294
7 The Analytical Problem
packages (light, < 0.1 %; skim, 0.0% fat matter).This is the social-economic problem. Defining
the ensuing analytical problem requires specifying various factors such as:
(a) Samples: light and skim yoghurt (plain, fiavoured and fruit varieties).
(b) Analytes: a family (total fat, which will require a global analysis).
(e) Sampling: a crucial aspect of the analytical problem. The samples studied should be
representative of the different brands and purchased at different outlets.
(d) Analysis type: qualitative (presence/absence of fat), quantitative (percentage of fat) or
semi-quantitative (whether or not the fat content exceeds 0.1 %).
(e) Analytical properties: acceptable accuracy and precision (reliability in the binary response), at the expense of laboratory productivity.
However, analytical information is not the sole type of information required to
solve the social-economic problem. In fact, it often has to be integrated with
additional information produced by other professionals (e.g. economists, geologists, pharmacologists, physicians).
I 7.5.3 Planning the Analytical Approach
After the precise output expected from it is established, the laboratory must conduct the analytical process(es) required to fulfill the objectives. To this end, the
following four factors should be considered:
(a) the nature of the information required,
(b) the properties of the object (or sample) and measurands,
(c) the material and human resources available, and
(d) the price the client is willing to pay for the analytical information requested.
The analytical process designed to fulfill the above-mentioned objectives must
encompass every step between the uncollected, unmeasured, untreated sample
and the results, expressed as required (see Chap. 4). The choice of classical, instrumental, hybrid, automatic and screening systems, among others, depends
critically on the above-mentioned factors, which should be considered in a systematic manner. The analytical approach may raise a need for specific or global
changes with a view to fulfilling the information requirements (the basic side of
Analytical Chemist).
__ Box 7.6
Third Step of the Analytical Problem-solving Process
This step involves choosing the (MPs to be used in order to obtain the analytical information
specified in the second step. The exact approach to be used will depend on the factors
depicted in the figure below.
Th us, the (MPs of choice will depend on a variety of factors. In fact, the choice will be
rather different whether, for example,
• The laboratory is a poorly-equipped "peripheral" unit or a self-contained facility (see
Box 7.7).
7 The Analytical Problem
packages (light, < 0.1 %; skim, 0.0% fat matter).This is the social-economic problem. Defining
the ensuing analytical problem requires specifying various factors such as:
(a) Samples: light and skim yoghurt (plain, fiavoured and fruit varieties).
(b) Analytes: a family (total fat, which will require a global analysis).
(e) Sampling: a crucial aspect of the analytical problem. The samples studied should be
representative of the different brands and purchased at different outlets.
(d) Analysis type: qualitative (presence/absence of fat), quantitative (percentage of fat) or
semi-quantitative (whether or not the fat content exceeds 0.1 %).
(e) Analytical properties: acceptable accuracy and precision (reliability in the binary response), at the expense of laboratory productivity.
However, analytical information is not the sole type of information required to
solve the social-economic problem. In fact, it often has to be integrated with
additional information produced by other professionals (e.g. economists, geologists, pharmacologists, physicians).
I 7.5.3 Planning the Analytical Approach
After the precise output expected from it is established, the laboratory must conduct the analytical process(es) required to fulfill the objectives. To this end, the
following four factors should be considered:
(a) the nature of the information required,
(b) the properties of the object (or sample) and measurands,
(c) the material and human resources available, and
(d) the price the client is willing to pay for the analytical information requested.
The analytical process designed to fulfill the above-mentioned objectives must
encompass every step between the uncollected, unmeasured, untreated sample
and the results, expressed as required (see Chap. 4). The choice of classical, instrumental, hybrid, automatic and screening systems, among others, depends
critically on the above-mentioned factors, which should be considered in a systematic manner. The analytical approach may raise a need for specific or global
changes with a view to fulfilling the information requirements (the basic side of
Analytical Chemist).
__ Box 7.6
Third Step of the Analytical Problem-solving Process
This step involves choosing the (MPs to be used in order to obtain the analytical information
specified in the second step. The exact approach to be used will depend on the factors
depicted in the figure below.
Th us, the (MPs of choice will depend on a variety of factors. In fact, the choice will be
rather different whether, for example,
• The laboratory is a poorly-equipped "peripheral" unit or a self-contained facility (see
Box 7.7).