Leslie Pagliari

The macro vs. micro approach to integrating Six Sigma in the supply chain

Six Sigma is a problem solving methodology that emphasises the reduction of defects relative to customer specifications. The final determination of whether a process meets customer requirements is captured in the defects per million opportunities (DPMO). This paper will present a conceptual application of integrating Six Sigma into the supply chain by evaluating the calculation of the DPMO for the efficiency of the supply chain using a macro (defects per unit) and micro (defects per opportunity) perspective.

Point-and-Click Pedagogy: Is It Effective for Teaching Information Technology?.

This paper assesses the effectiveness of the adoption of curriculum content developed and supported by a global academic university-industry alliance sponsored by one of the world’s largest information technology software providers. Academic alliances promote practical and futureoriented education while providing access to proprietary software and technology. Specifically, this paper addresses a lack of quantitative analysis to substantiate the perceived benefits of using information technology “point-and-click” instructional pedagogy to teach fundamental business processes and concepts. The analysis of over 800 test questions from 229 students allowed inferences regarding the utilization of self-directed “point-and-click” driven case studies employed to teach software applications of business processes needed for supply chain management. Correlation studies and analysis of variance investigated data collected from 10 individual course sections over a two-and-one-half-year period in a four-year public university. The data showed statistically significant positive correlations between the pedagogy and conceptual learning. Further, the research provided evidence that the methodology is equally effective for teaching information technology applications using either face-to-face or distance education delivery methods.

Transforming the Terminal Associates of Applied Science into a Four-Year Degree: A Win-Win Situation for Students, Community Colleges, Universities, and Businesses

Associates of Applied Science (AAS) degrees were once considered terminal degrees and were developed for people seeking technical skills to join the workforce. This paper discusses the transformation from a transferable degree into technical four-year baccalaureate degree. It also discusses survey results of students currently in a degree completion program that includes motives for their progression to a four-year degree.