Quality Tools for Government

What quality tools can governments use to improve community service and improve their processes?

Click on the links below to learn more about specific tools. For each tool you’ll find a definition, instructions on when and how to use it and specific examples or tips for application.

Cause analysis tools

• Fishbone (Ishikawa) diagram
• Pareto chart
• Scatter diagram

Data collection and analysis tools

• Check sheet
• Control chart
• Design of experiments
• Histogram
• Scatter diagram
• Survey

Evaluation and decision-making tools

• Decision matrix
• Multivoting

Idea creation tools

• Affinity diagram
• Benchmarking
• Brainstorming
• Nominal group technique

Process analysis tools

• Flowchart
• Failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA)
• Mistake-proofing

Project planning and implementing tools

• Gantt chart
• Plan, do, check, act (PDCA) cycle