Design of Experiments

Programme Summary

Plan experiments that identify which process factors matter and how they interact. Participants design controlled trials, choose responses and analyse results using statistical software and process knowledge. Practical cases cover randomisation, replication, blocking and confirmation, enabling teams to distinguish experimental evidence from coincidence and recommend operating changes with clear assumptions, limitations and safeguards.

Training Objectives

1 Select experiments suited to improvement questions; 2 Control bias and variation in study design; 3 Interpret factor effects interactions and uncertainty; 4 Validate models before recommending operating changes; 5 Plan safe confirmation and implementation activities.

Learning Outcomes

1 Prepare a testable experimental objective; 2 Design a randomised factorial experiment; 3 Interpret main effects and interaction results; 4 Evaluate model adequacy and study limitations; 5 Specify a justified confirmation trial.

Target Audience

Process Engineers; Quality Engineers; Development Engineers; Improvement Specialists; Manufacturing Scientists.

Target Industries

Automotive Manufacturing; Electronics Manufacturing; Industrial Equipment Manufacturing; Medical Device Manufacturing; Consumer Goods Manufacturing; Industrial Services.

Course Contents

• Module 1 Experimental Questions: Objectives responses and practical decisions; Factors levels and operating constraints; Exploratory screening versus optimisation goals.
• Module 2 Measurement and Baseline Readiness: Response measurement capability and resolution; Existing process knowledge and baseline data; Safety quality and experimental boundaries.
• Module 3 Experimental Design Principles: Randomisation replication and blocking; Experimental units and independent observations; Confounding and avoidable sources of bias.
• Module 4 One Factor and Factorial Thinking: Limits of changing one factor sequentially; Main effects and interaction concepts; Choosing an efficient learning strategy.
• Module 5 Full Factorial Designs: Design matrices and run sequence; Two level factors and replicated trials; Resource requirements and practical constraints.
• Module 6 Fractional Factorial Designs: Screening designs and alias relationships; Resolution and interpretation tradeoffs; Sequential follow up to clarify effects.
• Module 7 Executing the Study: Controlled instructions and actual settings; Recording deviations and environmental conditions; Protecting data integrity during trials.
• Module 8 Analysis of Effects: Effect estimates and graphical interpretation; Statistical tests and practical significance; Interaction plots and process explanations.
• Module 9 Model Adequacy: Residual behaviour and assumption checks; Unusual observations and diagnostic review; Limits of interpolation and extrapolation.
• Module 10 Curvature and Optimisation: Centre points and evidence of curvature; Response surface concepts and operating windows; Balancing multiple responses and constraints.
• Module 11 Confirmation and Implementation: Confirmation runs and prediction comparisons; Risk review and change approval; Control plan updates and monitoring.
• Module 12 Experiment Design Workshop: Creating a justified experiment proposal; Analysing supplied experimental data; Defending conclusions and confirmation actions.

Assessment

• 60 single best answer questions, including applied scenarios; one mark per question.
• 90 minute invigilated digital examination with identity verification. Approved accessibility adjustments preserve the assessed competence.
• Supplied reference pack and calculator permitted; external internet and AI prohibited.
• Individual applied assessment (45 minutes): Design a bounded factorial experiment, analyse a supplied dataset and justify factor conclusions, model limitations and a confirmation plan.
• Assessment criteria: Suitable controlled experimental design; Correct effect and interaction interpretation; Sound model checks and confirmation logic.
• Pass each component separately: 45/60 written marks (75%) and at least 70% on the applied task.
• Individual results and feedback are provided. One reassessment may follow coaching under the published enrolment terms.

Certification

• Successful learners receive a TQCSI Arabia digital Certificate of Successful Completion.
• The certificate records the learner name, exact programme title, teaching hours, completion date and unique verification reference.
• Verified identity, full attendance and separate written and applied passes are required; all mandatory critical criteria must be met.
• Proposed issue target: within 30 calendar days of approved results and settlement of applicable fees.
• Records experimental design and analysis skills; live process trials require competent technical review and organisation approval.
• Attendance confirmation may record completed hours for unsuccessful learners; it does not certify successful completion.

Programme Profile

Number of daysNumber of daysNumber of days

333

Total teaching hoursTotal teaching hoursTotal teaching hours

18 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.18 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.18 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.

Delegates allowedDelegates allowedDelegates allowed

Maximum 16 delegates.Maximum 16 delegates.Maximum 16 delegates.

Training prerequisitesTraining prerequisitesTraining prerequisites

Basic statistics, hypothesis testing and spreadsheet or statistical software competence are required. Familiarity with the process under study is essential.Basic statistics, hypothesis testing and spreadsheet or statistical software competence are required. Familiarity with the process under study is essential.Basic statistics, hypothesis testing and spreadsheet or statistical software competence are required. Familiarity with the process under study is essential.

Pre course assignment and assessmentPre course assignment and assessmentPre course assignment and assessment

Complete a 30-minute statistical diagnostic and review a fictional process with candidate factors and response measures.Complete a 30-minute statistical diagnostic and review a fictional process with candidate factors and response measures.Complete a 30-minute statistical diagnostic and review a fictional process with candidate factors and response measures.

End of course assessmentEnd of course assessmentEnd of course assessment

60 question written exam (90 minutes) and individual applied task (45 minutes).60 question written exam (90 minutes) and individual applied task (45 minutes).60 question written exam (90 minutes) and individual applied task (45 minutes).

Passing criteriaPassing criteriaPassing criteria

75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance.75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance.75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance.