Glossary
Whether you’re new to the quality and continuous improvement arena or a seasoned expert seeking detailed information on a specific quality topic, you should find what you need in our Glossary of Terms.
Explore the concepts, tools, applications and technical terms that make up the world of continuous improvement.
F-test
The F-distribution is formed by the ratio of two independent chi-square variables divided by their respective degrees of freedom. Since F is formed by chi-square, many of the chi-square properties carry over to the F distribution. The F-test is designed to test if two population variances are equal. It does this by comparing the ratio of two variances. Once measured, if the variances are equal, the ratio of the variances will be 1.
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Factor
An input to a process that can be changed via experimentation.
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Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
Used to systematically identify key modes of process or product failure, analyse risks and prioritise improvement efforts. Also termed Effects Analysis it is a methodology for analysing potential reliability problems early on in the development cycle where it is easier to take actions to overcome these issues, thereby enhancing reliability through design. Effects Analysis is used to identify potential failure modes, determine their effect on the product, and identify actions to eliminate or at least reduce the possibilities of failures. While anticipating every failure mode is not possible, a Lean Six Sigma Project team would use the principle to brainstorm an extensive a list of potential failure modes as possible.
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First In First Out (FIFO)
The management principle whereby the first component which enters a process or storage location is also the first one to leave.
First Pass Yield (FPY)
The proportion or yield which on average goes through a process on the first pass, right the first time and without defects or rework.
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Fishbone Diagram
Also known as a Cause and Effect or Ishikawa Diagram, this tool is used to categorise, display and examine potential causes or factors relating to an observed output.
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Flow
The continuous movement of a product or service in given direction through each of its process steps. When the term is spoken of in the business environment, it is with the intent to, understand the flow, identify ways to improve the flow, simplify the flow and so forth so as to improve the speed of products along the flow path.
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Flow Chart
A pictorial representation of a process indicating the main steps, branches, loops and eventual outcomes for the process. Flowcharts often depict not only process steps but also process direction so that at a glance one can see how the process works. For those skilled, such as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt one can even use Flow Charts to identify potential areas for improvement or at least to identify areas of potential concern.
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Forcefield Analysis
Used as a strategic management methods tool for identifying, discussing, and evaluating the various forces for and against a proposed change. When a change is planned, the use of a Force Field Analysis assists an organisation by causing it to look holistically at the proposed change, analysing all possible forces that may affect the change and enables the evaluation of the identified effects. Through the identification of these effects, an organisation can develop strategies to reduce the impact of the opposing forces and strengthen the supporting forces.
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Fractional Factorial Design
A subset of a full factorial design, used when it can be assumed that some interactions will not occur.
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Full Factorial Design
Full Factorial Design measures all possible combinations of the factors and levels and it is noted that no more than 5 factors should be evaluated at any one time due to cost effectiveness and timeliness. The resultant responses provide the tester with the necessary information about the effects, including the main effect and the interacting effects that are occurring in the process under experiment.
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Future State Map
A Value Stream Map, which in pictorial form depicts the possible Future State or set of conditions that has been determined, will improve both process and information flow. This map would include deployment opportunities identified from the review of the original Current State Map.