W7_WAS_Fuel Consumption_Internal Process

Step 1- Problem or Opportunity Statement

My previous blogpost discussed about fuel consumption usage: whether it is under control or not, now we will determine Internal Problem.

Step 2 – “FEASIBLE alternatives”

Herewith my fuel consumption data for 25 days, everyday from home to office

From last week’s calculation, we knew several point:

The green line is UCL, and red line is LCL.

Step 3- Develop the outcomes for each alternative (minimum 2)

The graph then divided into 3 zones: A, B, and C to be analyzed in the next step.

Step 4- Selection of the acceptable criteria

There are a few criteria to determine if my process (fuel consumption) is out of control:

Step 5- Analysis/ Comparison of the Alternatives against the Criteria

Based on those criteria, the result is Process is NOT out of control because each dots of my control chart passes all criteria.

Once it is fail in one or more criteria, it means my fuel usage is out of control.

Step 6- Selection of the Best/ Preferred Alternative Compared against the Criteria

For some cases, maybe someday my fuel consumption will be out of control.

How about if my fuel economy is out of control? I’ve drawn a mind map about Engine Performance:

Poor fuel consumption (lined red in the mind map) can be the result of:

1. The type of Motor oil
Using motor oils that are high in reducing friction. Either use a synthetic oil or the oil that the car’s manual recommends.
2. Bad Fuel Injectors
The fuel injectors are responsible for putting fuel into the engine. If there is a leak of some sort, then less fuel will make it to the engine, and then in turn make it run less efficiently.
3. Air Filters
The air filters can get clogged and simply need to be unclogged to fix the problem. Air filters need to be cleaned so that the engine can work at its peak performance.
4. Spark
Spark Plugs are responsible for sparking combustion in your engine. If they misfire, or are working poorly, this can effect your gas mileage in a negative way.

Step 7- Performance Monitoring and Post Evaluation of Result/ Follow up Assessment

My data is based on 25 days of observation. I should continue observing & making notes of my daily fuel consumption, and review each week or month to find out whether it is still under control or not.

REFERENCES

Sullivan, William G., Wick, Elin M., Koelling, C. Patric. (2012), Engineering Economy. 15th ed., Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

Brassard, M and Ritter, D (2010), The Memory Jogger (2nd Edition), Canada, GOAL/QPC.

Giammalvo, PD. (2013). AACE Certification Preparation Course. Retrieved fromhttp://www.build-project-management-competency.com/

Florida Health (). Basic Tools for Process Improvement; Module 5 ; Cause and Effect Diagram. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.doh.state.fl.us/hpi/pdf/Cause_and_EffectDiagram2.pdf. [Last Accessed 28 September 2013].

Cars Direct (2013). 8 Main Causes of Bad Gas Mileage. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.carsdirect.com/car-buying/8-main-causes-of-bad-gas-mileage. [Last Accessed 16 October 2013].

LIte Mind (). Mind Mapping. [ONLINE] Available at: http://litemind.com/what-is-mind-mapping/. [Last Accessed 16 October 2013].

Mind mapping software: Free Mind – http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page