ASQ Section 614 - Columbia Basin

Serving Central and Southeastern Washington and Northeastern Oregon

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Statistics Can be Fun

Click here to download the pdf flyer.

Alvin Langstaff, Bechtel National, Inc.

March 4 at the Richland Shilo Inn

Have you ever noticed how many times you hear statistics bandied about in daily conversations? Some examples: "Flying is statistically safer than driving" and "Statistically speaking, women live longer than men."

Whether or not these statements are true in every case, the point is that someone gathered a bunch of data, organized it, maybe even analyzed it, and drew some conclusions. A British civil servant, Josiah Stamp, said: "The government are very keen on amassing statistics. They collect them, add them, raise them to the nth power, take the cube root and prepare wonderful diagrams. But you must never forget that every one of these figures comes in the first instance from the village watchman, who just puts down what he damn pleases."

Did you know that you can go online to the Fed Stats website and get direct access to statistical data on topics of your choice? But who needs to do that when you can come to our March 4 meeting, network with friends and colleagues, have a nice dinner and learn about statistics at the same time?!

At this month's presentation, our speaker will discuss some of the basic concepts that make up the study of statistics. Using as examples data he has personally been collecting for the last decade from Parade magazine's annual "What People Earn" issues, Alvin will share some of the practical (and some not so practical) information and conclusions that he has been able to glean using statistical analysis.

About the presenter

Alvin Langstaff is the current chair of ASQ Columbia Basin Section 0614 and is an ASQ certified Manager of Quality and Organizational Excellence. His interest in statistics was sparked as a result of his training for a Six Sigma Black Belt certification in 2001. Alvin holds a bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering and a Masters of Engineering Management. He works in the Performance Assurance group at the Vitrification Plant project and lives in Pasco with his wife Pam and dog Harley.

Logistics

LOCATION:
O'Callahan's/Shilo Inn, 50 Comstock, Richland, Washington
5:30 p.m. - Check in/Networking (no host cocktail service)
6:00 p.m. - Buffet Dinner
6:45 p.m. - Presentation

DINNER BUFFET MENU:
The Chef and crew at O'Callahan's Restaurant always provide a fine and varied buffet dinner for us at the Shilo Inn. The buffet usually includes two entree choices, plus accompanying vegetable, a number of tasty salads, and a vegetable and/or fruit tray.

Your choice of coffee, tea or decaf is included with dinner. And don't forget to save room for dessert!

COSTS:
$20 ASQ members
$24 non members
$5 presentation only

Reservations are requested by February 27. E-mail Alvin with your name, phone number, company affiliation, and type of reservation, or call him at (509) 371-2221.

Note: All no shows will be billed unless cancelled 48 hours in advance.