What is it about?
All processes are variable. They have their normal ups and downs. The continual cascade of input push and pull events such that outputs differ from one another. Sometime s the drift is modest and imperceptible while at other times it is excessive and noticeable. Learning how to read the produced data can assist in decision making. Understanding variability provides a means for improving process outputs.
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Why is it important?
Reducing variation including the magnitude of normal ups and downs through problem solving and experimentation improves consistency and quality, but, more importantly, decreases costs. Stable processes are easier to manage because their outputs are repeatable and predictable.
Perspectives
One of management's many jobs is recognizing when there is the potential for trouble and initiating action to deal with inconsistencies are they arise. The ability to understand and read the ups and downs of variability, quite simply, makes the job of being a manager much easier.
John R Schultz
Madison Area Technical College
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Embracing the Capriciousness of Variability, Performance Improvement Journal, October 2015, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1002/pfi.21500.
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