1) Statistical and engineering technology useful in achieving quality improvement focuses on three major areas: statistical process control, design of experiments, and (to a lesser extent) acceptance sampling. Compare and contrast these three main areas of statistical methods for quality control and improvement, commenting on their advantages and disadvantages, how and when they are used and how much they contribute in the reduction of process variability.

2) What is the danger associated with the use of acceptance sampling for quality control? Why does the type of attitude it promotes hinder the enhancement of competitive position? Comment on the possible effects realized by the general acceptance of the idea of the acceptable quality level (AQL)?