Quality has become a critical component of many successful businesses. The quest for quality has led to the emergence of a set of analytic tools that help identify, study and improve business processes. The course examines the development of these management tools and the role that they play in continuous improvement activities. In particular, the student will become familiar with problem solving strategies that begin with a structured qualitative analysis of business situations, incorporate quantitative management methods and lead to well-reasoned decisions. Appropriate software support will be used. (Formerly QMS 402).