Monitor the performance of selected subprocesses to determine their capability to satisfy their quality and process-performance objectives, and identify corrective action as necessary.

The intent of this specific practice is to do the following:

·         Statistically determine process behavior expected from the subprocess

·         Appraise the probability that the subprocess will meet its quality and process-performance objectives

·         Identify the corrective action to be taken based on a statistical analysis of process-performance data

These actions are intended to help the project use a more capable process. (See the definition of “capable process” in the glossary.)

A prerequisite for comparing the capability of a selected subprocess against its quality and process-performance objectives is that the measured attributes of the subprocess indicate that its performance is stable and predictable.

Process capability is analyzed for those subprocesses and measured attributes for which (derived) objectives are established. Not all subprocesses or measured attributes that are statistically managed are analyzed regarding process capability.

Historical data may be inadequate for initially determining whether the subprocess is capable. It also is possible that the estimated natural bounds for subprocess performance may shift away from quality and process-performance objectives. In either case, statistical control implies monitoring capability as well as stability.

Typical Work Products

1.    Natural bounds of process performance for each selected subprocess compared to its established (derived) objectives

2.    The process capability of each subprocess

3.    The actions needed to address deficiencies in the process capability of each subprocess

Typical Supplier Deliverables

1.    Actions needed to address deficiencies in supplier process performance or the quality of deliverables

Subpractices

1.    Compare quality and process-performance objectives to the natural bounds of the measured attribute.

This comparison provides an appraisal of the process capability for each measured attribute of a subprocess. These comparisons can be displayed graphically in ways that relate the estimated natural bounds to the objectives or as process capability indices, which summarize the relationship of objectives to natural bounds.

2.    Monitor changes in quality and process-performance objectives and the process capability of the selected subprocess.

3.    Identify and document deficiencies in subprocess capability.

4.    Determine and document actions needed to address deficiencies in subprocess capability.

Refer to the Project Monitoring and Control process area for more information about taking corrective action.