1.  We sent some people to Six Sigma training. What can you do to take advantage of this new knowledge in our organization?
Six sigma has brought a culture of process-based thinking into the business world. The problem is follow through. Direct Effects can work with your team on the Six Sigma case study and other processes. We can review the statistical concepts and identify the relevant applications.

2.  A CRO does our clinical statistics. Is Direct Effects a CRO? Do we need more statistics?
A typical Contract Research Organization (CRO) specializes in the laboratory, data management, programming and statistical requirements for FDA filings. They are vital for small companies and also do projects for large companies. Direct Effects is not a CRO with these capabilities. However managing relationships with CRO can be challenging for staff with no statistical background. Direct Effects can assure that the CRO is effectively carrying out the analysis plan and help prepare for future studies. Also there are a broad range of non-clinical statistics not performed at CROs.

3.  We use EXCEL macros to get means, standard deviations and p-values in tables and graphs. Do we need more software?
Excel is a tool. Many software packages offer EXCEL interfaces because of end-user preference for EXCEL. A specialized package is only needed if EXCEL can’t answer all your questions. An example is comparisons to a control formulation. With only one test formulation, a t-test can be performed in EXCEL. But adding more test formulations and comparing to a control requires a more sophisticated approach to assure accurate results.

4.   Do you work on-site or off-site?
Either, depending on the circumstances. We sign all necessary agreements regarding data and system confidentiality. Secure FTP and web-upload assures security in transfer between systems.

5.  Is a statistician the same thing as an actuary?
Actuaries receive specialized training as employees of insurance or benefits companies. Their major role is developing and pricing products. Part of their training overlaps with the basic courses in a graduate statistics program. Then they switch focus to industry-specific information. Statisticians take classes in more applications of statistics with a stronger theoretical grounding. They see themselves as scientists who improve the approaches to knowledge acquisition and decision-making. Statisticians often work with colleagues with quantitative training in the social, physical, and life sciences.

6.  Do you only work with scientific companies?
We concern ourselves with any situation that can be enhanced by data skills.

7.  We are waiting for funding. Can we meet with you regarding studies we can’t perform for awhile?
Let your management and investors know that good design is the best way to identify effects and improve productivity. We can set up programs that take advantage of installed software and freeware. We can do planning pending future actions. Costs should be reasonable.