ABSTRACT
Chapter 3 introduces the systematic approach to process improvement and examines various types of data together with how data should be recorded. It outlines various methods of presenting data, in particular bar charts, histograms and graphs.
Process improvement requires a systematic approach that includes an appropriate design, resources, materials, people, process and operating instructions. The tools of the systematic approach include check sheets/tally charts, histograms, bar charts and graphs. There are two types of numeric data: variables that result from measurement, and attributes that result from counting. Grouped frequency distribution or histograms are of particular value for visualizing large amounts of data. Line graphs or run charts are another way of presenting data as a picture. Graphs include pictorial graphs and pie charts.
