Which of the following is not a source of quality variation in a manufacturing process?

• A. Technician
• B. Inadequate procedure
• C. Equipment
• D. General manager

Answer: (D)

In manufacturing, quality variation usually comes from factors that directly affect how the work is done: the people performing the task, the procedures they follow, and the equipment they use. A technician represents the human element, and differences in skill or technique can introduce variation. An inadequate procedure means the steps aren’t specified clearly or consistently, leading to inconsistent results. Equipment can drift, wear, or be out of calibration, again causing variation from one unit to the next.

A general manager, while influential in setting goals, training, and resources, doesn’t act as a direct, day-to-day source of variation in the produced item. The manager’s role is still essential for quality, but the immediate factors that create process variation lie with people, procedures, and equipment.