Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Practice Exam

Which tool is designed to analyze variation in process performance over time?

1. Control Chart

2. Pareto Chart

3. Histogram

4. Affiliation Diagram

The correct answer is: Control Chart

The control chart is specifically designed to monitor and analyze variation in process performance over time. It is a graphical tool that displays how a process behaves and allows practitioners to distinguish between common cause variation, which is inherent to the process, and special cause variation, which can indicate an issue that needs to be addressed. By plotting data points over time and establishing upper and lower control limits, the control chart helps in identifying trends, shifts, and any deviations from expected performance. This makes it an essential tool in quality control and process improvement, as it provides insights into process stability and helps in making informed decisions based on data trends. In contrast, other options serve different purposes. The Pareto chart is useful for identifying the most significant factors in a data set by illustrating the frequency or impact of problems, making it helpful for prioritizing areas for improvement, but it does not focus specifically on time-based variation. The histogram is effective for displaying the distribution of data points, allowing for an understanding of the frequency of different outcomes, yet it does not track changes over time. An affinity diagram is employed to organize ideas and factors into groups based on their natural relationships but is not analytical regarding process variation over time.