Quality in Applied Statistics Initiative Think Tank (QiSTT)

Chair: Geoff Vining

Vice-Chair: Ronald Does

Purpose:

Statistical engineering is the discipline dedicated to engineering solutions to problems of a statistical nature, particularly to large, complex, and unstructured problems. The objectives of ISEA are to advance the theory and practice of statistical engineering, including its insertion into academic curricula, and to enhance the professional qualifications and standing among its members. These high-level objectives of ISEA are intended to encompass the following:

To promote unity, effectiveness of effort and ethical professional conduct among those who devote themselves to the theory and practice of statistical engineering.
To provide for the creation of conferences, conventions and other meetings of its members for the exchange of ideas and experiences in the development, application, and use of statistical engineering principles.
To create and disseminate a body of knowledge for statistical engineering.
To facilitate the proper inclusion of statistical engineering in statistical and other professional publications, including textbooks.

Membership

Ronald Does, Roger Hoerl, Jamison Kovach, Doug Montgomery, Sung Park, Narayanan Ramanathan, Jianjun Shi, Ron Snee, Fugee Tsung, Geoff Vining

Future Plans

ISEA is a diverse community sharing a passion for the theory and practice of capturing big opportunities requiring integration of multiple methods. The following values are therefore non-negotiable for us, and need to be incorporated into all our activities and decisions.

Leadership: we want to take risks on novel initiatives rather than providing “me too” products and services.
Focus: we want to do one thing (pursue the ISEA mission) with excellence rather than ten things with mediocrity.
A “big tent”: we strive to be truly international and cross-disciplinary.
Systems thinking: our emphasis is on innovation, improvement, and solving problems, rather than on individual tools, no matter how powerful these tools might be.
Diversity of thought: we believe it is possible to have diversity of thought and still have unity in action.
Integration of theory and practice: we view these as two parts of an inseparable whole, rather than as competing priorities.
Community: we realize that long term success ultimately depends on enabling people to work together as equals on exciting initiatives - while enjoying it. Big egos need not apply.

Important Publications