Design for Six Sigma is an emerging field that focuses on building the quality management methods of Six Sigma into a business process for the development of products and services. It is also the subject of a new book co-edited by a Missouri University of Science and Technology author.

Design for Six Sigma in Product and Service Development was co-edited by Dr. Elizabeth Cudney, assistant professor of engineering management and systems engineering at Missouri S&T. It is scheduled for publication by CRC Press on May 29.

The book uses real-world examples written by chapter authors who are experienced Black Belts and Master Black Belts. It shows how Design for Six Sigma is linked to organizational leadership, product development, system integration, the voice of the customer and concept generation. The case studies included in the book can be used by both industry professionals and those in academic fields.

Cudney, who also serves as associate director of Missouri S&T’s Design Engineering Center, joined the Missouri S&T faculty in 2007. She has published more than 80 scholarly articles on those subjects. In 2009, her book Using Hoshin Kanri to Improve the Value Stream was published by Productivity Press. Her second book, Implementing Lean Six Sigma Throughout the Supply Chain, was published by CRC Press in 2010.

Cudney is an associate member of the International Academy for Quality, a past winner of the American Society for Quality’s Armand V. Feigenbaum Medal, and a past recipient of the SME Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award. The Feigenbaum Medal is an international award given annually to one individual who has displayed outstanding characteristics of leadership, professionalism, and potential in the field of quality and also whose work has been or will become of distinct benefit to mankind. The international award is given annually to engineers who have made exceptional contributions and accomplishments in the manufacturing industry.

Cudney holds seven ASQ certifications, which include ASQ certified quality engineer, certified manager of quality/organizational excellence, certified quality improvement associate and a certified Six Sigma Black Belt, among others.

Cudney earned a bachelor of science degree in industrial engineering from North Carolina State University and master of science degrees in mechanical engineering and business administration from the University of Hartford. She earned her Ph.D. in engineering management from Missouri S&T in 2006.

Prior to returning to school for her doctorate, Cudney worked at Jacobs Vehicle Systems in Bloomfield, Conn., in various roles including Six Sigma Black Belt, quality and process engineer, quality auditor, senior manufacturing engineer and manufacturing manager.

Cudney co-edited Design for Six Sigma in Product and Service Development with Dr. Sandra Furterer, vice president for business process improvement at Chase Bank in Columbus, Ohio.