| Summary: | Thesis (MTech(Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2011 === Reliable analytical results represent the pinnacle assessment of the quality of an
analytical laboratory. Variability associated with the analytical method, or
process known as selenium analysis which is being used at Western Cape
Provincial Veterinary Laboratory (WC PVL), presents a critical quality problem.
This is due to the narrow margin of safety between toxic and deficient doses for
animal health. In addition, control features of this selenium process, were found
to be limited. Limited control features represent ‘process waste’. To overcome
the adverse impact of variation and limited control, steps towards process
improvement present the best solution.The primary research objective of the research study is: “To establish an
alternative accurate and safer digestion procedure within the ‘selenium analysis
process, in order to attain quality improvement of the process”.The scientific method was employed to accomplish the research objective. The
research design and methodology selected was based on the scientific PDCA
cycle, and is known as Lean Six Sigma. A research hypothesis was set as H0 :
Variation in process, time and control procedures have a direct impact on the
disparity in selenium testing results. Research was able to test the hypothesis
using scientific methodology which was empirical, inductive and deductive,
systematic, relied on data and was fact based.Implementation of an alternative, more reliable and safer selenium analysis
process is believed to result in reduced risks associated to the digestion procedure,
while optimising selenium yield and ultimately translating into improved quality
in terms of accuracy and precision, thus confidence in results.
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