Individual assignment 5

Meng Zhou
Project Quality Management
Professor James Hannon
Northeastern University
10 February 2019

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1. What is the appropriate control chart to study the process variability (within sample variation)?
Why?
When the continuous data and subgroup size is 9 or greater, the variation (standard deviation) of the
process is monitored using S Chart. Use this control chart to monitor process stability over time so that
we can identify and correct instability during the process. In the Fox Islands wind project, we have 50
observations. Therefore, using S Chart will be the best choice for the project team.

2. What is the appropriate control chart to study the process mean (between samples variation)? Why?
In my opinion, the X-bar Chart is the most appropriate control chart to do that. The X-bar chart shows
how the mean or average changes over time. We can also use X-bar to analyze the results of process
improvements. To consider how the process is running and compare it to how it ran in the past. Do
process changes produce the desired improvement?

2. Use the data provided in the Minitab worksheet to display the charts. Copy and paste the charts to
the Word document and look for any evidence of assignable-cause variation.
Chart 1: the variation of these data.

Chart 2: the checking date and frequency.

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4. Is the electricity production in statistical control? Please explain.
Yes. Chart 1 shows the range of variation of the inspection results: below 4.5 MW and above 3.7 MW.
The project team can use these data to control and maintain the stability of their electricity production.

5. What is a rational subgroup? And why is it important when collecting data for process analysis?
A rational subgroup is a subset of data defined by a specific factor such as a stratifying factor or a time
period. Rational subgrouping identifies and separates special cause variation (variation between
subgroups caused by specific, identifiable factors. If special causes are present, then the sample should
reflect those. Here, Rational Subgrouping comes to the stage. Because detecting shifts in the mean
requires that data is taken in so called rational subgroups. Data sets should be set up and taken in such a
way that variation within a subgroup reflects common variation only, while any significant variation
between subgroups reflects special causes.

6. What advice do you have for the Fox Island Wind Power Project to maintain customer satisfaction?
Customer satisfaction can be a key to judge whether the improvement plan is completed or not. Firstly,
conducting the survey in every stable period to make sure what the customer need and whether there
are changes from time to time. Second, analyze the feedback from customers and recheck the strategies
from these data. Third, hold meetings to emphasize the focus from the organization to the customers in
the island, meanwhile, boost the communication with each other within the issue of the project and find
more support and trust in the project.

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References:
Joseph, B,L. James Corcoran. Max Gazor. Dylan Hogarty. Alexander H. (2011). The Fox Islands Wind
Project (A). Retrieved from: https://hbr.org/.
Project Management Institute. (2017). Project Management Body of Knowledge PMBOK Guide. (6th
Edition). Project Management Institute.