CiCC
There are currently 279 CiCC in this directory beginning with the letter C.
C
Calibration
Calibration: The comparison of a measurement instrument or system of unverified accuracy to a measurement instrument or system of known accuracy to detect any variation from the required performance specification.
Capability
Capability: The total range of inherent variation in a stable process determined by using data from control charts.
Capability maturity model (CMM)
Capability maturity model (CMM): A framework that describes the key elements of an effective software process. Its an evolutionary improvement path from an immature process to a mature, disciplined process. The CMM covers practices for planning, engineering and managing software development and maintenance to improve the ability of organizations to meet goals for cost, schedule, functionality and product quality.
Capacity constraint resources
Capacity constraint resources: A series of non-bottlenecks (based on the sequence in which jobs are performed) that can act as a constraint.
CAQ
Computer Aided Quality Assurance: This term is used for the computer-supported planning and performance of actions related to quality in a company.
Cascade process
Breaking down objectives in an organizational unit. Performance indicators and performance figures are defined that can be measured and influenced for the particular unit and that ultimately are linked to the objectives of the company as a whole.
Cascading
Cascading: The continuing flow of the quality message down to, not through, the next level of supervision until it reaches all workers. Also see deployment.
CASCO
CASCO: An International Organization for Standardization policy development committee for conformity assessment.
Cause and effect diagram
Cause and effect diagram: A tool for analyzing process dispersion. It is also referred to as the Ishikawa diagram, because Kaoru Ishikawa developed it, and the fishbone diagram, because the complete diagram resembles a fish skeleton. The diagram illustrates the main causes and subcauses leading to an effect (symptom). The cause and effect diagram is one of the seven tools of quality (see listing).
CBT
Computer-Based Training: Educational or training programs delivered via computer technology or digital platforms.
CCFA
Comité des Constructeurs Français dAutomobiles: Association of the French automotive industry, Paris. www.ccfa.fr
CCpk
Process capability index measuring how well a process fits the specifications, considering both centering and variation.
CE mark
CE (Communauté Européenne) is the French term for the European Community. The CE mark is an expression of the conformance with EU directives. The objective of the CE mark is to show that a product conforms to the general protection objectives stipulated in the EU directives. The CE mark is consequently a symbol for free trade of technical products in the European Union.
CE marking
CE marking: Formerly known as the CE Mark, the Conformité Européene (CE) Mark is a mandatory conformity marking for certain products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA) since 1985. The CE marking is also found on products sold outside the EEA that are manufactured in or designed to be sold in the EEA. This makes the CE marking recognizable worldwide even to those unfamiliar with the EEA.
CEDAC
Cause-Effect Diagram with the Addition of Cards. Cause-effect diagram that uses cards or post-its (for the causes). See also Ishikawa diagram.
Cell
Cell: An arrangement of people, machines, materials and equipment in which the processing steps are placed next to each other in sequential order and through which parts are processed in a continuous flow. The most common cell layout is a U shape.
Cellular manufacturing
Cellular manufacturing: Arranging machines in the correct process sequence, with operators remaining within the cell and materials presented to them from outside.
Cellularization
Organizational or operational restructuring into autonomous units or cells for increased efficiency and responsiveness.
CEN
Comité Européen de Normalisation. European Committee for Standardization. Its primary job is to compose European standards (EN).
Censoring
Statistical technique where certain data points are known but not fully observed or recorded in a study, often used in survival analysis.
Center line
In control charts, a reference line representing the mean, median, or target value, indicating the center or expected value of a process.
Centerline
Centerline: A line on a graph that represents the overall average (mean) operating level of the process.
Central Composite Design
Experimental design technique used in response surface methodology, involving factorial points and center points to model complex processes.
Central Limit Theorem
Statistical theory stating that the sampling distribution of a sample mean tends to be normally distributed regardless of the population's distribution.
Central tendency
Central tendency: The tendency of data gathered from a process to cluster toward a middle value somewhere between the high and low values of measurement.
Centroid of a Cluster
Geometric center or average position of data points in a cluster or group, used in cluster analysis or classification.
CEPT
Conférence Européenne des Administrations des Postes et des Télécommunications: Coordinating body for telecommunications and postal organizations from 48 European states. The European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations was established in 1959 and developed recommendations for telecommunication until 1988 (focus on services and networks). When the ETSI was founded in 1988 it took over many of these functions.
Certificate
Document that is issued in accordance with the rules of a certification system in order to engender confidence that a uniquely described product or a uniquely described process conforms to a specified standard or to another normative document. (DGQ Volume 11-04:2009)
Certification
Certification: The result of a person meeting the established criteria set by a certificate granting organization.
Certified calibration technician (CCT)
Certified calibration technician (CCT): An CiCC certification.
Certified manager of quality/organizational excellence (CMQ/OE)
Certified manager of quality/organizational excellence (CMQ/OE): An CiCC certification; formerly certified quality manager (CQM).
Certified pharmaceutical good manufacturing practices (GMP) professional
Certified pharmaceutical good manufacturing practices (GMP) professional: An CiCC certification.
Certified quality improvement associate (CQIA)
Certified quality improvement associate (CQIA): An CiCC certification.
Certified quality inspector (CQI)
Certified quality inspector (CQI): An CiCC certification; formerly certified mechanical inspector (CMI).
Certified quality process analyst (CQPA)
Certified quality process analyst (CQPA): An CiCC certification.
Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)
Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB): An CiCC certification.
Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB)
Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB): An CiCC certification.
Certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt (CSSMBB)
Certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt (CSSMBB): An CiCC certification.
Certified Six Sigma Yellow Belt (CSSYB)
Certified Six Sigma Yellow Belt (CSSYB): An CiCC certification.
Certified software quality engineer (CSQE)
Certified software quality engineer (CSQE): An CiCC certification.
Certified supplier quality professional (CSQP)
Certified supplier quality professional (CSQP): An CiCC certification.
Chain reaction
Chain reaction: A chain of events described by W. Edwards Deming: improve quality, decrease costs, improve productivity, increase market with better quality and lower price, stay in business, provide jobs and provide more jobs.
Chain sampling plan
Chain sampling plan: In acceptance sampling, a plan in which the criteria for acceptance and rejection apply to the cumulative sampling results for the current lot and one or more immediately preceding lots.
Chaku-Chaku
Lean manufacturing method where each workstation is set up to automatically receive, process, and pass on the next part without manual handling.
Champion
Champion: A business leader or senior manager who ensures resources are available for training and projects, and who is involved in periodic project reviews; also, an executive who supports and addresses Six Sigma organizational issues.
Chance Causes
In statistical process control, random or natural variations causing minor fluctuations within the normal operating range of a process.
Change agent
Change agent: An individual from within or outside an organization who facilitates change in the organization; might be the initiator of the change effort, but not necessarily.
Change management
Change management: The process, tools and techniques used to manage change, including planning, validating and implementing change, and verifying effectiveness of change.
Change request
A request for a change in projects, particularly in software projects: formalized request for a change in the properties of a certain product characteristic.
Changeover
Changeover: A process in which a production device is assigned to perform a different operation or a machine is set up to make a different partfor example, a new plastic resin and new mold in an injection molding machine.
Changeover time
Changeover time: The time required to modify a system or workstation, usually including teardown time for the existing condition and setup time for the new condition.
Character Graphs
Graphs used in statistical analysis to display or visualize categorical or qualitative data characteristics.
Characteristic
Characteristic: The factors, elements or measures that define and differentiate a process, function, product, service or other entity.
Characteristic value
Qualitative or quantitative values of a characteristic. (On the basis of DIN 55350-12)
Charter
Charter: A written commitment approved by management stating the scope of authority for an improvement project or team.
Check sheet
Check sheet: A simple data recording device. The check sheet is custom designed by the user, which allows him or her to readily interpret the results. The check sheet is one of the seven tools of quality (see listing). Check sheets are often confused with checklists (see listing).
Checklist
Checklist: A tool for ensuring all important steps or actions in an operation have been taken. Checklists contain items important or relevant to an issue or situation. Checklists are often confused with check sheets (see listing).
Checksheet
Data collection sheet which simplifies the systematic acquisition of data and recognition of principles. See also: Inspection list.
Chi-Square Distribution
Continuous probability distribution used to model the sum of squared standard normal deviates, commonly used in hypothesis testing.
Chi-Square Test
Statistical test comparing observed frequencies with expected frequencies to assess the independence or association between variables.
Chisquare Statistic
Statistical measure calculated in a Chi-Square test representing the difference between observed and expected frequencies.
CIP workshop
Kaizen tool used for complex, extensive, continuous improvement processes with higher priority in terms of time. The CIP workshop is initiated based on a current problem which needs to be solved, while quality circles are held regularly in order to achieve improvement.
Classification
A characteristics range of values is divided into sub-areas (classes). These are mutually exclusive and completely cover the range of values. (On the basis of DIN 55350-23)
Classification of defects
Classification of defects: The listing of possible defects of a unit, classified according to their seriousness. Note: Commonly used classifications: class A, class B, class C, class D; or critical, major, minor and incidental; or critical, major and minor. Definitions of these classifications require careful preparation and tailoring to the product(s) being sampled to ensure accurate assignment of a defect to the proper classification. A separate acceptance sampling plan is generally applied to each class of defects.
Closed-loop corrective action (CLCA)
Closed-loop corrective action (CLCA): A sophisticated engineering system to document, verify and diagnose failures, recommend and initiate corrective action, provide follow-up and maintain comprehensive statistical records.
Closing talk
The closing talk or closing meeting takes place after the performance of an audit and summarizes the audit results (including the audit conclusions). This talk covers the following contents: Summary of the findings; Remark on the audits sampling character; Mention of positive findings; Observations, recommendations and deviations; Clarification of misunderstandings; Documentation of any differences of opinion; Audit conclusions; And, where applicable, agreements, discussion regarding the type, scheduling, responsibilities for corrective and improvement actions.
CM
Capability of machine. Machine capability index. It describes shortterm dispersion of the examined quantitative characteristic.
CMK
Machine capability index. It describes the short-term variability of the examined quantitative characteristic and its distance to the specification limit.
CMM/CMMI
Capability Maturity Model. Process model for judging the quality (maturity) of a companys software process and to determine improvement activities. At the end of 2003, CMM was replaced by Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI for short) in order to prevent uncontrolled growth of diverse CM models and to create a uniform model.
Coaching
Professional support (motivation) in a work context: Consultation related to people, processes and organizations with the objective of effective task fulfillment through such measures as strengthening self-reflection.
Coded and Uncoded Units
In experimental design, coded units refer to standardized variables, while uncoded units refer to raw or unstandardized variables.
Coefficient of Determination
Statistical measure indicating the proportion of variation in a dependent variable explained by an independent variable in regression analysis.
Coefficient of Multiple Correlation
Statistical measure assessing the strength and direction of the linear relationship between multiple independent variables and a dependent variable.
Coefficient of Variation
Statistical measure representing the ratio of the standard deviation to the mean, expressing relative variability in a data set.
Coefficient of Variation (Taguchi)
Quality measure in Taguchi methods, indicating the signal-to-noise ratio relative to variation in a process.
Coefficients
In statistical models or equations, numeric values representing the relative weights or contributions of variables in the model.
Coefficients PLS
Partial Least Squares regression coefficients, representing the relationships between predictor and response variables in PLS regression.
Columns
In data tables or databases, vertical arrangements of data representing variables, attributes, or categories.
Combination
Arrangement or selection of items or elements without regard to the order, often used in permutation and combination calculations.
Combined audit
Audit of two or more management systems of different disciplines (such as quality and environmental management) at a single auditee. (On the basis of ISO 19011:2018)
Command Language
Specific syntax or set of rules used in programming or software to execute commands or operations.
Command Line Editor
Text-based interface allowing users to interact with software or systems by typing commands into a terminal or console.
Comment Symbol
In programming or scripting languages, a character or sequence used to indicate comments or annotations in code for clarification or documentation.
Common Cause
In quality control, variations arising from inherent factors or normal fluctuations within a process that are predictable and inherent to the system.
Common causes
Common causes: Causes of variation that are inherent in a process over time. They affect every outcome of the process and everyone working in the process. Also see special causes.
Company Crisis Management
Organizational strategies or protocols to effectively manage and respond to crises or emergencies affecting a company.
Company culture
Company culture: A system of values, beliefs and behaviors inherent in a company. To optimize business performance, top management must define and create the necessary culture.
Comparison Values for Median Polish
Values used in median polish method to compare row and column effects in an analysis of variance (ANOVA) table.
Compatibility
Suitability of different units to be used together under specific conditions for a stipulated purpose in order to fulfill the requirements that apply them.
Competence
Demonstrated ability to apply knowledge and skills in order to achieve a result. (On the basis of ISO 9000:2015 and ISO 19011:2018)
Complaint
Dissatisfaction expressed by the customer vis-à-vis an organization. Dissatisfaction may relate to a product, service or complaintshandling process, if a response or resolution is expected from the organization. (On the basis of ISO 9000:2015)
Complaint management
In the framework of customer focus, this term is used for all planning, strategies and actions that use the dissatisfaction of customers as articulated and documented in complaints to better achieve the corporate goals. Consequently, the reduction of stated demands for compensation is not the first objective; instead, the primary goal is the conversion of justified complaints into improvements in products, processes and services.
Complaint tracking
Complaint tracking: Collecting data, disseminating them to appropriate persons for resolution, monitoring complaint resolution progress and communicating results.
Compliance
Compliance: The state of an organization that meets prescribed specifications, contract terms, regulations or standards.
Compliance audit
Examination by internal or external auditors to ascertain whether or not legal requirements are fulfilled in a company. For example, this includes laws, ordinances and licensing notices, as well as internal standards such as group guidelines. Particularly statutory or regulatory specifications are selected and audited point by point.
Components DOE
Factors or variables manipulated in a Design of Experiments (DOE) study, influencing the outcome or response variable.
Composite Desirability
Statistical measure combining multiple factors or objectives into a single composite score, often used in optimization problems.
Computer aided design (CAD)
Computer aided design (CAD): A type of software used by architects, engineers, drafters and artists to create precision drawings or technical illustrations. CAD software can be used to create 2-D drawings or 3-D models.
Computer aided engineering (CAE)
Computer aided engineering (CAE): A broad term used by the electronic design automation industry for the use of computers to design, analyze and manufacture products and processes. CAE includes CAD (see listing) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM), which is the use of computers for managing manufacturing processes.
Concatenate
Concatenation operation in programming or data processing, combining or linking strings or values together.
Concession
Permission to use or release a product (or service) that does not conform to the specified requirements. A concession is generally limited to the delivery of a product or service that has nonconforming characteristics for an agreed time or for an agreed quantity within specified limits. (On the basis of ISO 9000:2015)
Concordant Pair
In statistics, pairs of observations having the same order of ranking or scoring in two related variables.
Concurrent engineering (CE)
Concurrent engineering (CE): A way to reduce cost, improve quality and shrink cycle time by simplifying a products system of life cycle tasks during the early concept stages.
Condition
All characteristics and characteristic values of a unit. Standard DIN 55350-11 also speaks of inherent characteristics in this connection. This means characteristics inherent in the unit, as compared to characteristics that are assigned to a unit. Taking a cabinet as an example, the size and design of the door panels are inherent characteristics while the price and delivery data are assigned characteristics. Sometimes the word nature is used in this context. (On the basis of DIN 55350-11)
Confidence Bands
Graphical representation showing the range or interval within which a parameter or statistic is likely to fall with a specified level of confidence.
Confidence interval
Estimated interval that is calculated from sampling results. The estimated interval includes the unknown true value of the parameter that is to be estimated at the stipulated confidence level. (On the basis of DGQ Volume 11-04:2012)
Confidence level
For the calculation of a confidence interval or a statistical tolerance interval of desired and stipulated lower limiting value of the probability. (On the basis of DGQ Volume 11-04:2012)
Confidence Limits
Upper and lower bounds defining a confidence interval, indicating the range within which the true value is likely to lie.
Configuration
Physical and functional characteristics of products or services that are interrelated. (On the basis of ISO 9000:2015)
Configuration management
Coordinated activities for configuration direction and control. (On the basis of ISO 9000:2015)
Conflict resolution
Conflict resolution: The management of a conflict situation to arrive at a resolution satisfactory to all parties.
Conformance
Conformance: An affirmative indication or judgment that a product or service has met the requirements of a relevant specification, contract or regulation.
Conformitè Europëenne Mark (CE Mark)
Conformitè Europëenne Mark (CE Mark): A European Union (EU) conformity mark for regulating the goods sold within its borders. The mark represents a manufacturers declaration that products comply with EU New Approach Directives. These directives apply to any country that sells products within the EU.
Conformity assessment
Conformity assessment: All activities concerned with determining that relevant requirements in standards or regulations are fulfilled, including sampling, testing, inspection, certification, management system assessment and registration, accreditation of the competence of those activities and recognition of an accreditation programs capability.
Connect Line
Graphical element or line connecting data points or elements in a visualization, often used to show relationships or trends.
Connection Function
In mathematics or networking, a function representing relationships or links between variables, nodes, or elements.
CONQ
Cost of Non-Quality: A metric representing the costs incurred due to poor quality or errors in a product or process.
Consensus
Consensus: A state in which all the members of a group support an action or decision, even if some of them dont fully agree with it.
Constants
Fixed values or parameters used in mathematical equations or programming that remain unchanged throughout the process.
Constraint
Constraint: Anything that limits a system from achieving higher performance or throughput; also, the bottleneck that most severely limits the organizations ability to achieve higher performance relative to its purpose or goal.
Consultant
Consultant: An individual who has experience and expertise in applying tools and techniques to resolve process problems and who can advise and facilitate an organizations improvement efforts.
Consumer
Consumer: The external customer to whom a product or service is ultimately delivered; also called end user.
Consumer's risk
Consumer's risk: Pertains to sampling and the potential risk that bad products will be accepted and shipped to the consumer.
Context of the organization
Environment and framework conditions of the organization. The context of an organization combines internal and external issues. The organization should be aware of its environment and observe it. Changes in the environment may affect the organization and its ability to provide products and services conforming to requirements and achieving objectives. (On the basis of ISO 9000:2015)
Contingency Table with CA
A table in statistical analysis displaying the frequencies or counts of different variables to analyze relationships or associations.
Continual Improvement
Recurring activities in order to increase the ability to fulfill requirements. It is a continual process to set objectives and find opportunities for improvement. The use of audit findings, audit conclusions, data analyses, management review or other means by management usually necessitate corrective or preventive actions. (On the basis of ISO 9000:2015)
Continuation Symbol
A symbol or character indicating that a statement or line of code continues onto the next line, often used in programming or scripting.
Continuous characteristic
Quantitative characteristic. A continuous or also continual characteristic can assume an infinite number of different values within its range of values. (On the basis of DIN 55350-12)
Continuous Distribution
Probability distribution describing random variables that can take any value within a range, such as normal, exponential, etc.
Continuous flow production
Continuous flow production: A method in which items are produced and moved from one processing step to the next, one piece at a time. Each process makes only the one piece that the next process needs, and the transfer batch size is one. Also referred to as one-piece flow and single-piece flow.
Continuous Improvement
Ongoing process or approach focusing on making incremental or continuous enhancements to processes, products, or services.
Continuous improvement (CI)
Continuous improvement (CI): Sometimes called continual improvement. The ongoing improvement of products, services or processes through incremental and breakthrough improvements.
Continuous quality improvement (CQI)
Continuous quality improvement (CQI): A philosophy and attitude for analyzing capabilities and processes and improving them repeatedly to achieve customer satisfaction.
Continuous sampling plan
Continuous sampling plan: In acceptance sampling, a plan, intended for application to a continuous flow of individual units of product, that involves acceptance and rejection on a unit-by-unit basis and employs alternate periods of 100% inspection and sampling. The relative amount of 100% inspection depends on the quality of submitted product. Continuous sampling plans usually require that each t period of 100% inspection be continued until a specified number, i, of consecutively inspected units are found clear of defects. Note: For single level continuous sampling plans, a single d sampling rate (for example, inspect one unit in five or one unit in 10) is used during sampling. For multilevel continuous sampling plans, two or more sampling rates can be used. The rate at any time depends on the quality of submitted product.
Contour Plot
Graphical representation showing the 3D surface or topography using contours or lines of equal values, often used in data visualization.
Control
In quality management or process improvement, actions taken to ensure processes meet desired objectives or standards.
Control chart
Control chart: A time sequenced chart with upper and lower control limits on which values of some statistical measure for a series of samples or subgroups are plotted. The chart frequently shows a central line to help detect a trend of plotted values toward either control limit.
Control Factors Taguchi
Factors in Taguchi methods used to improve process stability or performance by minimizing sensitivity to variations.
Control limits
Control limits: The natural boundaries of a process within specified confidence levels, expressed as the upper control limit (UCL) and the lower control limit (LCL).
Control of documented information
Ensures that documented information is available and suitable for use where and when needed and is adequately protected. Includes the distribution, access, retrieval, use, storage, preservation, change management, retention and disposition of documented information. Documented information retained as conformity evidence shall be protected from unintended changes. In addition, documented information of external origin needs to be considered. (See also ISO 9001:2015)
Control of inspection, measuring and testing equipment
Totality of systematic calibration, adjustment and verification activities as well as the maintenance of inspection, measuring and test equipment and its tools. (DGQ Volume 11-04:2009)
Control plan (CP)
Control plan (CP): Written descriptions of the systems for controlling part and process quality by addressing the key characteristics and engineering requirements.
Controlling
Monitoring and coordination concept to support company management in the framework of result oriented planning and the implementation of business activities. Controlling focuses on the collection, preparation and analysis of data to prepare decisions appropriate for the objective.
Conventional true value
Measured value or numerical value for purposes of comparison. The deviation from the true value is seen as negligible for the comparison. (On the basis of DIN 1319-1)
Cook's Distance
Statistical measure in regression analysis identifying influential data points affecting regression coefficients.
Coordinate measuring machine (CMM)
Coordinate measuring machine (CMM): A device that dimensionally measures 3-D products, tools and components with an accuracy approaching 0.0001 inches.
COPQ
Cost of poor quality refers to the costs that arise when a company or a process delivers poor quality. For example, this could be the cost for reworking or scrapping. The concept, however, also includes costs incurred by image loss, quality audits, supplier monitoring, etc.
Core process
Process that, taking the company focus into consideration, is strategically important and a significant contributor to the business success. Core processes generally display the following aspects: Value creation, the (external) customer stands at the beginning and end of the process, they significantly contribute to the companys success and to customer satisfaction, they relate directly to the customers and have a direct effect on the customers, and the customer is willing to pay for the process output.
Correction
Action to resolve a detected nonconformity. Reworking or regrading are corrections. (On the basis of ISO 9000:2015)
Corrective action recommendation (CAR)
Corrective action recommendation (CAR): The full cycle corrective action tool that offers ease and simplicity for employee involvement in the corrective action/process improvement cycle.
Correlation
Statements regarding the linear relationship between two variables. Also see: Scatter diagram (correlation diagram).
Correlation (statistical)
Correlation (statistical): A measure of the relationship between two data sets of variables.
Correlation Coefficient
Statistical measure indicating the strength and direction of the linear relationship between two variables.
Correlation coefficient (r)
Measurement of the strength of the linear relationship between the influencing factor (x) and the output quantity (Y). This method is used to identify significant influencing factors. The correlation coefficient (r) can have a value from -1 to +1.
COSHH
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health: Regulations and guidelines ensuring safety when working with hazardous substances.
Cost of poor quality (COPQ)
Cost of poor quality (COPQ): The costs associated with providing poor quality products or services. There are four categories: internal failure costs (costs associated with defects found before the customer receives the product or service), external failure costs (costs associated with defects found after the customer receives the product or service), appraisal costs (costs incurred to determine the degree of conformance to quality requirements) and prevention costs (costs incurred to keep failure and appraisal costs to a minimum).
Cost of quality (COQ)
Cost of quality (COQ): Another term for COPQ. It is considered by some to be synonymous with COPQ but is considered by others to be unique. While the two concepts emphasize the same ideas, some disagree as to which concept came first and which categories are included in each.
Cost Optimization
Process of minimizing costs while maximizing value or efficiency in a system, project, or operation.
Count chart
Count chart: A control chart for evaluating the stability of a process in terms of the count of events of a given classification occurring in a sample; known as a c-chart.
Count per unit chart
Count per unit chart: A control chart for evaluating the stability of a process in terms of the average count of events of a given classification per unit occurring in a sample, known as a u-chart.
Counter Measures
Actions or strategies implemented to mitigate or address identified problems, errors, or defects in a process or product.
Covariance
Statistical measure representing the degree to which two random variables change together.
Covariate
In statistics, a variable that's possibly predictive or influential in an analysis but is not the primary variable of interest.
Cox Snell Residuals
Residuals used in logistic regression models to evaluate goodness of fit and predictive accuracy.
Cp
Cp: The ratio of tolerance to 6 sigma, or the upper specification limit (USL) minus the lower specification limit (LSL) divided by 6 sigma. It is sometimes referred to as the engineering tolerance divided by the natural tolerance and is only a measure of dispersion.
Cp and Pp
Measures of process capability in Six Sigma, evaluating process performance and potential deviation from specifications.
Cp Statistic
Statistical measure assessing process capability indicating how well a process meets specifications.
Cpk CPU CPL
Measures of process capability considering the process centering and the spread of data in relation to specifications.
Cpk index
Cpk index: Equals the lesser of the USL minus the mean divided by 3 sigma (or the mean) minus the LSL divided by 3 sigma. The greater the Cpk value, the better.
Cpm
Critical Path Method: A project management technique identifying the critical path and sequence of tasks in a project schedule.
Cramer's V
Statistical measure indicating the strength and direction of association between categorical variables.
Creativity techniques
The (seven) creativity techniques are suitable for all situations in a company in which new ideas are sought. In detail, these are: Mind mapping, progressive abstraction, morphological box, method 635, synetcics meeting, visual synectics, buzzword analysis. See each term.
Criteria Matrix
Tool used to rank or evaluate options or alternatives based on defined criteria, also known as Cause and Effect Matrix.
Critical deviation
Evaluation of an audit finding. There is a (critical) deviation (nonconformity) when a complete, required procedure or a requirement from the standards is not fulfilled or is not installed in the company. Non fulfillment is with respect to a complete sub-point of a chapter. This includes both a lack of planning and a lack of effective implementation. A (critical) deviation (nonconformity) always necessitates a corrective action. A certificate cannot be issued until there is effective realization and elimination of the deviation (nonconformity).
Critical Distance
In spatial analysis or statistics, the minimum separation or distance required between data points or objects to be considered distinct.
Critical Equipment
Machinery, tools, or components crucial to the functioning or operation of a system, process, or project.
Critical incident
Critical incident: The critical incident technique is an advanced tool for root cause analysis that can aid in the search for causes through interviews of various people involved in the process in which a critical event occurred.
Critical nonconformity
Nonconformity which can result in critical consequences for the environment in question.
Critical Path
Sequence of tasks or activities in a project schedule determining the minimum time needed to complete the project.
Critical processes
Critical processes: Processes that present serious potential dangers to human life, health and the environment, or that risk the loss of significant sums of money or customers.
Critical to Cost (CTC) Metrics
Metrics focusing on aspects directly influencing or critical to the cost structure or financial performance of a system or process.
Critical to Quality (CTQ) Metrics
Metrics focusing on factors critical to meeting customer requirements or ensuring product or service quality.
Critical to Schedule (CTS) Metrics
Metrics focusing on elements critical to adhering to project schedules or timelines.
Critical Value
In statistics, a value used as a threshold or cutoff point in hypothesis testing or confidence intervals.
Critical X
In Six Sigma methodology, factors or variables identified as critical to the outcome or performance of a process.
Cronbach's Alpha
Statistical measure assessing internal consistency or reliability of a scale or instrument used in surveys or assessments.
Crosby
The American Philip B. Crosby (1926 2001) was one of the pioneers and significant figures in quality science. His primary focus was on the zero defects program.
Cross functional
Cross functional: A term used to describe a process or an activity that crosses the boundary between functions. A cross functional team consists of individuals from more than one organizational unit or function.
Cross Validated Fits PLS
Cross-validation method assessing the predictive performance of Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression models.
Cross Validated Residual PLS
Residuals in Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression models validated through cross-validation techniques for assessing predictive performance.
Cross-functional management
Integration of a companys vertical and horizontal elements: Management across functions and departments.
Cross-Functional Map
Visual representation showing processes or workflows involving multiple departments or functions in an organization.
Cross-functional team
Work group comprised of people with different work experience. The group can be composed of employees from the finance, marketing, production and human resources areas. Typically, the employees are drawn from all levels in the organization. It is also possible to expand the group of people to include customers, advisers or suppliers (organizations outside the company).
Crossed and Nested Factors
In experimental design, factors involving combinations of both crossed (independent) and nested (hierarchical) factors.
Crosshairs
Visual aid in graphs or charts, intersecting lines marking specific points or coordinates, aiding in measurements or reference.
CTQ
Critical to Quality: Factors or attributes critical in meeting customer requirements or ensuring product/service quality.
CTQ drill down technique
Tool to set clear, measurable sub-goals when introducing Six Sigma. At the strategic level, first the group goals (CTQs: Critical to Quality) are defined. The companys vision, customer wishes and competitors activity form the basis for these objectives. In the next step, these strategic goals are then systematically broken down (drill down) into district objectives, plant objectives and all the way down to sub-goals. It is crucial for the sub-goals to be clearly formulated and measureable.
Cube plot
Within DoE (Design of Experiments) a cube plot can be created if there are three factors to be examined, each with two settings, in order to depict the results of the experiments on the one hand and to read off the optimal setting on the other. The corners of a cube diagram represent a particular factor combination. If there are several series of experiments (experiments per factor and setting), it is advisable to use average values for the individual experiment combinations.
Cultural resistance
Cultural resistance: A form of resistance based on opposition to the possible social and organizational consequences associated with change.
Culture change
Culture change: A major shift in the attitudes, norms, sentiments, beliefs, values, operating principles and behavior of an organization.
Culture, organizational
Culture, organizational: A common set of values, beliefs, attitudes, perceptions and accepted behaviors shared by individuals within an organization.
CUMN
Cumulative Normal Distribution: The cumulative distribution function for the normal distribution in statistical analysis.
Cumulative Distribution Fun
Cumulative Distribution Function: A function showing the cumulative probability distribution of a random variable.
Cumulative DPU Plot
Graphical representation displaying the cumulative defects per unit (DPU) over a specified period or quantity produced.
Cumulative Failure Plot
Graph or chart showing the cumulative number or proportion of failures or defects over time or quantity produced.
Cumulative Failure Rate
The rate or proportion at which failures or defects accumulate or occur over time or production cycles.
Cumulative Percent
Percentage indicating the accumulation or sum of proportions or percentages up to a specified point in a sequence or data set.
Cumulative Percent Defective Plot
Graphical representation indicating the cumulative percentage of defective items or units in a production process.
Cumulative sum control chart (CUSUM)
Cumulative sum control chart (CUSUM): A control chart on which the plotted value is the cumulative sum of deviations of successive samples from a target value. The ordinate of each plotted point represents the algebraic sum of the previous ordinate and the most recent deviations from the target.
Current good manufacturing practices (CGMP)
Current good manufacturing practices (CGMP): Regulations enforced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for food and chemical manufacturers and packagers.
Current Time CTIME
A representation of the current time in various systems or applications, often used in programming or data processing.
Customer delight
Customer delight: The result of delivering a product or service that exceeds customer expectations.
Customer experiment
Customer experiment: Using a given customer type to test whether a proposed new product will be accepted by customers. Also referred to as a pilot study.
Customer feedback
Statements from customers on how they perceive the quality of the supplied product.
Customer focus
Focus of all of a companys activities and sequences on the wishes and expectations of its customers. Customer focus is one of the quality management principles (see Quality management principles). You can find out more about this in the Quality management principles.
Customer property
Products or services that belong to the customer. They become a part of the production or service process. According to ISO 9001:2015, intellectual property and personal data can also be customer property. (On the basis of ISO 9001:2015)
Customer Relationship Management
Documentation and administration of customer relations (also electronically).
Customer relationship management (CRM)
Customer relationship management (CRM): A strategy for learning more about customers needs and behaviors to develop stronger relationships with them. It brings together information about customers, sales, marketing effectiveness, responsiveness and market trends. It helps businesses use technology and human resources to gain insight into the behavior of customers and the value of those customers.
Customer Requirements
Specifications or expectations outlined by customers regarding the products or services they desire.
Customer satisfaction
Customer satisfaction: The result of delivering a product or service that meets customer requirements.
Customer service
Interaction between the organization and the customer during the product life cycle. (On the basis of ISO 9000:2015)
Customer-supplier model (CSM)
Customer-supplier model (CSM): A model depicting inputs flowing into a work process that, in turn, add value and produce outputs delivered to a customer. Also called customer-supplier methodology.
Customer-supplier partnership
Customer-supplier partnership: A long-term relationship between a buyer and supplier characterized by teamwork and mutual confidence. The supplier is considered an extension of the buyers organization. The partnership is based on several commitments. The buyer provides long-term contracts and uses fewer suppliers. The supplier implements quality assurance processes so incoming inspection can be minimized. The supplier also helps the buyer reduce costs and improve product and process designs.
CUSUM Chart
Cumulative Sum Control Chart: A quality control chart used to detect shifts or deviations in processes over time.
CWQC
Company Wide Quality Control: All activities in a company that are relevant for quality constitute company-wide quality control. This comprises all employees at all hierarchical levels. CWQC is used to pursue the objective of having all activities in the product creation process satisfy the customer requirements.
Cycle time
Cycle time: The time required to complete one cycle of an operation. If cycle time for every operation in a complete process can be reduced to equal takt time, products can be made in single-piece flow. Also see takt time.