Analytical Techniques and Errors - Coursework Example

Running Head: Analytical Techniques and Errors Analytical Techniques and Errors s Introduction Errors occur everywhere in every field, however, the meanings and relative usage of this word differs at different places depending upon the way it is conceptually applied. Error basically refers to the mistakes that can be human or mechanical. When errors occurred in any field, hey affect the accuracy and correctness of the process as well as outcome of the process being conducted in the field. All the facets of human life like business, healthcare, accounting and finance, languages, scientific studies, social scientific studies, sales and aviation commonly witness the occurrence of error that affects the credibility, productivity and success of these processes. Experts have concentrated towards the identification of certain measures that can help in the mitigation of the errors in different fields. Some analytical techniques and procedures have been discovered as remedies to the occurrence, execution and interpretation of errors and these techniques and procedures are commonly used to minimize the probability of errors. (Grabowski and Roberts, 1996, p16) The analytical techniques and procedures employed for dealing with the errors used to be different for each case however, there are some common and widely accepted procedures like Six Sigma etc that are applicable to almost every field and can help the related individual and organizations in effectively dealing with different types, stages and levels of errors. The paper aims to discuss some major and widely accepted error mitigation analytical techniques that have proved their significance in dealing with the errors both at execution and interpretation stages. The essay presents the examples of errors that commonly occurred in different fields and also discuss the analytical techniques that are commonly used in these fields to deal with these errors. (Goodstein et al, 1988, p98) Common Errors and Analytical Techniques As discussed above that with no exceptions, error occurred in every field. The intensity and effects of these errors may vary from one field to another and ultimately the procedures and techniques used to deal with these errors also vary from one field to another. It implies that the medical errors are different in nature from the business, linguistics or lab errors and thus, these errors are dealt quite differently from the errors occurred in any other field. For instance, in statistical data an error can be occurred in form of difference found between the computed and theoretically correct values that can be deal by rechecking formulas and calculation methods. In science and engineering field, an error came across in form of a difference found between the desired and actual performance of the system or object under study. Different devices and specialized machines and software work for the mitigation of such scientific and engineering errors. (Forester et al, 2006, p76) The biological errors occur due to the lost of the perfect fidelity while copying the information. The copying procedures, instruments and elements are analyzed and revised to overcome these errors. Errors not only occur in different fields of studies but the sports field also witnessed the occurrence of certain errors in different games. In baseball, crocket and football matches, some misjudgements are made that can be regarded as the sport error. The use of third empire, close circuit camera and action replays are the techniques that are now commonly use for the mitigation of these errors in sports events. Printing, labelling and packaging errors also commonly occur and the usage of advanced and modernized printing, packaging and labelling machines is common to reduce the probability of human induced errors in these processes. However, the mechanical errors can still affect the accuracy and productivity of labelling, packaging and printing that needs to be removing through proper examination of the mechanical device. (Dismukes et al, 2007, p34) Thus, it is found that in every profession and field, the nature of error is different and the measures to deal with these errors also differ. But, there are some common approaches that provide a generalized understanding to employ the analytical techniques while dealing with the errors. Norman (1986) explains that in order to deal effectively with the errors, it is very important that the designers of different machines, software, programs and system focus upon the causes that generate an error (Norman, 1986, p254). The researcher explains that the occurrence of the errors is inevitable and one cannot assure the non-occurrence of error at any place, so it would be better to look at the causes that generate errors so that these causes could be controlled and monitored. When the causes of errors become identical, it also becomes easy to identify the occurrence of error at early stages. (Norman, 1988, p243) Another important attempt made to identify the analytical procedures to curb possibilities of error, was made by Edmondson. He focuses upon the medical errors however he introduces some analytical procedures that can work in generalized situations as well. He explains that some specific group setting conditions help in the identification and correction of the errors. There are three general group setting that minimize the error probability and also work for the quick identification and correction of the errors. He proposed three groups setting that include group leader behaviours, unit performance outcome and unit shared beliefs. (Edmondson, 2003, p1419) Edmonson further explains that the behaviours of the unit leaders can create such culture within the group work setting that all the members can openly take part in the discussions regarding the errors. The behaviours of the unit leaders are supposed to be stimulating for the others. The unit performance results in the improvement of the interpersonal relations that in turn allows detecting the possibilities of errors (Edmondson, 2003, p1419). The concept of share belief of error implies that everyone accept that mistake can be made by any one and it is quite common to make any mistake during the working, so these mistakes should not be used against anyone but these should be reported to identify their appropriate solutions (Baumann, 1996), p305). This concept also explains that when there is more discussion and reporting of the errors, it becomes easy to prevent, detect and remove the errors. Jones (1999) presented another approach towards the error mitigation and explains that technology advancements allow improved collaborate thinking and in the technology backed environments, it become easy to pick an appropriate options to replace old methods with the new ones to reduce chances of errors and also assist to correct the errors. But, at the same time, there is also possibility that when there will be decline in the human interventions, the rate of errors will further increase. (Hibbard Jewett, 2005, p28) Six Sigma – Analytical Technique to mitigate errors There are some techniques that can be used for dealing with the errors of specific fields; however, the methodology of six sigma can be cited as an excellent example that provides support to deal with errors in each type of organizations. It is used for measuring and evaluating the quality within an organization in order to keep it at a perfect level. The main intention of this discipline is to assist the organizations to eliminate the errors and defects of their business activities. Six sigma is a data driven approach that focuses upon some specific roles and responsibilities that can work for the mitigation of the errors. (Davies et al, 2003, p862) This approach has its implementation is every profession and each phase of the business can take help from this methodology to remove the errors. It helps to remove the defects and errors found within the manufacturing process, financial statements, sales indexes and marketing strategies etc. The system works provide a quantitative analysis of the performance of the process and if there is anything found out of the customer specification, the system detects it as error. In different professions like accounting, medical, aviation, management and sales etc, this approach has proved its significant implications for the removal of errors from the process. Different organizations can adopt six sigma implementation methodology to make use of the management philosophies and applications tools of six sigma. (Hibbard and Jewett, 1997, p218) Today, almost each profession has the opportunity to implement and take the benefits of six sigma by removing the errors and improving the performance and productivity of their work. For example, six sigma works for the establishment of close communication links between the management, employees and customers of an organization. For this purpose, it proposes the development of rigorous methods to obtain and evaluate the inputs of the suppliers. When the communication and coordination between the suppliers, employees, management and the customers is improved, ultimately it has a positive impact upon the performance of the business and it can be expected to record increase in the quality level as well as sales volume of the products manufactured by the company. (Milstein et al, 1997, p313) The implications of six sigma are not limited to the removal of business related errors only but it works for error mitigation in the healthcare field and automated labs. It is found that the techniques and principles of six sigma work in the automated labs for the reduction of process variance and error confinement. It can work for the elimination of errors up to a greater extends and help in better performance and output of the automatic lab. In the same way, the medical errors can also be removed using the procedures and methodologies of six sigma. Conclusion The above discussion emphasizes upon the implementation of different analytical techniques in dealing with error in different type of businesses and organizations. It is revealed from the above discussion that errors occurred very commonly in each profession and there are some common techniques that help the individuals and organizations to deal with the errors. In every discipline and profession the nature, intensity and effects of the errors used to be different. The methods of dealing with the errors are also supposed to be different for every professions. There are some generalized concepts, principles and techniques presented by different school of thoughts that work for better dealing of the errors in different situations and setting. Among them, six sigma is identifies as most common and widely accepted approach that can help the organizations to meet efficient level of productivity by removing the errors and reducing their possibilities. References A. 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