Certified Production & Operations Manager (POM) Practice Exam

What type of control chart should a publisher use to track typographic errors reported by readers?

1. p-chart

2. x-bar chart

3. c-chart

4. R-chart

The correct answer is: c-chart

In the context of managing quality and monitoring typographic errors in published materials, a c-chart is the most appropriate tool. This type of control chart is specifically designed to monitor the count of defects or nonconformities in a fixed unit of measurement when the opportunities for defects vary. Typographic errors are counted as discrete items and, in this scenario, the c-chart enables the publisher to keep track of the number of errors in a fixed sample size (like a certain number of pages or issues). The charts allow for easy visualization of trends in error production over time, making it easier for management to implement corrective actions or improvements if the number of errors begins to drift beyond established control limits. In contrast, other options would not apply as effectively to this situation. For instance, a p-chart is more suited for situations where you are dealing with fractions or proportions of defective items, which may not be as relevant for tracking specific error counts. An x-bar chart is intended for monitoring the mean of a variable quality characteristic over time, applicable when measuring continuous data rather than counting discrete errors. Lastly, an R-chart is utilized to assess the variability within a process rather than the count of defects, making it unsuitable for this specific context of monitoring typographic errors.