O

Object oriented programming. A technology for writing programs that are made up of self sufficient modules that contain all of the information needed to manipulate a given data structure. The modules are created in class hierarchies so that the code or methods of a class can be passed to other modules. New object modules can be easily created by inheriting the characteristics of existing classes. See: object, object oriented design.

Ongoing Process Capability Ongoing Process Capability is a long term measure of statistical process control or process performance. It differs from preliminary process capability by utilizing data from a longer time period so as to include all common causes of variation, in particular, those common causes that may result in process shifts affecting a number of sample intervals. Systematic or repetitive patterns of special cause may also be included if the underlying reasons for these special causes are understood. The time required for ongoing capability evaluation depend on the time required for the sources of variation to vary throughout their full ranges, but will typically be three to six months.

On-line. (IEEE) Pertaining to a system or mode of operation in which input data enter the computer directly from the point of origin or output data are transmitted directly to the point where they are used. For example, an airline reservation system. Contrast with batch. See: conversational, interactive, real time.

Operation and maintenance phase. (IEEE) The period of time in the software life cycle during which a software product is employed in its operational environment, monitored for satisfactory performance, and modified as necessary to correct problems or to respond to changing requirements.

Operation exception. (IEEE) An exception that occurs when a program encounters an invalid operation code.

Operational Definition A description in quantifiable terms of what to measure and the steps to follow to consistently measure it.

ORDINAL Ordered categories (ranking) with no information about distance between each category, i.e., rank ordering of several measurements of an output parameter

ORDINATE The vertical axis of a graph.

Organization Diagnostics The process of identifying organization problems with individuals, processes, procedures, technology, culture, etc.

Organize To arrange by systematic planning.

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OTM One Time Measure

OTP Outline Test Plan

Outcome the degree to which output meets the needs and expectations of the customer

OUTPUTS Products or services provided to others; the result of a process.