Final answer:
Process capability is defined as a product's inherent ability to meet specifications consistently. It is a measure of a process's ability to produce outputs that adhere to pre-set criteria, and it is affected by types of variability such as measurement, natural, induced, and sampling variability.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the options provided, the one that defines process capability is c) A product's inherent ability to meet specifications consistently. Process capability refers to the quantified measurement of a process's ability to produce output within specified limits or specifications. It is a significant concept in quality management and control because it indicates whether a process is capable of producing items that meet pre-set criteria consistently.
In the context of variability and its association with process capability, measurement variability, natural variability, induced variability, and sampling variability are all factors that can influence the outcomes of a process. Measurement variability involves differences due to the precision and accuracy of the instruments used, natural variability is inherent in the process itself, induced variability may be due to external factors affecting the process, while sampling variability occurs when different samples from the same population lead to varying results.
To manage and reduce variability, and thereby improve process capability, it's crucial to understand the desired confidence level, know about the population distribution, and consider the size and nature of the sample. A larger sample size can reduce variability and increase confidence in results, making it easier to understand and improve the process capability.