How to Get a Job For Project Managers

Learn how to write resume and interview

Leadership for Project Managers

Learn how to lead and drive project success.

Project Management Bootcamp

From a beginner to project management professional.

Agile Project Management and SCRUM with AI

Learn to run Scrum and Agile with AI.

Specification Limits

The allowable range around the process mean on a control chart that represents the customer's required performance for a product or service. This requirement-based band can be wider or narrower than the statistical control limits.

Key Points

  • Set by the customer, contract, or standard and expressed as LSL (lower specification limit) and USL (upper specification limit).
  • Different from control limits, which are calculated from process variation and show statistical control.
  • May be tighter or looser than control limits; a process can be in control yet still produce outputs outside specs, or vice versa.
  • Used in capability analysis (e.g., Cp, Cpk) to judge whether the process can consistently meet requirements.

Example

A machining process targets a 10.00 mm shaft diameter. The customer specifies 9.95 mm (LSL) to 10.05 mm (USL) as acceptable. The control chart shows the process mean at 10.00 mm with control limits based on natural variation at 9.92 mm and 10.08 mm. Even if the process is stable (within control limits), parts between 10.05 mm and 10.08 mm are out of spec and must be reworked or rejected.

PMP Example Question

Which statement best describes specification limits in quality management?

  1. The statistically computed boundaries (about +/-3 sigma) that indicate expected process variation.
  2. The customer-defined tolerance band that determines which outcomes are acceptable (LSL and USL).
  3. The approved range of the project budget variance allowed by the sponsor.
  4. The set of thresholds used to categorize risks on a probability-impact matrix.

Correct Answer: B — Customer-defined tolerance band (USL and LSL)

Explanation: Specification limits reflect customer or standard requirements, while control limits reflect process behavior based on statistical variation.

AI for Project Managers — Build Plans Faster, Lead Better

Turn messy inputs into structured project plans in minutes. If you are a project manager tired of spending hours on documentation, this course shows you how to use AI to work faster while staying fully in control.

This is not a generic AI course. You will learn how to use AI as a practical co-pilot to build real project artifacts—charters, WBS, schedules, risk registers, and executive reports—using structured, reliable prompt frameworks.

You will also learn how to keep your project aligned across scope, schedule, cost, and risk, and how to interpret performance data like Earned Value Management to support better decisions and communication.

Everything is designed for immediate use. You get ready-to-use prompt templates and workflows you can apply right away in your projects. Watch the video to see how it works and start building your first AI-supported project plan.



Launch your career!

HK School of Management provides world-class training in Project Management, Lean Six Sigma, and Agile Methodologies. Just for the price of a lunch you can transform your career, and reach new heights. With 30 days money-back guarantee, there is no risk.

Learn More