Reference no: EM13614346

A health care facility is interested in monitoring the primary C-section rate. Monthly data on the number of C sections collected over the two and half years is shown below.

Month	C-Sections	Number of Deliveries	Month	C-Sections	Number of Deliveries
1	54	380	16	60	413
2	50	384	17	62	366
3	63	415	18	65	405
4	69	422	19	52	386
5	55	395	20	55	392
6	63	412	21	61	408
7	67	407	22	66	442
8	67	415	23	53	426
9	51	377	24	47	385
10	62	404	25	79	413
11	64	377	26	60	388
12	62	382	27	69	411
13	62	425	28	61	378
14	55	410	29	70	392
15	68	426	30	65	420

a) Is the process in control?

b) Determine whether or not the control chart can be constructed using an average sample size. If this is possible, construct the control chart using the average sample size rather than the variable sample size. [3]

c) There is pressure to make these data public. Can we conclude that the C-section rates have shifted to a higher level in the last six months relative to the previous six months. Construct a control chart to illustrate the data in the first 24 months relative to the data in the last 6 months. [2]

d) What is your prediction on the C-section rate if no changes are made in current obstetrics practices? [1]

e) Based on benchmarking with comparable facilities in similar metropolitan areas, is it feasible to currently achieve a C-section rate of 10%? Construct the control chart using the 10% as the standard (centerline), rather than having Minitab calculate it from the data. (Use the options tab for this).