VA/VE Value Analysis/Value Engineering.

Validate. To prove to be valid.

Validation Establishing proof that a design, product, or process will perform to specifications.

Validation protocol. (FDA) A written plan stating how validation will be conducted, including test parameters, product characteristics. production equipment, and decision points on what constitutes acceptable test results. See: test plan.

Validation, process. (FDA) Establishing documented evidence which provides a high degree of assurance that a specific process will consistently produce a product meeting its predetermined specifications and quality characteristics.

Validation, software. (NBS) Determination of the correctness of the final program or software produced from a development project with respect to the user needs and requirements. Validation is usually accomplished by verifying each stage of the software development life cycle. See: verification, software.

Validation.(1) (FDA) Establishing documented evidence which provides a high degree of assurance that a specific process will consistently produce a product meeting its predetermined specifications and quality attributes. Contrast with data validation.

Value Added Activity An activity in a process that adds value to an output product or service, that is, the activity merits the cost of the resources it consumes in production.

Value Added Any action, activity, or process that adds direct value to the output of the action, activity, or process .

Value added Each time work is done to inputs to transform them into something of greater usefulness as an end product.

VARIABLE A characteristic that may take on different values.

Variable Cost A cost element that varies directly with the amount of product or service produced by an activity or cost. Variable costs go to zero if the activity stops.

Variables data Data that is measured on a continuous and infinite scale such as temperature, distance, and pressure rather than in discreet units or yes/no options. Variables data is used to create histograms, some control charts, and sometimes run charts.

Variance A measure of deviation from the mean in a sample or population.

VARIATION Any quantifiable difference between individual measurements; such differences can be classified as being due to common causes (random) or special causes (assignable)

Variation Change in the output or result of a process. Variation can be caused by common causes, special causes, tampering, or structural variation.

Vendor. A person or an organization that provides software and (or hardware and/or firmware and/or documentation to the user for a fee or in exchange for services. Such a firm could be a medical device manufacturer.

Verification Establishing proof that a design, product, or process is within specifications.
verification, software. (NIBS) In general the demonstration of consistence completeness, and correctness of the software at each stage and between each stage of the development life cycle. See: validation, software.

Verify. (ANSI) (1) To determine whether a transcription of data or other operation has been accomplished accurately. (2) To check the results of data entry; a.g., keypunching. (3) (Webster) To prove to be true by demonstration.

Version number. A unique identifier used to identify software items and the related software documentation which are subject to configuration control. The execution of a virus program compromises a computer system by performing unwanted or unintended functions which may be destructive.

Vision Often incorporated into an organizational mission (or vision) statement to clarify what the organization hopes to be doing at some point in the future. The vision should act as a guide in choosing courses of action for the organization.

Vision Statement Vision and Mission have a cause and effect relationship. Vision should reflect what the organization sees for itself 5 10 years down the road. The short time frame helps assure that the organization revitalizes itself every decade or so. The Vision statement should contain direction (improve, decrease, etc.) + indicator (quality, customer satisfaction, etc.) + target value (how much, #, %, etc.) + time limit (by when).

Voice of the Customer Customer feedback both positive and negative including likes, dislikes, problems and suggestions.

Voice of the Process Statistical data that is feedback to the people in the process to make decisions about the process stability and/or capability as a tool for continuous improvement.

Waiver Written authorization to use or release a quantity of material, components, or stores already manufactured but not conforming to the specified requirements.
walkthrough. See: code walkthrough.

X & R CHARTS A control chart which is a representation of process capability over time; displays the variability in the process average and range across time.

XmR Charts Control chart which uses a moving range. Typically two but can have a larger range.

ZD Zero Defects

Zero defects Philip Crosby's recommended performance standard that leaves no doubt regarding the goal of total quality. Crosby's theory holds that people can continually move closer to this goal by committing themselves70 to their work and the improvement process