Modern Analytics and the Future of Quality and Performance Excellence

Analytics is the use of data, information technology, statistical analysis, quantitative methods, and mathematical or computer-based models to help managers gain improved insight about their business operations and make better, fact-based decisions. While the disciplines underlying analytics — statistics, business intelligence, and operations research/management science—have been around for well over a half-century, the integration of these disciplines, supported by various tools, has led to new and more powerful ways to view, understand, and use data and information intelligently. Despite the extensive interest in analytics within business, very little has been published about it in ASQ publications such as Quality Progress and Quality Management Journal. The importance of modern analytics is becoming recognized in the Baldrige Criteria and represents a significant opportunity for executives who pursue performance excellence, quality managers, and academic researchers.