MSS404052 - Apply statistics to operational processes assessment tool

Assessor Resource

MSS404052
Apply statistics to operational processes

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024

This unit covers the ability to gather and analyse process data to support the control of processes and operations. It includes interpretation of sampling procedures, frequency distributions, random and non-random variations in data/control charts; use of control limits to determine whether or not monitored processes are in control; and communicating this information to others.

This unit applies to a person working in an organisation applying statistical process control on processes or operations. The statistical process control will usually be used to monitor the processes or operations and determine when action needs to be taken. The appropriate action will then be taken in accordance with standard procedures.

This unit primarily requires the application of skills associated with gathering and analysing data and communicating statistical information to others. This unit also has a strong emphasis on problem solving, initiative and enterprise, planning and organising, and self-management to solve problems and manage processes.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.		Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.
1	Collect process data	1.1	Interpret sampling scheme.
		1.2	Obtain measurements in accordance with standard sampling procedures.
		1.3	Handle data in accordance with procedures.

2	Interpret data	2.1	Plot data on appropriate control chart.
		2.2	Distinguish between random and non-random patterns of results.
		2.3	Identify results outside the control limits.
		2.4	Recognise situations requiring action.
		2.5	Take action in accordance with procedures.
		2.6	Determine cost of non-conformance.

3	Calculate control limits	3.1	Consult relevant stakeholders to determine appropriate limits.
		3.2	Use relevant methods to calculate/revise control limits.
		3.3	Plot limits on control chart and complete other records in accordance with procedures.
		3.4	Explain impact of limit to relevant stakeholders.

Evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria under the specified conditions of assessment and must include on two (2) or more occasions:

gathering, analysing and interpreting process data to support the control of processes and operations

applying specified sampling procedures

investigating the causes of variation in a process

communicating with other employees to obtain samples/data and to explain results and limits

calculating and plotting data and control limits

completing other required documentation.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge relevant to their job role sufficient to fulfil their job role independently, including:

purpose of sampling and measurement

sampling methods to be used

methods of calculating means, standard deviations and the like and their purpose in statistical control

concept of limits, including 1, 2, 3 and 6 sigma limits

types of control charts and their applications to different types of process/product and for different purposes

process causes of variation and typical cause types of non-random variation

non-process (e.g. measurement) causes of variation

recognition of stable and unstable processes

causes of stability/instability in the process

calculation of control limits/process capability and the applications of different control limits

the standard distribution curve and confidence limits.

The unit should be assessed holistically and the judgement of competence shall be based on a holistic assessment of the evidence.

The collection of performance evidence:

should occur over a range of situations which include typical disruptions to normal, smooth operation of the workplace

will typically include a supervisor/third-party report focussing on consistent performance and problem recognition and solving. A supervisor/third-party report must be prepared by someone who has a direct, relevant, current relationship with the person being assessed and who is in a position to form a judgement on workplace performance relevant to the unit of competency

must include the application of statistics to an operational process in own workplace

will typically include the use of appropriate tools, equipment and safety gear requiring demonstration of preparation, operation, completion and responding to problems.

Assessment should occur in operational workplace situations.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence (provided a record is kept) or through an independent process such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept).

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Conditions for assessment must include access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required, including relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications associated with this unit.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

The assessor must demonstrate both technical competency and currency.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR

relevant workplace experience

Currency can be demonstrated through:

performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR

having consulted with an organisation providing relevant environmental monitoring, management or technology services about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title] Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.		Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.
1	Collect process data	1.1	Interpret sampling scheme.
		1.2	Obtain measurements in accordance with standard sampling procedures.
		1.3	Handle data in accordance with procedures.

2	Interpret data	2.1	Plot data on appropriate control chart.
		2.2	Distinguish between random and non-random patterns of results.
		2.3	Identify results outside the control limits.
		2.4	Recognise situations requiring action.
		2.5	Take action in accordance with procedures.
		2.6	Determine cost of non-conformance.

3	Calculate control limits	3.1	Consult relevant stakeholders to determine appropriate limits.
		3.2	Use relevant methods to calculate/revise control limits.
		3.3	Plot limits on control chart and complete other records in accordance with procedures.
		3.4	Explain impact of limit to relevant stakeholders.

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.
Competitive systems and practices include one or more of:	lean operations agile operations preventative and predictive maintenance approaches statistical process control systems, including six sigma and three sigma Just in Time (JIT), kanban and other pull-related operations control systems supply, value, and demand chain monitoring and analysis 5S continuous improvement (kaizen) breakthrough improvement (kaizen blitz) cause/effect diagrams overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) takt time process mapping problem solving run charts standard procedures current reality tree.
Sampling schemes include one or more of:	sampling for attributes or sampling for variables batch, continuous or custom made products type of sample size of sample number of items/samples number/type of measurements to be done on each sample timing of sampling location of sampling points sampling equipment measurement/testing equipment/methods.
Checking, analysing and storing data includes one or more of:	calculating means, ranges, mean of means and standard deviations (using appropriate calculation aids) entering data into a software package recording data either in writing or electronically other required manipulations of the data.
Control charts include one or more of:	run tally mean/range attributes other relevant charts.
Variations include all of:	random variations for which no cause can be found non-random variations for which a cause can be found and so the cause of the variation eliminated (also called identifiable cause, assignable cause or special cause) non-random variations used to predict possible breaches of the control limits.
Limits include one or more of:	control limits (also referred to as process capability) within which the process will operate if it is 'under control' appropriate limits: 1 sigma warning limits, 2 sigma warning limits, 3 sigma control limits, and 6 sigma limits.
Costs of non-conformance include one or more of:	reprocessing/rework expediting unplanned service excess inventory complaint handline downtime returns scrap labour costs material costs infrastructure costs/overhead utility costs.
Procedures (written, verbal, visual, computer based, etc.) include one or any combination of:	work instructions standard operating procedures (SOPs) safe work method statements formulas/recipes batch sheets temporary instructions any similar instructions provided for the smooth running of the process.