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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Perform statistical process control in a process environment 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244098  Perform statistical process control in a process environment 
ORIGINATOR
Chemical Industries SGB 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Learners who demonstrate competence as described in the outcomes of this unit standard will be able to perform statistical process control in a chemical processing plant.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Explain the principles of statistical process control.
  • Select a suitable process application to perform SPC on.
  • Obtain accurate process data.
  • Graphically plot process data.
  • Compare process data with process limits.
  • Identify trends.
  • Make recommendations regarding corrective action.

    This will ensure that the statistical process control of a processing operation is performed in accordance with procedures and accepted work practices. This competence will enhance the learner's employability and career options in all occupations where knowledge of statistical process control in a process environment is needed. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Description of required skills:
  • National Certificate Chemical Operations NQF Level 2 or equivalent, including communication and mathematical literacy, NQF Level 2.
  • The unit standard: "Apply basic knowledge of statistics and probability to influence the use of data and procedures in order to investigate life related problems", ID 9009 at NQF Level 2 (or equivalent) should be achieved before attempting this unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The context of this unit standard includes a complete process, from the point of receiving a commodity raw material to the point of supplying a commercially saleable product.

    The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because the process requires a wide range of cognitive skills and offers a considerable choice of solutions. A broad knowledge base incorporating some theoretical concepts, analytical interpretation of information, informed judgement and a range of sometime innovative responses to concrete but often unfamiliar problems are employed. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe the principles of statistical process control. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The use of statistical process control (SPC) as quality improvement tool is described in terms of quality work processes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The functions involved in performing SPC are described as applicable to own work area. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Different data collection methods are described in terms of a process environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Principles of data collation and organisation are explained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The use of different types of SPC charts is demonstrated in terms of a processing environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Different trend types found in the processing industry are interpreted. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Select process applications that may benefit from SPC. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Process applications that may benefit from SPC are identified in terms of quality work processes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Purpose and functioning of target process applications are described in accordance with workplace procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Key material, process and product parameters are listed and described in accordance with workplace procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Measurement methods of material, process and product parameters are described in accordance with workplace procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Applicable material, product and process standards are identified and selected in accordance with workplace procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Methods of controlling material, process and product parameters are described in accordance with workplace procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Applicable statistical process control techniques are identified and selected to improve product quality. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Applicable measurement intervals are determined to improve product quality. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Collect, organise and plot data to derive statistics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Accurate and frequent measurements and observations of materials, process and product parameters are made in accordance with workplace procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Data is organised in a logical manner. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Process control charts are prepared in an organised manner. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Process control charts should either be created on a non-automated spreadsheet application or prepared manually by the learner.
  • Process control charts may include a range or graphs such as bar or line graphs.
  • Process control charts should be to a suitable scale and include clearly indicated control limits and data entry intervals.
  • Determination of control limits can be performed by an expert in the field.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Process data is accurately and timeously plotted in accordance with workplace instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Interpret process control charts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Data is evaluated against accepted standards, control and action limits. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Data trends are identified and evaluated in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Completed process control charts are interpreted after comparison against control limits. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Conclusions are reached based on evaluation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Recommend corrective actions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Alternative corrective action options are considered in accordance with workplace procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Recommendations are made to address deviations or unacceptable trends. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Records are completed and processed, and reports are prepared in accordance with workplace procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Reports may include:
  • Statistical process charts.
  • Corrective action reports.
  • Problems relating to the SPC process.
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An assessor, accredited with a relevant NQF Level 3 or higher qualification, will assess the learner's competency.
  • Only an assessor with at least three years experience in a process operation will assess the learner's competency.
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The qualifying learner understands and is able to:
  • Explain the principles of statistical process control.
  • Select a suitable process application to perform SPC on.
  • Obtain accurate process data.
  • Graphically plot process data.
  • Compare process data with process limits.
  • Identify trends.
  • Make recommendations regarding corrective action. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which response displays that responsible decisions, using critical and creative thinking, have been made by:
  • Identification of key material, process and product parameters.
  • Comparing data against control limits and identifying process trends.
  • Considering alternative corrective action options.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcome/s:
  • Describe the principles of statistical process control.
  • Collect, organise and plot data to derive statistics. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community by:
  • Interact with colleagues and team members in order to organise material, product and process data.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcome/s:
  • Select process applications that may benefit from SPC. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Applying the correct procedures and techniques for performing statistical process control.
  • Managing resources and own time.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Collecting and plotting material, process and product data.
  • Comparing data against control limits.
  • Identifying and interpreting data trends.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations by:
  • Interact with colleagues and team members in order to collate material, product and process data.
  • Plotting material, process and product data in a clear and understandable way.
  • Communicating process settings and adjustments made.
  • Completing all relevant workplace documentation.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Using statistical process control techniques to monitor product quality.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation by:
  • Using different methods to evaluate material, process and product data.
  • Recognising that corrective actions taken does not exist in isolation but have an effect on the world around him.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large by:
  • Understanding the role of the statistical process control in the process and the effect it has on the growth and development of the organisation, its customers and employees.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Supplimentary information:

    Terms and definitions:
  • Standard operating procedures: The documented practice(s) defining the who, what, and when of quality activities. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  78528   National Certificate: Chemical Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Core  58537   National Certificate: Chemical Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2009-06-17  Was CHIETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Core  59037   Further Education and Training Certificate: Tissue Conversion  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2015-06-30  FPMSETA 
    Elective  61971   National Certificate: Pulp and Paper Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  FPMSETA 
    Elective  48659   Further Education and Training Certificate: Grain Milling  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
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    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.