Computer tools for statistical quality control

Since the 1920' sanduntil recently, numerical computation has beena limiting factor in the application of statistical methods to the improvement of product quality. This restriction is be in geliminated by the in troduction of computer tools for statistical quality control.

Both novice and expertusers of statistical methods can ben-efitsubstantially from the availability o intergrated soft ware for computing, graphics, and data management. Theuse of such soft ware in SQC training program senables the student to focus on the under standing of statistical techniques, rather than the irmechanicaldetails. In productionen vironments, properly designedinterfaces facilitated at aent ryand access to statistical soft ware by plant personnel, with out requiring know ledge of a computer language. The sesame tool scan be used by management to retrieve in for mationandob tain summaries and display sofcriti-caldata gatheredover different period softime. Finally, computer tool sprovide the applied statistician with agreater range of advanced methods, includinganalytical and graphical extensions of the traditional She whart control chart.     

Speech Content and the Emergence of Inequality in Task Groups

We examine how the content of actors' speech and the frequency with which they make contributions affect the emergence and legitimation of inequality in task groups. Previous research has focused on classifying acts, the smallest meaningful units of speech, such as providing opportunities to others to speak, making task relevant suggestions, and positively or negatively evaluating the contributions of others. We also employ a classification scheme based on the cognitive complexity of spoken language in the turn. This scheme is based on an interpretation of the cognitive development model posited by Piaget. In addition to the complexity of language, we analyze speech group members employ to organize to solve the task. These classifications rely on the entire content of the turn rather than the more atomistic act. Data analyzed are from 33 groups of students performing different types of tasks. We employ structural equation models to identify how acts and content are related to one another in the observed interaction patterns in groups. Applications of these insights are explored in the discussion.     

Dirty money: Is there a wage premium for working in a pollution intensive industry?

Within a compensating wage differential framework we investigate whether there is a wage premium for working in a pollution intensive industry. Our results for the economy as a whole suggest a small wage premium of approximately one quarter of one percent associated with the risk of working in a dirty job. This premium rises to over fifteen percent for those individuals who work in one of the five dirtiest industries. We also find evidence of a fatal risk wage premium, providing estimates of the value of a statistical life of between ￡12 million and ￡19 million (2000 prices).     

Understanding the Downshifting Phenomenon: A Case of South East Queensland,Australia

A quality of life survey of a sample of households across the Brisbane‐South East Queensland region has identified about 28 percent of people as ‘downshifters.‘ They are defined as people who voluntarily make a long‐term change in their lifestyle – other than planned retirement – which reduces income and adjusts their lifestyle conditions. A typology of downshifters is developed on the basis of their motives for downshifting and their socio‐economic and demographic characteristics using a Two Step Cluster Analysis. Results indicate that the social and economic circumstances and the reasons and methods of downshifting tend to vary substantially across the clusters.     

The plural “self”: Group therapy with Bosnian women survivors of war

Although mandated to protect children, most child welfare workers do not receive the training and supervision they need to do their work. Using the case of a 7‐year‐old boy, this paper shows the need for child protection workers to be aware of the stages of psychosexual development. The problems caused by the current “good touch/bad touch” sexual abuse prevention teaching are also highlighted.     

Kenya Between Hope and Despair, 1963–2012

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