A technique used to identify conceivable failures affecting system performance, human safety or other required characteristics. See: FMEA, FMECA, FTA, software hazard analysis, software safety requirements analysis, software safety design analysis, software safety code analysis, software safety test analysis, software safety change analysis

An assessment of the consequence of the worst credible mishap that could be caused by a specific hazard

Is a bar chart showing a distribution of variables. An example would be to line up by height a group of people in a course. Normally one would be the tallest and one would be the shortest and there would be a cluster of people around an average height. Hence the phrase "normal distribution". This tool helps identify the cause of problems in a process by the shape of the distribution as well as the width of the distribution

The variances of the groups being contrasted are equal (as defined by statistical test of significant difference)

Japanese term for hoshin planning, a form of interactive strategic planning which aids the flow of information up and down the organizational layers in a systematic, productive way

A method of strategic planning for quality. It helps executives integrate quality improvement into the organization's long-range plan/Or/Breakthrough planning. A Japanese strategic planning process in which a company develops up to four vision statements that indicate where the company should be in the next five years. Company goals and work plans are developed based on the vision statements. Periodic audits are then conducted to monitor progress