SQC and TQM Tutorial
SQC and TQM Tutorial
SQC and TQM Tutorial
59. In Six Sigma methodology, what does the term "sigma level" represent?
A. The number of standard deviations between the mean and the nearest specification limit
B. The average number of defects per unit
C. The target improvement goal for a process
D. The total number of process steps
ANSWER: The number of standard deviations between the mean and the nearest
specification limit
In Six Sigma methodology, the term "sigma level" represents a measure of process capability,
indicating how well a process is performing. It is often expressed as a numerical value
corresponding to the standard deviation within a process. The higher the sigma level, the
lower the variation in the process outputs and, consequently, the higher the process
capability.
Sigma levels are associated with defects per million opportunities (DPMO), which quantifies
the number of defects in a process per million opportunities for a defect to occur. For
instance, a process operating at Six Sigma level would have a very low defect rate, typically
corresponding to only 3.4 defects per million opportunities.
Achieving higher sigma levels is a goal in Six Sigma methodology, as it signifies better
process performance and fewer defects, leading to improved quality and customer satisfaction
60. What does the term "control limits" refer to in statistical quality control?
A. The upper and lower bounds that define the acceptable range of process output
B. The average value of the process output
C. The maximum capacity of the production equipment
D. The target value set by management for the process output
ANSWER: The upper and lower bounds that define the acceptable range of process output
In statistical process control (SPC), "control limits" refer to the thresholds or boundaries that
are established to monitor the variation in a process. These limits help determine whether a
process is in a state of statistical control or if it has drifted away from its expected
performance.
There are typically two types of control limits:
1. Upper Control Limit (UCL): This is the highest limit set above the process mean. Any data
point that exceeds this limit suggests that the process may be out of control and requires
investigation
2. Lower Control Limit (LCL): This is the lowest limit set below the process mean. Similarly,
any data point falling below this limit indicates that the process may be out of control.
When data points fall within these control limits, it suggests that the process is operating
consistently and predictably. If data points breach these limits or exhibit non-random
patterns, it indicates special causes of variation, which may require corrective action to bring
the process back into control.
Control limits are typically calculated based on statistical methods such as standard deviation,
range, or other relevant measures of variation in the process. They serve as important tools
for identifying and managing variation in processes to ensure quality and consistency in the
outputs.
61. In a control chart for attributes data, what do p-charts and c-charts represent?
A. P-charts represent individual measurements, while c-charts represent subgroup
averages.
B. P-charts represent subgroup averages, while c-charts represent individual
measurements.
C. P-charts represent the proportion of defective items, while c-charts represent the count
of defects.
D. P-charts represent the count of defects, while c-charts represent the proportion of
defective items.
ANSWER: P-charts represent the proportion of defective items, while c-charts represent the
count of defects.
In statistical process control (SPC), control charts are used to monitor the stability and
consistency of processes over time. When dealing with attributes data (data that can be
classified into categories or counted), two common types of control charts are p-charts and c-
charts;
1. **P-chart (Proportion Chart)**:
- A p-chart is used when the data consists of the proportion of nonconforming items or the
proportion of items exhibiting a certain attribute.
- It is particularly useful when dealing with data that can be classified as either conforming
or nonconforming.
- The p-chart plots the proportion of nonconforming items (defective items) within each
sample over time.
- Control limits are calculated based on the binomial distribution, reflecting the natural
variation expected in the proportion of nonconforming items.
2. **C-chart (Count Chart)**:
- A c-chart is used when the data consists of counts of occurrences of a particular event
within a sample or subgroup.
- It is suitable for situations where the number of occurrences of an attribute is being
measured within each sample.
- The c-chart plots the counts of occurrences of the attribute within each sample over time.
- Control limits for a c-chart are typically based on the Poisson distribution, which models
the occurrence of rare events over time.
Both p-charts and c-charts are valuable tools for detecting shifts or trends in the process that
may indicate special causes of variation. They help distinguish between common cause
variation (inherent to the process) and special cause variation (due to specific factors that are
not part of the normal process). By using these charts, organizations can take timely
corrective actions to maintain process stability and improve quality.
62. A process has a Cpk value of 1.5. What does this indicate about the process capability?
A. The process is capable of producing output within the specification limits with a
significant margin.
B. The process is marginally capable, and improvements are needed to meet
specifications consistently.
C. The process is incapable of meeting specifications and requires immediate
intervention.
D. The process is highly unpredictable, and its capability cannot be determined
accurately
ANSWER: The process is capable of producing output within the specification limits with a
significant margin
A Cpk value of 1.5 indicates that the process capability is quite good. In Six Sigma
methodology, Cpk measures how well a process is able to meet the specifications or
requirements defined for a product or service. It specifically evaluates the capability of a
process to stay within the specified limits while considering both process centering (mean)
and variation.
Here's what a Cpk value of 1.5 indicates:
1. **Process Capability**: A Cpk value of 1.5 suggests that the process is capable of
producing output within the specification limits with a comfortable margin. It means that the
process is capable of accommodating 1.5 times the width of the specification limits in terms
of process variation.
2. **Sigma Level Equivalent**: In Six Sigma terms, a Cpk of 1.5 roughly corresponds to a
process operating at around 4.5 to 5 sigma level. This means that the process has relatively
low variation compared to the specification limits, resulting in a low defect rate.
Overall, a Cpk value of 1.5 indicates a robust and capable process, but there is still some
room for improvement to achieve higher levels of performance or to further reduce variation
within the process.
63. What is the value of CpK for normally distributed centered process if the specification
limits are within +3σ and -3σ from the center
A. 1.33 C. 1
B. 0.5 D. 2.7
ANWSER: 1
64. When interpreting process capability indices, which of the following scenarios represent
the most desirable outcome
A. Cpk < 1 C. Cpk > 1
B. Cpk = 1 D. Cpk = 0
ANSWER: Cpk > 1
65. Which quality management technique involves systematically identifying, documenting,
and analyzing processes to achieve organizational objectives?
A. Six Sigma
B. Total Quality Management (TQM)
C. Lean Management
D. Business Process Reengineering (BPR)
ANSWER: Total Quality Management (TQM)
66. Which quality management technique focuses on continuous improvement through the
elimination of waste and the optimization of process flow?
70. What is one of the primary benefits of implementing ISO standards in an organization?
A. Reduced customer satisfaction
B. Increased operational inefficiencies
C. Enhanced product quality and customer satisfaction
D. Decreased employee morale