In Chapter 6, several analytic tools are discussed and are described as being either qualitative or quantitative. Your book breaks down the difference as:

Qualitative tools are used to generate ideas, set priorities, maintain direction, determine problem causes, and clarify processes. Quantitative tools are used to measure performance, collect and display data, and monitor performance.

Exhibit 6.1 in the chapter shows a quick reference guide of the the common qualitative and quantitative analytic tools used in each of the 4 steps of a typical improvement project.

After reading more about these tools in Chapter 6, refer back to Exhibit 6.1 as you:

1. Tell us about a particular problem that you have encountered in your current or past employment.

2. Then walk us through how you see yourself sitting down with a team and using some of the tools listed in Exhibit 6.1 to tackle the first 2 steps of a project to improve this problem. (Step 1 - Define the improvement goal) (Step 2 - Analyze current practices)