is expected!  - how we react to it is what’s important!
Shewhart determined that there are two types of mistakes that can be committed¹. These come from the misclassification of the types of variation:

• Mistake 1: Reacting to an outcome as if it came from a special-cause variation when it really came from common causes
• Mistake 2: Treating an outcome as if it came from common causes of variation when it came from a special cause

The Aim of this presentation is to:

1. Define variation and distinguish between its two types
2. Show, through a hands-on example, what happens when we don’t understand variation [i.e., react to a Common-cause as a Special-cause variation or vice versa]
3. Have fun!

About the Speaker:


Mustafa Shraim
Mustafa Shraim is an Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering Technology & Management at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. He received his Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from West Virginia University. He teaches courses in quality management systems, statistical quality control, and leadership. His research interests are in quality engineering, quality management systems (QMS), and Dr. W Edwards Deming’s theories of management - also known as System of Profound knowledge™
 
Mustafa has over 25 years of industrial experience as a quality engineer, corporate quality manager, and a consultant in quality management systems, statistical methods, quality improvement, and The Deming Management Method.  He facilitated Lean projects and mentored project leaders in Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen (A3) methodology, and 5S systems.  Mustafa is a Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) and Six Sigma Black Belt (SSBB) by ASQ, and a certified QMS Principal Auditor by IRCA. He is also an ASQ Fellow.

ASQ Columbus Section Leadership Team