Question 1

"Quality at the source" focuses on supplier quality at the beginning of a value chain.

Accepted Answer

Quality at the source is a philosophy that emphasizes the responsibility of each employee to ensure quality in their own work, rather than relying on a separate quality control department or focusing solely on supplier quality.

Question 2

Poor quality that might result from a broken tool or an employee who is ill would be an example of special cause variation.

Accepted Answer

Special cause variation refers to factors that are not part of the normal process and result in unexpected or unusual outcomes, such as a broken tool or an ill employee. On the other hand, common cause variation refers to factors that are inherent to the process and result in predictable outcomes.

Question 3

Quality control of front-office operations in services can effectively use many of the same techniques that are applied in manufacturing.

Accepted Answer

False

Question 4

Special cause variation tends to be easily detectable using statistical methods.

Accepted Answer

Special cause variation typically result in outliers or anomalies that can be detected through statistical process control methods.

Question 5

As long as no points are outside of the control limits in a control chart, the process would be considered to be in control.

Accepted Answer

The answer of As long as no points are outside...

Question 6

A process is considered to be in control when all common and special causes have been eliminated.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A process is considered to be in...

Question 7

If the mean in the range chart shifts down significantly, it indicates that the variation in the process has decreased.

Accepted Answer

A shift down in the mean of a range chart indicates that the process variation has decreased, as the range chart measures the variation within subgroups of data.

Question 8

It generally costs more to correct an error or defect at the design stage than after it has reached the customer.

Accepted Answer

It generally costs less to correct an error or defect at the design stage than after it has reached the customer, as changes at later stages often require more effort and resources, including potential recalls and damage to reputation.

Question 9

The goal of statistical process control (SPC) is to help identify and eliminate unwanted causes of variation.

Accepted Answer

The main objective of statistical process control is to reduce variation in a process through monitoring and analyzing the data to detect and eliminate any sources of unwanted variation. This helps to improve product quality, consistency, and reliability while reducing waste and costs associated with defects and rework.

Question 10

In developing process control charts, if special causes are present, they are not representative of the true state of statistical control, and the calculations of the center line and control limits will be biased.

Accepted Answer

Special causes indicate that the process is not in a state of statistical control, and therefore the data generated is not representative of the true process. Including such data in the calculations of center line and control limits will lead to biased values, which would not provide an accurate representation of the process.

Question 11

In-process quality control is typically performed by the employees who run the processes.

Accepted Answer

In-process quality control involves monitoring and checking the various stages of a process to ensure that it is meeting required quality standards. This type of quality control is usually performed by the employees responsible for running the process, as they are best positioned to identify and address any potential issues in real-time.

Question 12

A key element of a control system is the ability to measure performance and compare it to a performance standard.

Accepted Answer

A control system involves measuring actual performance and comparing it to a standard or target. This allows for adjustments to be made if necessary, in order to improve performance and achieve goals.

Question 13

Over-adjusting a process that is in control will usually increase the variation in the output.

Accepted Answer

Over-adjusting can introduce new sources of variation into the process, leading to an increase in output variation. It is important to only adjust a process when necessary and based on data-driven decision making.

Question 14

An  -chart is always analyzed first because the control limits in the R-chart depend on the mean (  ) of the data.

Accepted Answer

The answer of An  -chart is always analyzed first...

Question 15

Collecting continuous data is usually easier than collecting discrete data.

Accepted Answer

Continuous data can be more complex to collect and manage because it involves measuring to a fine level of detail over a range, whereas discrete data involves counting items that are distinct and separate, which can be simpler to manage.

Question 16

Common cause variation generally accounts for about 10 to 15% of all variation within a process.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Common cause variation generally accounts for about...

Question 17

In manufacturing, quality control is generally applied at the receiving stage from suppliers, during various production processes, and at the finished goods stage.

Accepted Answer

Quality control is typically applied at multiple stages in the manufacturing process, including at the receiving stage from suppliers, during production processes, and at the finished goods stage to ensure that products meet the necessary specifications and standards.

Question 18

Quality control focuses on the design of a good or service to ensure meeting customer expectations.

Accepted Answer

Quality control involves monitoring and inspecting the production process to ensure that the finished product meets certain standards and specifications. It is not solely focused on the design phase of a good or service.

Question 19

With good management, all variability of output from any goods- or service-producing process can be eliminated.

Accepted Answer

It is impossible to completely eliminate all variability in any process, as there will always be some degree of natural variation and external factors that can affect the output. Good management can help reduce variability, but not completely eliminate it.

Question 20

A system governed only by common causes is called a stable system.

Accepted Answer

This is true, as a stable system relies on common causes to maintain consistency and predictability.

Quiz 16: Quality Control and Spc