Statistics for Engineering Problem Solving

This innovative text uses real data and scenario examples and a chapter-length case study (Chapter 11) to teach students how apply statistical methods to the solution of engineering problems. Employing a practical, applied approach, the author encourages students to do statistics by carrying data collection and analysis projects all the way from problem formulation to preparation of professional technical reports. The authors goals in writing this text are to stress the engineering problem-solving implications of statistical references, and to foster development of scientific and statistical thought processes in the reader. Mathematical theory is not presented as an end in itself, but rather as a means to more effective engineering practice.

Steve Vardeman is a Professor of Statistics and Industrial Engineering at Iowa State University. He holds a 1975 Ph.D. in Statistics from Michigan State University and B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mathematics from Iowa State. He is a Fellow of the American Statistical Association, an elected Ordinary Member of the International Statistical Institute, a Senior Member of the American Society for Quality and is a member of both the American Society for Engineering Education and the Institute of Mathematical Statistics. His book Statistics for Engineering Problem Solving won the 1994 ASEE Meriam-Wiley Distinguished Author Award for an outstanding new engineering textbook, he is co-author of Statistical Quality Assurance Methods for Engineers, and the ISU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has recognized him for outstanding teaching. He was Editor of Technometrics from 1993 to 1995 and both his research and teaching interests revolve around the engineering applications of statistics.