Information in an industrial culture: Walter A. Shewhart and the evolution of the control chart, 1917-1954

Phillip G. Bradford, Paul J. Miranti

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study analyzes the factors that shaped Walter Shewhart's 1924 development of the control chart at Bell Telephone Laboratories. The control chart is a graphical construct that uses probability theory to analyze deviations from expected levels of performance within systems of repetitive action. Although Shewhart's innovative use of probabilistic information focused on monitoring conformity to production standards in mass manufacturing, his basic concepts continue to affect modernity through their extensive application in data analysis in business, engineering, and science.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)179-219
Number of pages41
JournalInformation and Culture
Volume54
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2019

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Library and Information Sciences
  • History
  • Conservation

Keywords

  • ASQ
  • Bell telephone laboratories
  • Control chart
  • Learning pathways
  • Mathematical statistics
  • Normal curve
  • Oil drop
  • Quality control
  • Statistical quality control

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