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Use cause and effect diagrams to understand customers potential issues, track with control charts. Seek capability improvement in all customer critical areas.
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C CHARTS Control charts which display the number of defects per sample. 
CAM Computer Aided Manufacturing 
Capability is the total range of inherent variation in a stable process. It is determined using data from control charts. The control charts shall indicate stability before capability calculations can be made. Histograms are to be used to examine the distribution pattern of individual values and verify a normal distribution. When analysis indicates a stable process and a normal distribution, the indices Cp and Cpk can be calculated. If analysis indicates a non normal distribution, advanced statistical tools such as PPM analysis, will be required to determine capability. If control charts show the process to be non stable, the index Ppk can be calculated. 
CAR Corrective Action Request 
Care mapping Medical procedure for a particular diagnosis in a diagrammatic form that includes key decision points used to coordinate care and instruct patient.
CAUSALITY The principle that every change implies the operation of a cause. 
CAUSATIVE Effective as a cause. 
CAUSE That which produces an effect or brings about a change. 
Cause & Effect diagram A tool used to analyze all factors (causes) that contribute to a given situation or occurrence (effect) by breaking down main causes into smaller and smaller sub-causes. It is also known as the Ishikawa or the fishbone diagram.
Cause and Effect Diagram A problem-solving tool that uses a graphic description of the various process elements to analyze potential sources of variation, or problems. [Same as Fishbone Diagram, or Ishikawa Diagram] 
Cause and Effect Diagram (Ishikawa Fishbone)This facilitation technique graphically displays a detailed list of causes related to a problem or conditions, for the purpose of discovering its root cause(s) and not just symptoms. (Ishakawa fishbone). 
Cause and Effect Diagram also called the fishbone chart because of its appearance and the Ishakowa chart after the man who popularized its use in Japan. Its most frequent use is to list the cause of particular problems. The lines coming off the core horizontal line are the main causes and the lines coming off those are sub causes. 
Cause and Effect Diagram is an analysis tool to display possible causes of a specific problem or condition. 
Cause effect graphing(1) Test data selection technique The input and output domains are partitioned into classes and analysis is performed to determine which input classes cause which effect. A minimal set of inputs is chosen which will cover the entire effect set. (2) (Myers) A systematic method of generating test cases representing combinations of conditions. See: testing, functional.
CENTER LINE The line on a statistical process control chart which represents the characteristic's central tendency. 
CFT Cross Functional Team. 
Champion A member of senior management who is responsible for the logistical and business aspects of the program. 
Change control The processes, authorities for, and procedures to be used for all changes that are made to the computerized system and/or the system's data. Change control is a vital subset of the Quality Assurance [QA] program within an establishment and should be clearly described in the establishment's SOPs, See: configuration control.
Change tracker A software tool which documents all changes made to a program.
CHARACTERISTIC A definable or measurable feature of a process, product, or variable. 

CENTRAL TENDENCY Numerical average, e.g., mean, median, and mode; center line on a statistical process control chart. 
Characteristic Matrix An analytical technique for displaying the relationship between process parameters and manufacturing stations. 
CHART A form used to display information obtained through data collection when measuring defects and/or problems.
CHARTER A document that specifies the purpose of a team, its power, it's reporting relationships, and its specific responsibilities.
Check sheet A customized form used to record data. Usually, it is used to record how often some activity occurs.
Checklist A list of important steps that must take place in a process or any other activity. A list of things to do.
Check Sheet is a data gathering and interpretation tool. 
CIM Computer Integrated Manufacturing 
Client/server A term used in a broad sense to describe the relationship between the receiver and the provider of a service. In the world of microcomputers, the term client-server describes a networked system where front-end applications, as the client, make service requests upon another networked system. Client-server relationships are defined primarily by software. In a local area network [LAN], the workstation is the client and the file server is the server. However, client-server systems are inherently more complex than file server systems. Two disparate programs must work in tandem, and there are many more decisions to make about separating data and processing between the client workstations and the database server. The database server encapsulates database files and indexes, restricts access, enforces security, and provides applications with a consistent interface to data via a data dictionary.
Clinical practice guidelines A general term for statements of accepted medical procedure for a particular diagnosis.
CMI Certified Mechanical Inspector 
COB Close Of Business 
Code audit An independent review of source code by a person, team, or tool to verify compliance with software design documentation and programming standards. Correctness and efficiency may also be evaluated. Contrast with code inspection, code review, code walkthrough. See: static analysis.
Code inspection(Myers/NBS) A manual [formal] testing [error detection] technique where the programmer reads source code, statement by statement, to a group who ask questions analyzing the program logic, analyzing the code with respect to a checklist of historically common programming errors, and analyzing its compliance with coding standards. Contrast with, code audit, code review, code walkthrough. This technique can also be applied to other software and configuration items. Syn: Fagan Inspection. See: static analysis.
Code program, source code.
Code review(IEEE) A meeting at which software code is presented to project personnel, managers, users, customers, or other interested parties for comment or approval. Contrast with code audit, code inspection, code walkthrough. See: static analysis.
Code walkthrough (MyersINBS) A manual testing [error detection] technique where program (source code] logic [structure] is traced manually [mentally] by a group with a small set of test cases, while the state of program variables is manually monitored, to analyze the programmer's logic and assumptions. Contrast with code audit, code inspection, code review. See: static analysis.
Coding standards Written procedures describing coding [programming] style conventions specifying rules governing the use of individual constructs provided by the programming language, and naming, formatting, and documentation requirements which prevent programming errors, control complexity and promote understandability of the source code. Syn: development standards, programming standards.
Common Cause Variation is variation caused by the process. It is produced by the interaction of aspects of the process that affect every occurrence 
Common Cause Variation that affects all the individual values of a process Common causes Inherent causes of variation in a process. They are typical of the process, not unexpected. That is not to say that they must be tolerated; on the contrary, once special causes of variation are largely removed, a focus on removing common causes of variation can pay big dividends.
Comparitor (IEEE) A software tool that compares two computer programs, files, or sets of data to identify commonalities or differences. Typical objects of comparison are similar versions of source code, object code, data base files, or test results.
Completeness (NIST) The property that all necessary parts of the entity are included. Completeness of a product is often used to express the fact that all requirements have been met by the product. See: traceability analysis.
Complexity (IEEE) (1) The degree to which a system or component has a design or implementation that is difficult to understand and verify. (2) Pertaining to any of a set of structure based metrics that measure the attribute in (1).
Computer aided software engineering (CASE)An automated system for the support of software development including an integrated tool set, i.e., programs, which facilitate the accomplishment of software engineering methods and tasks such as project planning and estimation, system and software requirements analysis, design of data structure, program architecture and algorithm procedure, coding, testing and maintenance.
Computer system audit (ISO) An examination of the procedures used in a computer system to evaluate their effectiveness and correctness and to recommend improvements. See: software audit.
Computer system security(IEEE) The protection of computer hardware and software from accidental or malicious access, use, modification, destruction, or disclosure. Security also pertains to personnel, data, communications, and the physical protection of computer installations. 
CONFIDENCE LEVEL The probability that a random variable x lies within a defined interval.
CONFIDENCE LIMITS The two values that define the confidence interval. 
Configurable, off-the-shelf software (COTS)Application software, sometimes general purpose, written for a variety of industries or users in a manner that permits users to modify the program to meet their individual needs.
Configuration control (IEEE) An element of configuration management, consisting of the evaluation, coordination, approval or disapproval, and implementation of changes to configuration items after formal establishment of their configuration identification. See: change control.
Configuration management (IEEE) A discipline applying technical and administrative direction and surveillance to identify and document the functional and physical characteristics of a configuration item, control changes to those characteristics, record and report change processing and implementation status, and verifying compliance with specified requirements. See: configuration control, change control
Conformance The ability of a product or service to meet stated requirement. 
Conformance Means that the material meets the customer's specifications and requirements. 
Conformance Meeting requirements or specifications.
CONFOUNDING Allowing two or more variables to vary together so that it is impossible to separate their unique effects. 
CONSENSUS Acceptance of a team decision so that everyone on the team can live with the decision and support it.
Consensus Method used in reaching unanimous agreement by voluntarily giving consent. An agreement to support a decision.
consistency checker A software tool used to test requirements in design specifications for both consistency and completeness.
Consistency (IEEE) The degree of uniformity, standardization, and freedom from contradiction among the documents or parts of a system or component. 
CONSUMERS RISK Probability of accepting a lot when, in fact, the lot should have been rejected (see BETA RISK). 
CONTINUOUS DATA Numerical information at the interval of ratio level; subdivision is conceptually meaningful; can assume any number within an interval, e.g., 14.652 amps. 
Continuous Improvement Action taken to find ways in improve processes, decrease variation , decrease costs, and improve effectiveness of the organization. 
Continuous improvement On-going improvement of any and all aspects of an organization including products, services, communications, environment, functions, individual processes, etc.
Continuous Process Improvement A policy that encourages, mandates, and/or empowers employees to find ways to improve process and product performance measures on an ongoing basis. 
CONTINUOUS RANDOM VARIABLE A random variable which can assume any value continuously in some specified interval. 
CONTROL CHART A graphical rendition of a characteristic's performance across time in relation to its natural limits and central tendency. 
Control chart A chart that indicates upper and lower statistical control limits, and an average line, for samples or subgroups of a given process. If all points on the control chart are within the limits, variation may be ascribed to common causes and the process is deemed to be "in control." If points fall outside the limits, it is an indication that special causes of variation are occurring, and the process is said to be "out of control."
Control Chart is a line chart with control limits. It is based on the work of Shewhart and Deming. By mathematically constructing control limits at 3 standard deviations above and below the average, one can determine what variation is due to normal ongoing causes (common causes) and what variation is produced by unique events (special causes). By eliminating the special causes first and then reducing common causes, quality can be improved.
Control Charts Statistical charts used in process measurement. Used to differentiate process variation caused by common cause versus special cause or assignable cause. 
Control flow analysis (IEEE) A software V&V task to ensure that the proposed control flow is free of problems, such as design or code elements that are unreachable or incorrect.
Control flow diagram. (IEEE) A diagram that depicts the set of all possible sequences in which operations may be performed during the execution of a system or program. Types include box diagram, flowchart, input-process-output chart, state diagram. Contrast with data flow diagram. See: call graph, structure chart.
Control Limit A line on a control chart used for judging the stability of a process . 
Control limit A statistically-determined line on a control chart used to analyze variation within a process. If variation exceeds the control limits, then the process is being affected by special causes and is said to be "out of control." A control limit is not the same as a specification limit.
Control Plans Control Plans are written descriptions of the systems for controlling parts and processes. They are written by suppliers to address the important characteristics and engineering requirements of the product. Each part shall have a Control Plan, but in many cases, "family" Control Plans can cover a number of parts produced using a common process. Customer approval of Control Plans may be required prior to production part submission.
Control Plans Written descriptions of the systems for controlling parts and processes. 
Control Point is the desired result of a process. 
CONTROL SPECIFICATIONS Specifications called for by the product being manufactured. 
CORRECTIVE ACTION Documented and purposeful change implemented to eliminate forever a specific cause of an identified non conformance.
Corrective Action Action(s) designed to identify and eliminate root causes of non-conformances and non-conformities. 
Corrective Action Plan A Corrective Action Plan is a plan for correcting a process or part quality issue. 
Corrective maintenance (IEEE) Maintenance performed to correct faults in hardware or software. Contrast with adaptive maintenance, preventative maintenance.
Correctness (IEEE) The degree to which software is free from faults in its specification, design and coding. The degree to which software, documentation and other items meet specified requirements. The degree to which software, documentation and other items meet user needs and expectations, whether specified or not.
Cost of Poor Quality Internal and External Failure Cost plus Appraisal and Prevention Costs
Cost of poor quality The costs incurred by producing products or services of poor quality. These costs usually include the cost of inspection, rework, duplicate work, scrapping rejects, replacements and refunds, complaints, and loss of customers and reputation.
Cost of quality Philip Crosby's term for the cost of poor quality.
Cost of Quality The total labor, materials, and overhead costs attributed to: 1) preventing nonconforming products products or services, 2) appraising products or service to ensure conformance, or 3) correcting or scrapping nonconforming products products or service. 
Count chart (c chart) An attributes data control chart that evaluates process stability by charting the counts of occurrences of a given event in successive samples.
Count-per-unit chart (u chart) A control chart that evaluates process stability by charting the number of occurrences of a given event per unit sampled, in a series of samples.
Coverage analysis (NIST) Determining and assessing measures associated with the invocation of program structural elements to determine the adequacy of a test run. Coverage analysis is useful when attempting to execute each statement, branch, path, or iterative structure in a program. Tools that capture this data and provide reports summarizing relevant information have this feature See: testing, branch; testing, path; testing, statement.
Cp Commonly used process capability index defined as [USL (upper spec limit) - LSL(lower spec limit)] / [6 x sigma], where sigma is the estimated process standard deviation.
Cp/Cpk Capability Ratio/Capability Index 
Cpk Commonly used process capability index defined as the lesser of USL - m / 3sigma or m - LSL / 3sigma, where sigma is the estimated process standard deviation.
CPM Critical Path Method 
CQA ASQ Certified Quality Auditor 
CQE ASQ Certified Quality Engineer 
CQM ASQ Certified Quality Manager 
CQT ASQ Certified Quality Technician 
Crash (IEEE) The sudden and complete failure of a computer system or component.
CRE ASQ Certified Reliability Engineer 
Critical Characteristics Critical Characteristics are those product requirements (dimensions, performance tests) or process parameters that can affect compliance with government regulations of safe vehicle/product function and which require specific supplier, assembly, shipping, or monitoring and inclusion on Control Plans. Critical characteristics are identified with the inverted delta symbol. 
Critical control point (CA) A function or an area in a manufacturing process or procedure, the failure of which, or loss of control over, may have an adverse affect on the quality of the finished product and may result in a unacceptable health risk.
Critical design review(IEEE) A review conducted to verify that the detailed design of one or more configuration items satisfy specified requirements; to establish the compatibility among the configuration items and other items of equipment, facilities, software, and personnel; to assess risk areas for each configuration item; and, as applicable, to assess the results of producibility analyses, review preliminary hardware product specifications, evaluate preliminary test planning, and evaluate the adequacy of preliminary operation and support documents. See: preliminary design review, system design review.
Criticality analysis. (IEEE) Analysis which identifies all software requirements that have safety implications, and assigns a criticality level to each safety-critical requirement based upon the estimated risk.
Criticality(IEEE) The degree of impact that a requirement, module, error, fault, failure, or other item has on the development or operation of a system. Syn: severity.
Crosby, Philip One of the quality guru's. Crosby founded several consulting agencies including Career IV, Philip Crosby Associates, and the Quality College. He has authored several books including Quality Is Free and Quality Without Tears. Crosby is well-known for his theory of "zero defects."
Cumulative sum chart Control chart that shows the cumulative sum of deviations from a set value in successive samples. Each plotted point indicates the algebraic sum of the last point and all deviations since. 
CUSTOMER & SUPPLIER REQUIREMENTS WORKSHEET An information gathering tool to use with any work activity. It breaks down a job into its component parts: Customer Requirements and Supplier Requirements.
Customer Any recipient of a product or service; anyone who is affected by what one produces. A customer can be external or outside the organization, or they can be internal to the organization.
Customer Satisfaction Index (American)Introduced in 1994 by University of Michigan and American Society for Quality CSI measures customer satisfaction at national level. CSI has been on a continual decline from 1994 through 1997 suggesting that quality improvements are not keeping pace with consumer expectations. 
Customer The receiver of an output of a process, either internal or external to the organization. Can be a person, department, company, etc.
CUSTOMERS The people for whom a product or service is produced; these people can be either external or internal to a Company.
CUTOFF POINT The point which partitions the acceptance region from the reject region.
CY Calendar Year 
Cycle time: The time that elapses from the beginning to the end of a process or sub-process. 
Cyclic redundancy [check] code (CRC)A technique for error detection in data communications used to assure a program or data file has been accurately transferred. The CRC is the result of a calculation on the set of transmitted bits by the transmitter which is appended to the data. At the receiver the calculation is repeated and the results compared to the encoded value. The calculations are chosen to optimize error detection. Contrast with check summation, parity check.
Cyclomatic complexity(1) (McCabe) The number of independent paths through a program. (2) (NBS) The cyclomatic complexity of a program is equivalent to the number of decision statements plus 1.

     WXYZ 

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