1. A process monitoring apparatus, comprising: (a) means for collecting measured data values representing one or more characteristics of a process at discrete intervals during its operation; (b) means for storing the measured data values in a memory; and (c) means for displaying a target control chart on a monitor, wherein the target control chart comprises a Specification Limits ball graphically depicting specification limits for the process, a Control Limits ball graphically depicting control limits for the process, and a Data Population ball graphically depicting one or more characteristics of a sample comprising at least one of the and wherein the Specification Limits ball, the Control Limits ball and the Data Population ball are displayed on the monitor in a manner to represent an interrelation between the specification limits for the process, the control limits for the process, and the characteristics of the sample, so that an ideal environment is represented by concentrically overlaying the Specification Limits ball, Control Limits ball and Data Population ball.