Certified Production & Operations Manager (POM) Practice Exam

Assignable variation in a process is defined as:

1. Random noise in the data

2. Variation that can be identified and investigated

3. Inherent fluctuations in a stable process

4. Variability due to sampling error

The correct answer is: Variation that can be identified and investigated

Assignable variation in a process refers specifically to variation that can be identified and investigated. This type of variation is usually caused by identifiable factors or changes in the process that can potentially be controlled or eliminated. When assignable variation is present, it indicates that there might be a specific reason behind the changes in the process performance, such as a malfunctioning machine, a change in raw materials, or an operator making an error. Understanding assignable variation is crucial for quality control and improvement efforts, as it allows managers and engineers to take corrective action or implement improvements. This is essential for maintaining a high level of quality and efficiency in production processes. In contrast, the other options refer to variations that are either inherent and stable (like random noise or inherent fluctuations) or not directly linked to process issues (like sampling error), which are typically considered common causes of variation and are more challenging to address.