Measurement

The Quality Toolbook > Measurement

Purpose | Elements | How to measure

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When solving problems in a quality improvement or any other situation, tools and a structured framework are often used to help reach good decisions, but they alone are not enough. Whilst structure and tools may be considered as the engine of problem solving, they need the fuel of data to be effective. The confidence that can be put in any decision and the quality of the result are proportional to the accuracy of the information upon which the decision was based.

The three sections of this chapter looks at ways to help find the right information that will enable effective decisions to be made.

• Purpose of measuring: Knowing the purpose guides the measure.
• Elements of measurement: The component parts of a measurement.
• How to measure: Practical aspects of measurement.