Question 1

Lean production approaches focus on the elimination of waste in all forms,including defects requiring rework.

Accepted Answer

This is the main goal of lean production, to eliminate waste in all forms, including defects that require rework.

Question 2

The term _____ is based on a statistical measure that equates to 3.4 or fewer errors or defects per million opportunities.

Accepted Answer

The term that equates to 3.4 or fewer errors or defects per million opportunities is Six Sigma. It is commonly used in the context of quality control and process improvement. The other options, Pareto analysis, Quincunx, and Quality trilogy, do not directly relate to this statistical measure.

Question 3

Which of the following categories of problems is characterized by unsatisfactory performance that causes dissatisfaction from the standpoint of noncustomer stakeholders,such as managers of financial or supply chain functions?

Accepted Answer

Efficiency problems are characterized by unsatisfactory performance that causes dissatisfaction from the standpoint of noncustomer stakeholders, such as managers of financial or supply chain functions. Conformance problems refer to when a product or service does not meet established specifications, standards, or regulations. Product design problems occur when a product's design is flawed or inadequate. Unstructured performance problems refer to issues that are difficult to pinpoint or define.

Question 4

In which of the following stages of the FADE approach,the team works to describe the process in detail,determine what data and information are needed,and develop a list of root causes for the problem?

Accepted Answer

The stage where the team works to describe the process in detail, determine what data and information are needed, and develop a list of root causes for the problem is the Analyze stage.

Question 5

The cause-and-effect diagrams are constructed in a brainstorming type of atmosphere.

Accepted Answer

Cause-and-effect diagrams, also known as fishbone diagrams or Ishikawa diagrams, are typically constructed in a group brainstorming setting where participants identify the possible causes of a particular problem or effect.

Question 6

An effective problem-solving process that can easily be adapted to quality improvement stems from _____ concepts pioneered by Alex Osborn.

Accepted Answer

The effective problem-solving process that can easily be adapted to quality improvement stems from creative-problem solving concepts pioneered by Alex Osborn. This process involves generating ideas, selecting the best one, and developing an action plan for implementation. It encourages brainstorming, considering various options, and analyzing potential risks and benefits before taking action. This process is widely used in quality improvement initiatives to identify and resolve issues that may impact organizational effectiveness, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Question 7

Which of the following stages of the PDSA cycle determines whether the trial plan is working correctly by evaluating the results,recording the learning,and determining whether any further issues or opportunities need be addressed?

Accepted Answer

The study stage of the PDSA cycle involves the evaluation of the results of the trial plan, recording the learning, and determining whether any further issues or opportunities need be addressed. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer.

Question 8

In which of the following stages of the FADE approach,the solution is implemented and a monitoring plan is established?

Accepted Answer

The solution is implemented and a monitoring plan is established in the execute stage of the FADE approach. This stage involves putting the plan developed in the previous stage (develop) into action. It is also important to monitor the progress of the plan to ensure that it is achieving the desired outcomes.

Question 9

What is the Six Sigma quality level when the process standard deviation is 1σ and the tolerance range is 10 σ?

Accepted Answer

The Six Sigma quality level can be calculated using the formula: 
Six Sigma level = (Tolerance range)/(6 * Process standard deviation) 
Substituting the given values, 
Six Sigma level = (10ó)/(6 * 1ó) = 1.67 
Since Six Sigma level is typically rounded down to the nearest whole number, the Six Sigma quality level would be 1. Therefore, the best choice is A.

Question 10

Both Six Sigma and lean approaches are driven by customer requirements,focus on real dollar savings,have the ability to make significant financial impacts on the organization,and can easily be used in non-manufacturing environments.

Accepted Answer

Both Six Sigma and lean approaches are focused on meeting customer requirements, reducing waste, and generating financial savings, and can be applied in a wide range of industries beyond manufacturing. Therefore, the statement is true.

Question 11

The _____ is a simple adaptation of the scientific method for process improvement.

Accepted Answer

The Deming cycle, also known as the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle, is a simple adaptation of the scientific method for process improvement. It involves the continuous cycle of planning a change, implementing the change, checking its effects, and then acting on what has been learned to make further improvements. The Juran quality trilogy and Taguchi loss function are other quality management techniques, while the quincunx experiment is a statistical experiment used to demonstrate the central limit theorem.

Question 12

Which stage of the PDSA cycle consists of studying the current situation,understanding customer expectations,gathering data,and testing theories of causes?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which stage of the PDSA cycle consists...

Question 13

Which of the following stages of the FADE approach focuses on creating a solution and implementation plan along with documentation to explain and justify recommendations to management who must allocate the resources?

Accepted Answer

The Develop stage of the FADE approach focuses on creating a solution, implementation plan, and documentation to explain and justify recommendations to management who must allocate the resources.

Question 14

Compared to lean tools,Six Sigma tools are more intuitive and easier to apply by anybody in the workplace

Accepted Answer

This statement is false. While some Six Sigma tools may be intuitive and easy to apply, the overall methodology can be complex and require specialized training and expertise. Lean tools, on the other hand, are designed to be straightforward and easily understood by anyone in the workplace.

Question 15

The vertical axis on a run chart is the time scale.

Accepted Answer

The vertical axis on a run chart typically represents the measurement or value being tracked, while the horizontal axis represents time.

Question 16

In which of the following stages of the PDSA cycle,the improvements become standardized and the final plan is implemented as a "current best practice" and communicated throughout the organization?

Accepted Answer

The stage where improvements become standardized and the final plan is implemented as a "current best practice" and communicated throughout the organization is the Act stage. This is the final stage where the plan, based on the results of the previous stages, is implemented and sustained as the new standard procedure.

Question 17

In which of the following stages of the PDSA cycle,the plan is implemented on a trial basis,such as in a laboratory,pilot production process,or with a small group of customers,to evaluate a proposed solution and provide objective data?

Accepted Answer

The "Do" stage is where the proposed solution is implemented on a trial basis to gather objective data and evaluate its effectiveness. This stage involves actually carrying out the plan in a real-world setting, such as in a pilot production process or with a small group of customers. The other stages are: Study (where the problem or opportunity is identified and analyzed), Check (where the data collected during the "Do" stage is analyzed and evaluated), and Act (where the results of the "Check" stage are used to modify the plan and implement improvements).

Question 18

Which of the following categories of quality problems is characterized by unsatisfactory performance that causes customer dissatisfaction,such as high levels of defects,service failures,or customer complaints?

Accepted Answer

Conformance problems refer to the inability of a product or service to meet established standards or specifications, resulting in customer dissatisfaction. This includes issues such as defects, service failures, and customer complaints.

Question 19

In which of the following stages of the FADE approach,a team selects the problem to be addressed and defines it,characterizing the current state of the process,why change is needed,what the desired result should be,and the benefits of achieving the result?

Accepted Answer

Focus is the stage of the FADE approach where a team selects the problem to be addressed and defines it, characterizing the current state of the process, why change is needed, what the desired result should be, and the benefits of achieving the result.

Question 20

Which of the following is the most widely-known process improvement methodology used in Six Sigma?

Accepted Answer

DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve, control) is the most widely-known process improvement methodology used in Six Sigma. It is a structured approach used to identify and eliminate defects in a process, resulting in improved quality and efficiency. Quincunx and TRIZ are tools and methods used within Six Sigma, but are not process improvement methodologies. FADE is not a recognized term in Six Sigma.

Quiz 9: Process Improvement and Six Sigma