The Palladian Republic: 3 Glossary

A -

ACCEPTANCE REGION ALPHA RISK - The region of values for which the null hypothesis is accepted.

ACCURACY-1. The degree to which an indicated value matches the actual value of a measured variable. 2. In process instrumentation, degree of conformity of an indicated value to a recognized accepted standard value, or ideal value.

ALGORITHM - 1. A prescribed set of well-defined rules or processes for the solution of a problem in a finite number of steps. 2. Detailed procedures for giving instructions to a computer.

al·go·rithm ( P ) Pronunciation Key (lg-rthm)

A step-by-step problem-solving procedure, especially an established, recursive computational procedure for solving a problem in a finite number of steps.

algo·rithmic (-rthmk) adj.

algo·rithmi·cal·ly adv.

algorithm

Algorism \Al"go*rism\, Algorithm \Al"go*rithm\, n. [OE. algorism, algrim, augrim, OF. algorisme, F. algorithme (cf. Sp. algoritmo, OSp. alguarismo, LL. algorismus), fr. the Ar. al-Khow[=a]rezm[=i] of Khow[=a]rezm, the modern Khiwa, surname of Abu Ja'far Mohammed ben Mus[=a], author of a work on arithmetic early in the 9th century, which was translated into Latin, such books bearing the name algorismus. The spelling with th is due to a supposed connection with Gr. ? number.] 1. The art of calculating by nine figures and zero.

2. The art of calculating with any species of notation; as, the algorithms of fractions, proportions, surds, etc.

n : a precise rule (or set of rules) specifying how to solve some problem [syn: algorithmic rule, algorithmic program]

<algorithm, programming> A detailed sequence of actions to

perform to accomplish some task. Named after an Iranian

mathematician, Al-Khawarizmi.

Technically, an algorithm must reach a result after a finite number of steps, thus ruling out brute force search methods for certain problems, though some might claim that brute force search was also a valid (generic) algorithm. The term is also used loosely for any sequence of actions (which may or may not terminate).

ALPHA RISK - The probability of accepting the alternate hypothesis when, in reality, the null hypothesis is true.

ALTERNATE HYPOTHESIS - A tentative explanation which indicates that an event does not follow a chance distribution; a contrast to the null hypothesis.

ASSIGNABLE CAUSE - A source of variation which is non-random; a change in the source ("VITAL FEW" variables) will produce a significant change of some magnitude in the response (dependent variable), e.g., a correlation exists; the change may be due to an intermittent in-phase effect or a constant cause system which may or may not be highly predictable; an assignable cause is often signaled by an excessive number of data points outside a control limit and/or a non-random pattern within the control limits; an unnatural source of variation; most often economical to eliminate.

ASSIGNABLE VARIATIONS - Variations in data which can be attributed to specific causes.

ATTRIBUTE - A characteristic that may take on only one value, e.g. 0 or 1.

ATTRIBUTE DATA - Numerical information at the nominal level; subdivision is not conceptually meaningful; data which represents the frequency of occurrence within some discrete category, e.g., 42 solder shorts.

ax·i·ol·o·gy ( P ) Pronunciation Key (ks-l-j)

The study of the nature of values and value judgments.

[Greek axios, worth; see ag- in Indo-European Roots + -logy.]

axi·o·logi·cal (--lj-kl) adj.

axi·o·logi·cal·ly adv.

axi·olo·gist n.

axiology

n : the study of values and value judgments

- B -

BACKGROUND VARIABLES - Variables which are of no experimental interest and are not held constant. Their effects are often assumed insignificant or negligible, or they are randomized to ensure that contamination of the primary response does not occur.

BETA RISK - The probability of accepting the null hypothesis when, in reality, the alternate hypothesis is true.

BLOCKING VARIABLES - A relatively homogenous set of conditions within which different conditions of the primary variables are compared. Used to ensure that background variables do not contaminate the evaluation of primary variables.

- C -

CALIBRATION - Determination of the experimental relationship between the quantity being measured and the output of the device that measures it; where the quantity measured is obtained through a recognized standard of measurement.

CASCADE CONTROL - 1. A control system composed of two loops where the set point of one loop (the inner loop) is controlled by the output of the second loop (the outer loop). 2. A control technique that incorporates a master and a slave loop. The master loop control the primary control parameters and establishes the slave4oop set point. The purpose of the slave loop is to reduce the effect of disturbances on the primary control parameter and to improve the dynamic performance of the loop.

CAUSALITY - The principle that every change implies the operation of a cause.

CAUSATIVE - Effective as a cause.

CAUSE - That which produces an effect or brings about a change.

C CHARTS - Charts which display the number of defects per sample.

CHAMPION - Person responsible for the logistical and business aspects of a Six Sigma project. Champions select and scope projects that are aligned with the corporate strategy, choose and mentor the right people for the project, and remove barriers to ensure the highest levels of success.

CHARACTERISTIC - A definable or measurable feature of a process, product, or variable.

CENTRAL TENDENCY - Numerical average, e.g., mean, median, and mode; center line on a statistical process control chart.

CENTER LINE - The line on a statistical process control chart which represents the characteristic's central tendency.

CLASSIFICATION - Differentiation of variables.

COMMON CAUSE - See RANDOM CAUSE.

CONFIDENCE LEVEL - The probability that a random variable x lies within a defined interval.

CONFIDENCE LIMITS - The two values that define the confidence interval.

CONFOUNDING - Allowing two or more variables to vary together so that it is impossible to separate their unique effects.

CONSUMERS RISK - Probability of accepting a lot when, in fact, the lot should have been rejected (see BETA RISK).

CONTINUOUS RANDOM VARIABLE - A random variable which can assume any value continuously in some specified interval.

CONTROL CHART - A graphical rendition of a characteristic's performance across time in relation to its natural limits and central tendency.

CONTROL SPECIFICATIONS - Specifications called for by the product being manufactured.

CONTROLLED VARIABLE - 1. The variable which the control system attempts to keep at the set point value. The set point may be constant or variable. 2. The part of a process you want to control (flow, level, temperature, pressure, etc.). 3. A process variable which is to be controlled at some desired value by means of manipulating another process variable.

CUTOFF POINT - The point which partitions the acceptance region from the reject region.

COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE - TBD

- D -

DASHBOARD - A set of metrics, usually not more than five or six, that provide an "at-a-glance" summary of a Six Sigma project's status. Every participant in a Six Sigma deployment -- from the CEO to a factory floor worker -- should have his or her own dashboard with function- and level-appropriate data summaries.

DATA - Factual information used as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or calculation; often refers to quantitative information.

DEGREES OF FREEDOM - The number of independent measurements available for estimating a population parameter

DENSITY FUNCTION - The function which yields the probability that a particular random variable takes on any one of its possible values.

DEPENDENT VARIABLE - A Response Variable; e.g., y is the dependent or "Response" variable where Y=f (Xl. . . XN) variable.

DERIVATIVE CONTROL - In process instrumentation, control action in which the output is proportional to the rate of change of the input.

DEVIATION - The difference between the value of a specific variable and some desired value, usually a process set point.

DISCRETE RANDOM VARIABLE - A random variable which can assume values only from a definite number of discrete values.

DISTRIBUTIONS - Tendency of large numbers of observations to group themselves around some central value with a certain amount of variation or "scatter" on either side.

- E -

EFFECT - That which was produced by a cause.

ENERGY - The capacity of a body for doing work or its equivalent - it may be classified as potential or kinetic, depending on whether it is associated with bodies at rest or bodies in motion; or it may he classified as chemical, electrical, electromagnetic, electrochemical, mechanical, radiant, thermal, or vibrational or any other type, depending on its source or nature.

EXECUTION SEQUENCE NUMBER - The order in which the controller executes function blocks.

EXPERIMENT - A test under defined conditions to determine an unknown effect; to illustrate or verify a known law; to test or establish a hypothesis.

EXPERIMENTAL ERROR - Variation in observations made under identical test conditions. Also called residual error. The amount of variation which cannot be attributed to the variables included in the experiment.

Epieikeia - fairness and reasonableness

- F -

FACTORS - Independent variables.

FEEDBACK - 1. Process signal used in control as a measure of response to control action. 2. The part of a closed loop system which automatically brings back information about the condition under control.

FEEDBACK CONTROL - An error driven control system in which the control signal to the actuators is proportional to the difference between a command signal from the process variable being controlled.

FEEDFORWARD CONTROL - A method of control that compensates for a disturbance before its effect is felt in the output. It is based on a model that relates the output to the input where the disturbance occurs. In distillation, the disturbances are usually feed rate and feed compositions. Steady-state feedforward models are usually combined with dynamic compensation functions to set the manipulative variables and combined with feedback adjustments (trim) to correct for control model-accuracy constraints.

FLOW - The movement of material in any direction.

FLUCTUATIONS - Variances in data, which are caused by a large number of, minute variations or differences.

FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION- The pattern or shape formed by the group of measurements in a distribution.

FUNCTION – a function receives one or more input parameters but returns only one output parameter. (see process.)

- G -

- H -

heu·ris·tic ( P ) Pronunciation Key (hy-rstk)

adj.

1. Of or relating to a usually speculative formulation serving as a guide in the investigation or solution of a problem: "The historian discovers the past by the judicious use of such a heuristic device as the 'ideal type'" (Karl J. Weintraub).

2. Of or constituting an educational method in which learning takes place through discoveries that result from investigations made by the student.

3. Computer Science. Relating to or using a problem-solving technique in which the most appropriate solution of several found by alternative methods is selected at successive stages of a program for use in the next step of the program.

1. A heuristic method or process.

2. heuristics (used with a sing. verb) The study and application of heuristic methods and processes.

[From Greek heuriskein, to find.]

heu·risti·cal·ly adv.

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Source: The American Heritage(r) Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition

heuristic

\Heu*ris"tic\, a. [Gr. ? to discover.] Serving to discover or find out.

heuristic

adj 1: (computer science) relating to or using a heuristic rule 2: ofo or relating to a general formulation that serves to guide investigation [ant: algorithmic] n : a commonsense rule (or set of rules) intended to increase the probability of solving some problem [syn: heuristic rule, heuristic program]

heuristic

1. <programming> A rule of thumb, simplification, or educated guess that reduces or limits the search for solutions in domains that are difficult and poorly understood. Unlike algorithms, heuristics do not guarantee optimal, or even feasible, solutions and are often used with no theoretical guarantee.

2. <algorithm> approximation algorithm.

(2001-04-12)

HISTOGRAM - Vertical display of a population distribution in terms of frequencies; a formal method of plotting a frequency distribution.

Homeostasis

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Homeostasis is the property of an open system to regulate its internal environment so as to maintain a stable condition, by means of multiple dynamic equilibrium adjustments controlled by interrelated regulation mechanisms.

Multicellular organisms require a homeostatic internal environment, in order to live; many environmentalists believe this principle also applies to the external environment.

Table of contents

1 Properties of homeostasis

2 Mechanisms of homeostasis: feedback

1 Ecological homeostasis

2 Biological homeostasis

2.1 Homeostasis in the human body

3 Etymology

4 See also

Properties of homeostasis

Homeostatic systems show several properties:

* They are ultrastable;

* Their whole organisation, internal, structural, and functional, contributes to the maintenance of equilibrium

* They are unpredictable (the resulting effect of a precise action often has the oppposite effect to what was expected).

Mechanisms of homeostasis: feedback

Main article: feedback

When a change of variable occurs, there are two main types of feedback to which the system reacts:

* Negative feedback is a reaction in which the system responds in such a way as to reverse the direction of change. Since this tends to keep things constant, it allows the maintenance of homeostasis. For instance, when the concentration of carbon dioxide in the human body increases, the lungs are signalled to increase their activity and expel more carbon dioxide.

* In positive feedback, the response is to amplify the change in the variable. This has a de-stabilizing effect, so does not result in homeostasis. Positive feedback is less common in naturally occurring systems than negative feedback, but it has its applications. For example, in nerves, a threshold electric potential triggers the generation of a much larger action potential. (See also leverage points.)

Ecological homeostasis

In the Gaia hypothesis, James Lovelock stated that the entire mass of living matter on Earth (or any planet with life) functions as a vast organism that actively modifies its planet to produce the environment that suits its needs. In this view, the entire planet maintains homeostasis. Whether this sort of system is present on Earth is still open to debate. However, some relatively simple homeostatic mechanisms are generally accepted. For example, when atmospheric carbon dioxide levels rise, plants are able to grow better and thus remove more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Biological homeostasis

Homeostasis is one of the fundamental characteristics of living things. It is the maintenance of the internal environment within tolerable limits.

With regard to any parameter, an organism may be a conformer or a regulator. Regulators try to maintain the parameter at a constant level, regardless of what is happening in its environment. Conformers allow the environment to determine the parameter. For instance, endothermic animals maintain a constant body temperature, while ectothermic animals exhibit wide variation in body temperature.

This is not to say that conformers may not have behavioral adaptations that allow them to exert some control over the parameter in question. For instance, reptiles often sit on sun-heated rocks in the morning to raise their body temperatures.

An advantage of homeostatic regulation is that it allows the organism to function more effectively. For instance, ectotherms tend to become sluggish at low temperatures, whereas endotherms are as active as always. On the other hand, regulation reqires energy. One reason why snakes can eat only once a week is that they use much less energy for maintaining homeostasis.

Homeostasis in the human body

All sorts of factors affect the suitability of the human body fluids to sustain life; these include properties like temperature, salinity, acidity (carbon dioxide), and the concentrations of nutrients and wastes (urea, glucose, various ion, oxygen). Since these properties affect the chemical reactions that keep bodies alive, there are built-in physiological mechanisms to maintain them at desirable levels.

This control is achieved with various organs in the body. For example:

* Thermal regulation:

o The skeletal muscles can shiver to produce heat if the body temperature is too low.

o Non-shivering thermogenesis involves the decomposition of fat to produce heat.

o Sweating cools the body with the use of evaporation.

* Chemical regulation

o The pancreas produces insulin and glucagon to control blood-sugar concentration.

o The lungs take in oxygen and give off carbon dioxide.

o The kidneys remove urea, and adjust the concentrations of water and a wide variety of ions.

Most of these organs are controlled by hormones secreted from the pituitary gland, which in turn is directed by the hypothalamus.

Etymology

The term was coined in 1932 by Walter Cannon from two Greek words (to remain the same).

- I -

INDEPENDENT VARIABLE - A controlled variable; a variable whose value is independent of the value of another variable.

INSTABILITY - Unnaturally large fluctuations in a pattern.

INSTRUMENT - A device for measuring the value of an observable attribute; the device may merely indicate the observed value, or it may also record or control the value.

INSTRUMENTATION - Any system of instruments and associated devices used for detecting, signaling, observing, measuring, controlling, or communicating attributes of a physical object or process.

INTEGRAL CONTROL ACTION - Control action in which the output is proportional to the time integral of the input; i.e., the rate of change of output is proportional to the input.

INTERACTION - The tendency of two or more variables to produce an effect in combination which neither variable would produce if acting alone.

INTERVAL - Numeric categories with equal units of measure but no absolute zero point, i.e., quality scale or index.

K -

KNOWLEDGE ELICITATION – TBD

Koinonia

A. Koinonia (koinwnia) belongs to the following word group:

1. Koinos (koinov$) (adjective), “common, common ownership, common property, partner”

2. Koinonos (koinwnov$) (noun), “partner, sharer, participation, participant, companion”

3. Koinoneo (koinwnew) (verb), “to share with someone in something which he has, to take part, to partake

in, to participate, to possess together”

5. Sunkoinonos (sugkoinwnov$) (noun), “partnership, joint-participation, fellow sharer”

6. Sunkoinoneo (sugkoinwnov$) (verb), “to participate or share in something with somebody”

7. Koinonikos (koinwnikov$) (adjective), “belonging or appointed to society, generous, liberal in sharing or

giving, sharing what is one’s own”

8. Koinoo (koinow) (verb), “to make common, to share”

B. Classical Usage

1. In the Greek and Hellenistic world koinonia was a term, which meant the evident, unbroken fellowship

between the gods and men.

2. Even Philo spoke of the “sublime fellowship [of Moses] with the Father and Creator of the universe (Vit.

Mos., 1, 158).

3. Koinonia was an important concept both in the secular and religious life of the ancient Greek world.

4. It denoted the close union and brotherly bond between men.

5. It was taken up by the philosophers to denote the ideal to be sought.

6. The life tie, which united the Pythagoreans, was called he tou biou koinonia, “the fellowship of life”).

7. The word has thus virtually the sense of brotherhood, and is a standing expression for the way social life is

constituted.

8. Koinonia, an abstract term from koinonos and koinoneo, denotes “participation, fellowship,” especially

with a close bond.

9. It expresses a two-side relation.

10. As with koinoneo, emphasis may be on either the giving or the receiving.

11. It thus means:

a. “Participation”

b. “Impartation”

c. “Fellowship”

12. It is constructed:

a. In the absolute, “fellowship,” in law of a contract partnership, community of possession or communal

possession.

b. With the objective genitive of the thing shared.

c. With the subjective genitive of the person or thing sharing, the recipient being in the dative or with

preposition.

d. With objective genitive of the person in whom there is sharing.

13. In Platonism koinonia acquires its greatest systematic significance.

14. Koinonia is the basis of soteria, the preservation not merely of individuals, but of the whole cosmos, which

includes both men and gods.

15. The idea of an unbroken relationship of fellowship between God and man is thought to be wholly Greek.

16. Greek philosophy (Plato) lifts the thought of divine fellowship above the cultic experience and extols it as

the highest and most felicitous form of fellowship.

17. Stoic thinking regards the universe as a dynamic and integrated totality, and on this basis it arrives at the

concept of mutual koinonia between men and of their koinonia with God.

18. Koinonia can have the following meanings:

a. “Association, communion, fellowship, close relationship”

b. “Generosity, fellow-feeling, altruism”

c. “Sign of fellowship, proof of brotherly unity, gift, contribution”

d. “Participation, sharing in something”

19. The group koinon- is important in sacral speech.

20. According to primitive ideas there is an inward reception of mysterious divine power (mana) in eating and

drinking.

.2002 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 1

21. This notion of direct union with the deity is at least a basic impulse in later cults as well, e.g., that of

Dionysus.

22. On the level of popular polytheism the sacrificial meal then becomes a communion of the deity with men.

23. In Homer sacrifices are cheerful feasts in which the gods take part.

24. Man and god are companions at table.

25. Nor is this true only of the Homeric age for in the Hellenistic period, too, the gods arrange and conduct

sacrificial meals.

26. Men are invited as companions (koinonos) to the table of the gods.

27. In theozenia, the lectisternia of the Romans, the gods take a lively part in the common festivities through

their statues.

28. With union by eating and drinking in the sacred meal we may also mention sexual union with the deity.

29. Greek philosophy (Plato) lifts the thought of divine fellowship above the cultic experience and extols it as

the highest and most felicitous form of fellowship.

30. Stoic thinking regards the universe as a dynamic and integrated totality, and on this basis it arrives at the

concept of mutual koinonia between men and of their koinonia with God.

31. For Epictetus koinonos is equivalent to fellow man.

32. Hellenistic mysticism conceives of a general koinonia psuchon between gods, men and irrational creatures.

33. By its very nature, however, it seeks union with the deity rather than communion.

- L -

LIMIT FUNCTION - Action which sets a high or low limit on any signal within the controller.

LINE CHARTS - Charts used to track the performance without relationship to process capability or control limits.

LOWER CONTROL LIMIT - A horizontal dotted line plotted on a control chart which represents the lower process limit capabilities of a process.

- M -

MANIPULATED VARIABLE - 1. In a process that is desired to regulate some condition, a quantity or a condition that is altered by the control in order to initiate a change in the value of the regulated condition. 2. The part of the process which is adjusted to close the gap between the set point and the controlled variable.

MEASURED VARIABLE - 1. The physical quantity, property, or condition which is to be measured. Common measured variables are temperatures, pressure, rate of flow, thickness, speed, etc. 2. The pan of the process that is monitored to determine the actual condition of the controlled variable.

MEMORY - Any form of computer data storage, including main memory and mass storage, in which data can be read and written; in its strictest sense, memory refers to main memory.

MIXED EFFECTS MODEL - Contains elements of both the fixed and random effects models.

MODULARITY - The degree to which a system of programs is developed in relatively independent components, some of which may be eliminated if a reduced version of the program is acceptable.

MULTILOOP CONTROL - A control scheme that incorporates more than one feedback loop in order to ensure more precise control.

- N -

NOMINAL - Unordered categories which indicate membership or non-membership with no implication of quantity, i.e., assembly area number one, part numbers, etc.

NONCONFORMING UNIT - A unit which does not conform to one or more specifications, standards, and/or requirements.

NONCONFORMITY - A condition within a unit which does not conform to some specific specification, standard, and/or requirement; often referred to as a defect; any given nonconforming unit can have the potential for more than one nonconformity.

NORMAL DISTRIBUTION - A continuous, symmetrical density function characterized by a bell-shaped curve, e.g., distribution of sampling averages.

NULL HYPOTHESIS - A tentative explanation which indicates that a chance distribution is operating; a contrast to the null hypothesis.

- O -

OFFSET - A constant and steady state of deviation of the measured variable from the set point.

ONE-SIDED ALTERNATIVE -The value of a parameter which has an upper bound or a lower bound, but not both.

ORDINAL - Ordered categories (ranking) with no information about distance between each category, i.e., rank ordering of several measurements of an output parameter

- P -

PARAMETER - A constant defining a particular property of the density function of a variable.

PARETO DIAGRAM - A chart which ranks, or places in order, common occurrences.

P CHARTS - Charts used to plot percent defectives in a sample.

PERTURBATION - A non-random disturbance.

POPULATION - A group of similar items from which a sample is drawn. Often referred to as the universe.

POWER OF AN EXPERIMENT - The probability of rejecting the null hypothesis when it is false and accepting the alternate hypothesis when it is true.

PRECISION - The degree of reproducibility among several independent measurements of the same true value.

PREVENTION - The practice of eliminating unwanted variation a priori (before the fact), e.g., predicting a future condition from a control chart and then applying corrective action before the predicted event transpires.

PRIMARY CONTROL VARIABLES - The major independent variables used in the experiment.

PROBABILITY - The chance of something happening; the percent or number of occurrences over a large number of trials.

PROBABILITY OF AN EVENT - The number of successful events divided by the total number of trials.

PROBLEM - A deviation from a specified standard.

PROBLEM SOLVING - The process of solving problems; the isolation and control of those conditions which generate or facilitate the creation of undesirable symptoms.

pro·ce·dure ( P ) Pronunciation Key (pr-sjr)

1. A manner of proceeding; a way of performing or effecting something: standard procedure.

2. 2. A series of steps taken to accomplish an end: a medical procedure; evacuation procedures.

3. A set of established forms or methods for conducting the affairs of an organized body such as a business, club, or government.

4. 4. Computer Science. A set of instructions that performs a specific task; a subroutine or function.

[French procédure, from Old French, from proceder, to proceed. See proceed.]

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Source: The American Heritage(r) Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition

procedure

( P ) procedure: log in for this definition of procedure and other entries in Merriam-Webster Dictionary of Law, available only to Dictionary.com Premium members.

procedure

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procedure

\Pro*ce"dure\, n. [F. proc['e]dure. See Proceed.] 1. The act or manner of proceeding or moving forward; progress; process; operation; conduct. ``The true procedure of conscience.'' --South.

2. A step taken; an act performed; a proceeding; the steps taken in an action or other legal proceeding. ``Gracious procedures.'' --I. Taylor.

3. That which results; issue; product. [Obs.] --Bacon.

procedure

n 1: a particular course of action intended to achieve a results; "the procedure of obtaining a driver's license"; "it was a process of trial and error" [syn: process] 2: a process or series of acts especially of a practical or mechanical nature involved in a particular form of work: "the operations in building a house"; "certain machine tool operations" [syn: operation] 3: a set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program [syn: routine, subroutine, subprogram, function] 4: a mode of conducting legal and parliamentary proceedings

procedure

subroutine

PROCESS - A particular method of doing something, generally involving a number of steps or operations. A physical or chemical change of matter or conversion of energy, for example, a change in pressure, temperature, speed, electrical potential, et cetera.

process

Service \Serv"ice\, n. [OE. servise, OF. servise, service, F. service, from L. servitium. See Serve.] 1. The act of serving; the occupation of a servant; the performance of labor for the benefit of another, or at another's command; attendance of an inferior, hired helper, slave, etc., on a superior, employer, master, or the like; also, spiritual obedience and love. ``O God . . . whose service is perfect freedom.'' --Bk. of Com. Prayer.

Madam, I entreat true peace of you, Which I will purchase with my duteous service. --Shak.

God requires no man's service upon hard and unreasonable terms. --Tillotson.

2. The deed of one who serves; labor performed for another; duty done or required; office.

I have served him from the hour of my nativity, . . . and have nothing at his hands for my service but blows. --Shak.

This poem was the last piece of service I did for my master, King Charles. --Dryden.

To go on the forlorn hope is a service of peril; who will understake it if it be not also a service of honor? --Macaulay.

3. Office of devotion; official religious duty performed; religious rites appropriate to any event or ceremonial; as, a burial service.

The outward service of ancient religion, the rites, ceremonies, and ceremonial vestments of the old law. --Coleridge.

4. Hence, a musical composition for use in churches.

5. Duty performed in, or appropriate to, any office or charge; official function; hence, specifically, military or naval duty; performance of the duties of a soldier.

When he cometh to experience of service abroad . . . ne maketh a worthy soldier. --Spenser.

6. Useful office; advantage conferred; that which promotes interest or happiness; benefit; avail.

The stork's plea, when taken in a net, was the service she did in picking up venomous creatures. --L'Estrange.

7. Profession of respect; acknowledgment of duty owed. ``Pray, do my service to his majesty.'' --Shak.

8. The act and manner of bringing food to the persons who eat it; order of dishes at table; also, a set or number of vessels ordinarily used at table; as, the service was tardy and awkward; a service of plate or glass.

There was no extraordinary service seen on the board. --Hakewill.

9. (Law) The act of bringing to notice, either actually or constructively, in such manner as is prescribed by law; as, the service of a subp[oe]na or an attachment.

10. (Naut.) The materials used for serving a rope, etc., as spun yarn, small lines, etc.

11. (Tennis) The act of serving the ball.

12. Act of serving or covering. See Serve, v. t., 13.

Service book, a prayer book or missal.

Service line (Tennis), a line parallel to the net, and at a distance of 21 feet from it.

Service of a writ, process, etc. (Law), personal delivery or communication of the writ or process, etc., to the party to be affected by it, so as to subject him to its operation; the reading of it to the person to whom notice is intended to be given, or the leaving of an attested copy with the person or his attorney, or at his usual place of abode.

Service of an attachment (Law), the seizing of the person or goods according to the direction.

Service of an execution (Law), the levying of it upon the goods, estate, or person of the defendant.

Service pipe, a pipe connecting mains with a dwelling, as in gas pipes, and the like. --Tomlinson.

To accept service. (Law) See under Accept.

To see service (Mil.), to do duty in the presence of the enemy, or in actual war.

process

\Proc"ess\, n. [F. proc[`e]s, L. processus. See Proceed.] 1. The act of proceeding; continued forward movement; procedure; progress; advance. ``Long process of time.'' --Milton.

The thoughts of men are widened with the process of the suns. --Tennyson.

process

n 1: a particular course of action intended to achieve a results; "the procedure of obtaining a driver's license"; "it was a process of trial and error" [syn: procedure] 2: a sustained phenomenon or one marked by gradual changes; "events now in process"; "the process of calcification begins later for boys than for girls" 3: the performance of some composite cognitive activity; an operation that affects mental contents; "the process of thinking"; "the act of remembering" [syn: cognitive process, operation, cognitive operation, act] 4: a writ issued by authority of law; usually compels the defendant's attendance in a civil suit; failure to appear results in a default judgment against the defendant [syn: summons] 5: a mental process that you are not directly aware of; "the process of denial" [syn: unconscious process] 6: a natural prolongation or projection from a part of an organism either animal or plant; "a bony process" [syn: outgrowth, appendage] v 1: deal with in a routine way: "I'll handle that one"; "process a loan"; "process the applicants" 2: subject to a process or treatment, often with the aim of readying for some purpose; "process cheese"; "process hair"; "process water" [syn: treat] 3: perform mathematical and logical operations on (data) according to programmed instructions in order to obtain the required information; "The results of the elections were still being processed when he gave his acceptance speech" 4: institute legal proceedings against; file a suit against; "He was warned that the district attorney would process him" [syn: sue, litigate] 5: shape, form, or improve something: "work stone into tools"; "process iron" [syn: work, work on] 6: serve somebody with a warrant or summons; "He was processed by the sheriff" [syn: serve, swear out] 7: march in a procession; "They processed into the dining room" [syn: march]

process

1. <operating system, software> The sequence of states of an executing program. A process consists of the program code (which may be shared with other processes which are executing the same program), private data, and the state of the processor, particularly the values in its registers. It may have other associated resources such as a process identifier, open files, CPU time limits, shared memory, child processes, and signal handlers.

One process may, on some platforms, consist of many threads. A multitasking operating system can run multiple processes concurrently or in parallel, and allows a process to spawn "child" processes.

(2001-06-16)

2. <business> The sequence of activities, people, and systems involved in carrying out some business or achieving some desired result. E.g. software development process, project management process, configuration management process.

(2001-06-16)

ALSO: a process accepts multiple inputs and may produce multiple outputs (see function)

Process Framework

What is the difference between a Process and a Process Framework?

Think of a process framework as a tool to build a process, or as a warehouse containing the parts needed to build a process, or better yet, as a factory for building processes. It is something like the difference between a car factory and the cars it produces. The factory contains the tools and the parts needed to build the cars, and the factory workers that build the cars are like the process engineers that take the process components and build processes. However, unlike a car factory that produces large numbers of only a few car models, a process framework is used to build a different, endeavor-specific process each time.

PROCESS AVERAGE - The central tendency of a given process characteristic across a given amount of time or at a specific point in time.

PROCESS CONTROL - See STATISTICAL PROCESS CONTROL.

PROCESS CONTROL CHART - Any of a number of various types of graphs upon which data are plotted against specific control limits.

PROCESS MANAGEMENT - The cycle of continuous review, re-examination and renewal of fundamental work processes that contribute to an organization's performance and productivity. Itself a continual process, process management must at all times challenge a process' fit with other processes, and may result in radical change to work methods and practices.

PROCESS SPREAD - The range of values which a given process characteristic displays; this particular term most often applies to the range but may also encompass the variance. The spread may be based on a set of data collected at a specific point in time or may reflect the variability across a given amount of time.

PRODUCERS RISK - Probability of rejecting a lot when, in fact, the lot should have been accepted (see ALPHA RISK).

proc·ess1 ( P ) Pronunciation Key (prss, prss)

n. pl. proc·ess·es (prssz, prss-, prs-sz, prs-)

1. A series of actions, changes, or functions bringing about a result: the process of digestion; the process of obtaining a driver's license.

2. A series of operations performed in the making or treatment of a product: a manufacturing process; leather dyed during the tanning process.

3. Progress; passage: the process of time; events now in process.

4. Law. The entire course of a judicial proceeding.

5. Law.

a. A summons or writ ordering a defendant to appear in court.

b. The total quantity of summonses or writs issued in a particular proceeding.

6. Biology. An outgrowth of tissue; a projecting part: a bony process.

7. Any of various photomechanical or photoengraving methods.

8. Computer Science.

a. A running software program or other computing operation.

b. A part of a running software program or other computing operation that does a single task.

9. See conk3.

tr.v. proc·essed, proc·ess·ing, proc·ess·es

1. To put through the steps of a prescribed procedure: processing newly arrived immigrants; process an order.

2. To prepare, treat, or convert by subjecting to a special process: process ore to obtain minerals.

3. Law.

a. To serve with a summons or writ.

b. To institute legal proceedings against; prosecute.

4. Computer Science. To perform operations on (data).

5. To gain an understanding or acceptance of; come to terms with: processed the traumatic event in therapy.

6. To straighten (hair) by a chemical process; conk.

adj.

1. Prepared or converted by a special process: process cheese.

2. Made by or used in any of several photomechanical or photoengraving processes: a process print.

[Middle English proces, from Old French, development, from Latin prcessus, from past participle of prcdere, to advance. See proceed.]

Usage Note: In recent years there has been a tendency to pronounce the plural ending -es of processes as (-z), perhaps by analogy with words of Greek origin such as analysis and neurosis. But process is not of Greek origin, and there is no etymological justification for this pronunciation of its plural. However, because this pronunciation is not uncommon even in educated speech, it is generally considered an acceptable variant, although it still strikes some listeners as a bungled affectation. In a recent survey 79 percent of the Usage Panel preferred the standard pronunciation (-z) for the plural ending -es and 15 percent preferred the pronunciation (-z). ·Although the pronunciation for process with a long (o), (prss), is more usual in British English, it is an acceptable variant in American English.

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Source: The American Heritage(r) Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition

pro·cess2 ( P ) Pronunciation Key (pr-ss)

intr.v. pro·cessed, pro·cess·ing, pro·cess·es

To move along in or as if in a procession: "The man in the panama hat offered his arm and... they processed into the dining room" (Anita Brookner).

[Back-formation from procession.]

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Source: The American Heritage(r) Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition

process

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process

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PROJECT - A problem. usually calling for planned action.

PROPORTIONAL BAND - The change in input required to produce a full range change in output due to proportional control action. The preferred term is proportional gain.

PROPORTIONAL CONTROL - A control mode in which there is a continual linear relationship between the deviation computer in the controller, the signal of the controller, and the position of the final control element.

PROPORTIONAL GAIN - The ratio of change in output due to proportional control action to the change in input.

PROPORTIONAL, INTEGRAL , DERIVATIVE CONTROL (PID) - A combination of proportional, integral, and derivative control actions.

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R CHARTS - Plot of the difference between the highest and lowest in a sample. Range control chart.

RANDOM - Selecting a sample so each item in the population has an equal chance of being selected; lack of predictability; without pattern.

RANDOM CAUSE - A source of variation which is random; a change in the source ("trivial many" variables) will not produce a highly predictable change in the response (dependent variable), e.g., a correlation does not exist; any individual source of variation results in a small amount of variation in the response; cannot be economically eliminated from a process; an inherent natural source of variation.

RANDOM EFFECTS MODEL - Experimental treatments are a random sample from a larger population of treatments. Conclusions can be extended to the population. Interference's are not restricted to the experimental levels.

RANDOMNESS - A condition in which any individual event in a set of events has the same mathematical probability of occurrence as all other events within the specified set, i.e., individual events are not predictable even though they may collectively belong to a definable distribution.

RANDOM SAMPLE - One or more samples randomly selected from the universe (population).

RANDOM VARIABLE - A variable which can assume any value from a set of possible values.

RANDOM VARIATIONS - Variations in data which result from causes which cannot be pinpointed or controlled.

RANGE - The difference between the highest and lowest values in a set of values or "subgroup."

RANKS - Values assigned to items in a sample to determine their relative occurrence in a population.

RATIO - Numeric scale which has an absolute zero point and equal units of measure throughout, i.e., measurements of an output parameter, i.e., amps.

RATIO CONTROL - A control mode which is used to proportionally blend two of more raw materials.

RATIO CONTROLLER - A controller that maintains a predetermined ratio between two or more variables.

REPLICATION - Observations made under identical test conditions.

ROBUST - The condition or state in which a response parameter exhibits hermetically to external cause of a nonrandom nature; i.e., impervious to perturbing influence.

REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE - A sample which accurately reflects a specific condition or set of conditions within the universe.

RESEARCH - Critical and exhaustive investigation or experimentation having for its aim the revision of accepted conclusions in the light of newly discovered facts.

RESIDUAL ERROR - See EXPERIME NTAL ERROR

RESISTANCE - The opposition to the flow of electricity in an electric circuit measured in ohms.

RESPONSE TIME - 1. The time required for the absolute value of the difference between the output and its final value to become and remain less than a specified amount, following the application of a step input or disturbance. 2. The time required for the output to first reach a definite value after the application of a step input or disturbance. 3. The time it takes for a controlled variable to react to a change in input.

- S -

SAMPLE - One or more observations drawn from a larger collection of observations or universe (population).

SCATTER DIAGRAMS - Charts which allow the study of correlation, e.g., the relationship between two variables.

SELF-DIAGNOSTIC MESSAGES - Allow the controller to locate internal and some external faults.

SELF-TUNING - A mode which continuously adjusts the tuning parameters as the process characteristics change.

SENSOR - A generic name for a device that detects either the absolute value of a physical quantity or a change in value of the quantity and converts the measurement into a useful input signal for an indicating or recording instrument.

SET POINT - An input variable, which sets the desired value of the controlled variable. The input variable may be manually set, automatically set or programmed. It is expressed in the same units as the controlled variable.

SIGNAL - The event or phenomenon that conveys data from one point to another.

SIGNAL CONDITIONING - Processing the form or mode of a signal so as to make it intelligible to or compatible with any given device.

SINGLE-LOOP CONTROL - In a process, one variable is controlled with either an analog or a digital controller.

SIX SIGMA - Sigma is a letter in the Greek alphabet. The term "sigma" is used to designate the distribution or spread about the mean (average) of any process or procedure.

For a business or manufacturing process, the sigma value is a metric that indicates how well that process is performing. The higher the sigma value, the better. Sigma measures the capability of the process to perform defect-free-work. A defect is anything that results in customer dissatisfaction.

Sigma is a statistical unit of measure which reflects process capability. The sigma scale of measure is perfectly correlated to such characteristics as defects-per-unit, parts-per million defective, and the probability of a failure/error. Meaning no more than 3.4 parts per Million.

SPECIAL CAUSE - See ASSIGNABLE CAUSE.

SOPHROSYNE

Soundness of mind, moderation, prudence, self-control.

The Greeks had a word for it, at least classical Greeks like Plato did. Translating the idea into English, however, has always posed a difficulty, since we don't have one word that summarises his ideal of excellence of character and soundness of mind combined in one well-balanced individual. He defined it as "the agreement of the passions that Reason should rule". It's usually translated as temperance, moderation, prudence, self-control, or self-restraint. The idea of this harmonious balance is the basis of two famous Greek sayings: "nothing in excess" and "know thyself"-it's the exact opposite of arrogant self-assertion or hubris. The word has only appeared in English within the past sixty years (W H Auden used it in 1944) but it has resonated with some moderns because the idea is quite close to that of wholeness. Note the word has four syllables, not three. It derives from Greek sophron, of sound mind, prudent.

Comments and feedback are always welcome.

Page created 1 December 2001.

STABLE PROCESS - A process which is free of assignable causes, e.g., in statistical control.

STANDARD DEVIATION - A statistical index of variability which describes the spread.

STATISTICAL CONTROL - A quantitative condition which describes a process that is free of assignable/special causes of variation, e.g., variation in the central tendency and variance. Such a condition is most often evidenced on a control chart, i.e., a control chart which displays an absence of nonrandom variation.

STATISTICAL PROCESS CONTROL - The application of statistical methods and procedures relative to a process and a given set of standards.

SUBGROUP - A logical grouping of objects or events which displays only random event-to-event variations, e.g., the objects or events are grouped to create homogenous groups free of assignable or special causes. By virtue of the minimum within group variability, any change in the central tendency or variance of the universe will be reflected in the "subgroup-to-subgroup' variability.

SYMPTOM - That which serves as evidence of something not seen.

SYSTEM - That which is connected according to a scheme.

SYSTEMATIC VARIABLES - A pattern which displays predictable tendencies.

- T -

TEST OF SIGNIFICANCE - A procedure to determine whether a quantity subjected to random variation differs from a postulated value by an amount greater than that due to random variation alone.

THEORY - A plausible or scientifically acceptable general principle offered to explain phenomena.

TRANSMITTER - A transducer which responds to a measured variable by means of a sensing element and converts it to a standardized transmission signal which is a function only of the measurement.

TUNING - The use of various techniques involving adjustments to both hardware and software to improve the operating efficiency of a computer system.

TWO-POSITION ACTION - A type of control-system action that involves positioning the final control device in either of two fixed positions without permitting it to stop at any intermediate position.

TWO-SIDED ALTERNATIVE - The values of a parameter which designate an upper and lower bound.

TYPE I ERROR - See ALPHA RISK.

TYPE II ERROR - See BETA RISK.

- U -

UNNATURAL PATTERN - Any pattern in which a significant number of the measurements do not group them-selves around a center line; when the pattern is unnatural, it means that outside disturbances are present and are affecting the process.

UPPER CONTROL LIMIT - A horizontal line on a control chart (usually dotted) which represents the upper limits of process capability.

- V -

VARIABLE - A characteristic that may take on different values.

VARIABLES DATA - Numerical measurements made at the interval or ratio level; quantitative data, e.g., ohms, voltage, diameter; subdivisions of the measurement scale are conceptually meaningful, e.g., 1.6478 volts.

VARIATION - Any quantifiable difference between individual measurements; such differences can be classified as being due to common causes (random) or special causes (assignable).

VOICE OF THE BUSINESS – The stated mission, goals and business objectives of an organization. This collection of specific, documented statements of intent are the guidelines by which linkages are established between Six Sigma projects and targeted levels of improvement. The Voice of the Business should outline exactly what it is the business does, as well as how the business intents to accomplish its mission. Combined with the Voice of the Customer, the Voice of the Business plays an important role in defining potential Six Sigma projects.

VOICE OF THE CUSTOMER – A systematic, institutionalized approach for eliciting and analyzing customers’ requirements, expectations, level of satisfaction and areas of concern. Typically, a Voice of the Customer effort includes facilitated focus groups, individual interviews, surveys. The Voice of the Customer is a key data source in the Project Selection process.

- W X Y Z -

X & R CHARTS - A control chart which is a representation of process capability over time; displays the variability in the process average and range across time.

Z-SCORES - Sometimes called “standard scores,” Z-Scores are a special application of the transformation rules. The Z score for an item indicates how far, and in what direction, that item deviates from its distribution’s mean, expressed in units of its distribution’s standard deviation. The z score transformation is especially useful when seeking to compare the relative standings of items from distributions with different means and/or different standard deviations

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What is the difference between a Process and a Process Framework?

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