Where, on the web, can I learn what these techniques are all about? http://16949.com/ubb/confused.gif

I don't know of a particular website that outlines his principles, but there is a book called "World Class Quality: Using Design of Experiments to Make It Happen". Keki R. Bhote describes the "Multi-vari study" and several other simple and not-so-simple, but very powerful, problem-solving tools popularized by Dorian Shainin.

I did some nosing around the web for related methods but found relatively little. I got the feeling that the methods are closely guarded so as to maximize the in-classroom training fees by the Shaininites.

That's exactly it. From what I understand there is no book because you need to be "trained."

The book that I mentioned above has the Shainin principles in it.
I got my copy from amazon.com
It has other principles in it, but it is mostly about Shainin.

I have been through the Shainin Statistical Engineering Journeymen Training program when I worked for the Automotive Industry. It is a closely guarded material and an expensive training program (but our customer, Delphi, paid for our training). At the start of the course, you have to sign an agreement not to teach the tools outside of the company. Now, at a new company, I have the same book by Keki Bhote so I train people using the book and reference the Shainin training material.

Personally, I find the Shainin method much more geared towards problem solving than the 6 sigma methods of using classical DOEs. Even though my training is free, my opinion is that it is a great investment for people who are truly interested in solving problems.

I've also used the Bhote book to solve shop floor problems and for training. It does a nice job of outlining several Shainin techniques. However, he could have used a better technical editor. If you try to follow some of the examples in the book the equations mysteriously change, or constants appear and disappear. But overall it is very useful.

Do any of you know where I can find a consultant to help us with a problem using Shainin techniques? email me at bstouder@wabashtech.com