Reading and Comprehension Questions for Chapter 16

1. Quality improvement is synonymous with elimination of waste.

True False

True

2. Statistical process control consists of the following problem-solving tools:

a. Histogram

b. Pareto chart

c. Cause-and-effect diagram

d. Defect concentration diagram

e. Control chart

f. Scatter diagram

g. Check sheet

h. All of the above

Answer is h

3. Chance and assignable causes of variation are both inherent parts of the process.

True False

False

4. A process that is operating without any assignable causes present is said to be in-control.

True False

True

5. If all points plot inside the limits on a control chart, it is always safe to conclude that the process is in statistical control.

True False

False

6. The usual distance of the control limits from the center line on a Shewhart control chart is three times the standard deviation of the statistic plotted on the chart.

True False

True

7. Variables control charts are used for defect data.

True False

False

8. Current industry practice when using control charts is to take large but relatively infrequent samples.

True False

False

9. Taking sample observations close together in time is a frequent basis for rational subgrouping of data for a control chart.

True False

True

10. Which of the following is not one of the Western Electric rules for control chart interpretation?

a. One point plots outside 3-sigma control limits

b. Two out of three consecutive points plot beyond a two-sigma limit

c. Four out of five consecutive points plot at a distance of 1-sigma or beyond from the center line

d. Ten consecutive points plot on one side of the center line

Answer is d

11. The chart is used to monitor the process average and either an R or an S chart can be used to monitor process variability.

True False

True

12. Typical sample sizes used on the chart are

a. 4

b. 5

c. 6

d. All of the above

e. None of the above.

Answer – d.

13. Control charts for individual measurements are often used in conjunction with automated test and measurement technology.

True False

True

14. On an individuals control chart, we usually use a pooled estimate of the standard deviation to construct the control limits.

True False

False

15. Specification limits are useful in helping determine where to set the limits on a control chart.

True False

False

16. The process capability ratio PCRk provides a measure of potential capability in the process.

True False

False

17. The Uchart is used to monitor proportions.

True False

False

18. Average run length is a standard way to express control chart performance.

True False

True

19. The in-control average run length of an chart with 3-sigma control limits is

a. 500

b. 450

c. 370

d. None of the above

Answer is c

20. The cumulative sum chart can detect small shifts in the process mean more quickly that the chart.

True False

True

21. The average run length (ARL) to detect changes in the process mean for an EWMA control chart is roughly comparable to the ARL for a CUSUM.

True False

True

22. Deming’s 14 points for management were primarily about the use of control charts.

True False

False