Chapter 6

Process Performance and Quality

5. Marlin Company
Bottle
Sample

.604

.612

.588

.600

.601

.024

.597

.601

.607

.603

.602

.010

.581

.570

.585

.592

.582

.022

.620

.605

.595

.588

.602

.032

.590

.614

.608

.604

.604

.024

.585

.583

.617

.579

.591

.038

x = 0.597

R = 0.025

a. x = 0.597" , n = 4, R = 0.025"
From Table 6.1,
A2 = 0.729 , D3 = 0.0 , D4 = 2.282
UCLR = D4 R = 2.282 ( 0.025") = 0.057"
LCLR = D3 R = 0.0 ( 0.025") = 0.0"

UCLx = x + A2 R = 0.597"+ 0.729 ( 0.025") = 0.615"

LCLx = x A2 R = 0.597" 0.729 ( 0.025") = 0.579"
b. If the process passes the process capability index test, the process is capable.
Process capability index:
x Lower specification Upper specification x
C pk = minimum of
,

3
3

0.597 0.550
0.650 0.597
= 1.306,
= 1.472
3 ( 0.012 )
3 ( 0.012 )
The process is capable of four-sigma quality.
7. Hospital administrator
a. p = Total absent/Total observations
= 49/15(64) = 0.051
p = p ( 1 p ) n = 0.051( 1 0.051) 64 = 0.0275

UCL p = p + z p = 0.051 + 2.58(0.0275) = 0.1219

LCL p = p z p = 0.051 2.58(0.0275) = 0.01995, adjusted to zero.
b. The data from the last two weeks fall within the control limits. Therefore we
accept the estimate of 5.1% absenteeism. You must now assess whether this
amount of absenteeism is normal for nurses aides.
19. Process capability
a. To show that the process is in statistical control, we must show that both the range
and the average are in control. From Table 6.1 we have:
A2 = 1.023, n = 3, D3 = 0, D4 = 2.575
The sample averages and ranges are:
x

Sample
1

498

R
6

508

501

497

11

x = 501

R = 8.25

( )
= D ( R ) = 0 ( 8.25sec ) = 0sec

UCLR = D4 R = 2.575 ( 8.25sec ) = 21.24sec

LCLR

All ranges fall within the control limits; therefore, we can say the variability is in
control.

( )
= x A ( R ) = 501sec 1.023 ( 8.25sec ) = 492.56sec

UCLx = x + A2 R = 501sec + 1.023 ( 8.25sec ) = 509.44sec

LCLx

All averages fall within the control limits; therefore, we can say the process
average is in statistical control.
b. The standard deviation of the process output has been given as = 5.77 sec. We
can calculate the capability ratio and capability index as follows:

 x Lower specification Upper specification x

C pk = min
,

3
3

= min 501482 , 518501

3( 5.77 ) 3( 5.77 )
= min [ 1.097, 0.982] = 0.982
Cp =

Upper specification Lower specification

6
518 482
36
=
=
= 1.039
6 ( 5.77 )
34.62

We conclude that the process is not capable because C pk is less than 1.0. Since
the process variability is good enough for three-sigma quality, the process is
centered too close to the upper specification of the product.