Certified Production & Operations Manager (POM) Practice Exam

What do statistical process control charts display?

1. Projected future performance

2. Product design specifications

3. Upper and lower limits for process variables

4. Employee engagement levels

The correct answer is: Upper and lower limits for process variables

Statistical process control charts are a vital tool in quality control and operational management, specifically designed to monitor the stability and variability of a process over time. They provide a visual representation of process data, which allows organizations to identify trends, shifts, or any deviations from the desired process behavior. The primary purpose of these charts is to display upper and lower control limits that define the acceptable range of variation in process variables. These limits are calculated based on the statistical properties of the process and help determine whether a process is in control or out of control. By monitoring these limits, operators can quickly identify when a process may be deviating from its established norms and take corrective action accordingly. The other options do not align with the functionality of statistical process control charts. They do not project future performance, nor do they provide specifications for product design, nor do they measure employee engagement levels. Hence, the focus on upper and lower limits for process variables distinctly highlights the purpose and effectiveness of statistical process control charts in maintaining quality and operational efficiency.