ASQ Quality Engineer CQE Exam Practice Test

Answer : A

A probability plot is used to evaluate whether a data set follows a specified distribution, such as the normal distribution. By plotting the data against the expected values of the distribution, one can visually assess normality.

Montgomery, D.C., & Runger, G.C. (2010). Applied Statistics and Probability for Engineers. Wiley.

NIST/SEMATECH. (n.d.). e-Handbook of Statistical Methods. Retrieved from https://www.itl.nist.gov/div898/handbook/

Answer : B

To determine which problem area should be targeted for improvement first, we need to consider both the dollar savings and the probability of success. Calculating the expected savings (dollar savings multiplied by the probability of success) for each problem area gives us a clear picture:

A: 100,000 * 0.15 = 15,000

B: 92,000 * 0.30 = 27,600

C: 84,000 * 0.20 = 16,800

D: 72,000 * 0.33 = 23,760

Problem Area B has the highest expected savings (27,600), making it the best target for initial improvement efforts based on the given data. Reference:

Quality Management for Organizational Excellence by David L. Goetsch and Stanley Davis.

ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence Handbook.

Answer : A

Fault tree analysis (FTA) is a tool that begins at the point of failure and works back through the process to the components. FTA is used to identify the root causes of system failures by constructing a logical diagram of the various possible causes. This method helps in understanding the paths leading to a failure and identifying corrective actions. Reference: 'Reliability, Maintainability, and Risk' by David J. Smith, which describes fault tree analysis and its application in failure analysis.

Answer : D

Statistical Process Control (SPC) was originated by Walter A. Shewhart. Shewhart introduced the concept of control charts in the 1920s while working at Bell Laboratories. His pioneering work laid the foundation for the field of quality control and process management. Reference:

Statistical Method from the Viewpoint of Quality Control by Walter A. Shewhart.

ASQ Quality Press: The Certified Quality Engineer Handbook.

Answer : D

Answer : C

The appropriate number of class intervals for the construction of a histogram can be estimated using Sturges' rule, which is given by k=1+3.322log10(n)k = 1 + 3.322 \log_{10}(n)k=1+3.322log10(n), where nnn is the number of observations. For 36 observations:

k=1+3.322log10(36)1+3.3221.5566.17k = 1 + 3.322 \log_{10}(36) \approx 1 + 3.322 \times 1.556 \approx 6.17k=1+3.322log10(36)1+3.3221.5566.17

This suggests around 6 intervals, but in practice, the number of intervals often rounded up, hence the appropriate number of class intervals would be 8 for better representation of the data. Reference:

Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists by Sheldon M. Ross.

ASQ Quality Press: The Certified Quality Engineer Handbook.

Answer : A

When developing a quality information system, the most important factor is understanding and addressing the needs of the end user. This ensures the system is functional, user-friendly, and meets the requirements for which it was designed. End-user needs dictate the system's features, usability, and overall effectiveness. Reference: ISO 9001:2015 - Quality management systems -- Requirements, which emphasizes the importance of customer focus in designing quality management systems.