Analysing the impact of a proposed generic quality management of measurement process

Abstract

This thesis analyses the effectiveness of the current process structure across the main Rolls-Royce measurement capability groups, namely: Manufacturing, Material and Chemical Evaluation, Testing, and Sensing for Control and Monitoring, in terms of measurement activities, compliance with key attributes and requirements of International Standards related to measurement and compliance with the internal and external regulations for civil aerospace products. An analysis of the impact of introducing the generic measurement process was also performed, qualitatively to consider the overall risks of introducing a generic measurement process and changing the current methods, and quantitatively to assess the risks of failure of the proposed key attributes gathered from the research and interviews, of the generic measurement process through the Process Failure Modes and Effect Analysis (PFMEA). The research methodology consists of four phases, including data collection through interviews of key contacts within the measurement community across Rolls-Royce, analysis of the current measurement processes or Group Procedures, definition of key attributes for the generic measurement process structure, analysis of the risks and finally validation. The research strategy followed was based on qualitative data. Semi-structured interviews, review of technical documentation, quality audits, international standards and regulations were used to obtain the information required. The major benefit of the developed analysis is to set the requirements both internally and externally to include in a proposed Generic Measurement Process, have an indication of the readiness level of the four measurement capabilities to adopt this process and analyse the risks, both globally of introducing the process, and the risk of failure and effect of the proposed attributes. Keywords: Generic Measurement Process, Measurement Uncertainty, Product Lifecycle, Measurement Capability, Measurement System