Chapter Four

Question 1

Bar graph

Answer 1

Graphical representation of data showing the relative size of different categories of a variable with each variable represented by a bar

Question 2

Benchmarking

Answer 2

Structured process for comparing an organization’s own performance and work practices to those of other comparable organizations judged to be the best for the purpose of learning how to create better performance

Question 3

Box plot

Answer 3

Graphical representation of data showing the lowest value, highest value, median value in a data set and the size of the first and third quartile

Question 4

Common cause variation

Answer 4

Instability in performance representing random variation inherent in the process being measured

Question 5

Control Chart

Answer 5

Line graph that includes statistically calculated control limits

Question 6

Control Limits

Answer 6

statistically calculated limits on a control chart used as criteria for signaling the need for action

Question 7

Dashboard

Answer 7

The metapor of an automobile dashboard is used to describe a set of performance measures displayed in a concise manner that allows for easy interpretation

Question 8

Histogram

Answer 8

Graphical representation of data showing the conter, dispersion, and shape of the distribution of a data set

Question 9

Horizontal axis

Answer 9

The x-axis on a graph

Question 10

In-control process

Answer 10

Processes in which performance measures being evaluated are in a state of statistical control; performance variations are attributed to a constant system of chance causes

Question 11

Line graph

Answer 11

Graphical representation of a time ordered sequence of data wiht a centerline drawn horizontally through the chart

Question 12

Lower conrol limit

Answer 12

The lower line on a control chart below which random variation is not expected; mathematically represented by the average minus one, two, or three standard deviations

Question 13

Out-of-control-process

Answer 13

Processes in which the performance measures being evaluated are not in a state of statistical control; performance variations cannot be attributed to a constant system of chance causes

Question 14

Performance trend

Answer 14

Pattern of gradual change in performance or an average or general tendency of performance data to move in a certain direction over time

Question 15

Performance variation

Answer 15

Fluctuations in performance results

Question 16

Pie Chart

Answer 16

Graphical representation of data showing each unit of data represented as a pie-shaped piece of a circle

Question 17

Radar Chart

Answer 17

Graphical representation used to display the difference between actual and expected performance for several measures in a defined time period; sometimes called a spider diagram

Question 18

Sigma

Answer 18

A statistical term for a measure denoting how much a process varies from perfection

Question 19

Special cause variation

Answer 19

Instability in performance results that would not be predicted by chance alone

Question 20

Statistical process contrlo

Answer 20

Application of statistical techniques to control performance of a process

Question 21

Tabular report

Answer 21

Numeric performance data organized in a multi-column, multi-row format

Question 22

Tampering

Answer 22

Occurs when something is done in reaction to a particular performance result without knowing whether it is due to natural variation in perfomance or something out of the ordinary

Question 23

Time-series data

Answer 23

Quanities representing perfomance measurement results over a caledar period such as a week, month, quarter, or year; the same measurements are recorded on a regular basis

Question 24

Upper control limit

Answer 24

The upper line on a control chart above which random variation is not expected; mathematically represented by the average plus one, two, or three standard deviations

Question 25

Verical axis

Answer 25

The y-axis on a graph