Question 1

Which of the following is FALSE about Quality Function Deployment (QFD)?
A)It is a powerful tool to translate customer requirements into process capabilities
B)It utilizes a series of tables to maintain links between the data collected and the final process activities
C)Because of their shape,the tables are often referred to as "houses of quality"
D)Technical requirements are the basic input for the process deployment matrix

Accepted Answer

Technical requirements are not the basic input for the process deployment matrix. Instead, customer requirements are the basic input for the process deployment matrix in QFD.

Question 2

Six Sigma (DMAIC)is best applied when:
A)The process is fundamentally flawed
B)The process is brand new
C)There is too much variation in the process
D)There is too much waste in the process

Accepted Answer

Six Sigma (DMAIC) is best applied when there is too much variation in the process, as it is a data-driven methodology aimed at improving process performance by reducing variability and defects.

Question 3

One aspect that differentiates Six Sigma from other earlier process improvement programs including total quality management and reengineering is that with Six Sigma:
A)Quality can realistically be improved
B)Specific roles and titles have been identified and generally accepted
C)It is easier to alter the corporate culture of a firm
D)Control charts are used exhaustively

Accepted Answer

Six Sigma has a specific organizational structure and recognized roles, such as champions, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts, which have been adopted by many organizations. This distinguishes it from total quality management and reengineering, which did not have such standardized roles.

Question 4

Process capability analysis does NOT depend on:
A)Location of the process mean
B)Natural variability inherent in the process.
C)Business product design
D)Stability of the process

Accepted Answer

Process capability analysis only depends on the location of the process mean, natural variability inherent in the process, and stability of the process. Business product design is not a factor that influences process capability analysis.

Question 5

Which term compares an organization's processes with the best practices to be found in its industry or others?
A)Benchmark
B)Performance
C)Value proposition
D)Bias

Accepted Answer

Benchmarking involves comparing an organization's processes, performance or other metrics against the best practices observed by other industry or other organizations. It helps the organization to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses and improve its efficiency, productivity and customer satisfaction.

Question 6

Lean Sigma is a combination of Six Sigma and Lean tools appropriate when both too much variation and waste exist in a process.

Accepted Answer

Lean focuses on reducing waste while Six Sigma focuses on reducing defects and variations. When a process has both excess waste and variation, Lean Sigma can be used to address both issues simultaneously.

Question 7

Choose a common problem from the measure phase.
A)Calculation of a baseline to evaluate benefits of potential improvements
B)The process mean can shift as much as 1.5 standard deviations
C)Performance metrics based on the availability of data
D)About 3.4 defects per million opportunities (DPMO)may occur easily in complex operations

Accepted Answer

In the measure phase of a project, a common problem is determining performance metrics based on the availability of data. This phase focuses on data collection and analysis to understand the current state of the process. The availability and quality of data can significantly impact the ability to accurately measure and analyze the process, making it a common challenge. Choices A, B, and D are more related to the analysis and improvement phases or specific statistical concepts rather than problems encountered in the measure phase.

Question 8

DMAIC stands for:
A)Define,Measure,Analyze,Implement,Control
B)Define,Maintain,Assure,Implement,Control
C)Define,Measure,Analyze,Improve,Control
D)Design,Maintain,Analyze,Improve,Control

Accepted Answer

DMAIC is a problem-solving methodology and stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control. The correct sequence of these stages is essential in order to solve a problem efficiently and effectively. Option A has the correct sequence of stages, which is why it is the correct answer. Option B and D have incorrect stages.

Question 9

The relationship between the natural variation in the production system and the product's design specifications can be quantified using:
A)Six sigma
B)Control charts
C)A process capability index
D)Fishbone diagrams

Accepted Answer

A process capability index is the best choice for quantifying the relationship between natural variation in the production system and the product's design specifications. This index measures how well the process produces output within the allowable tolerance limits specified by the design. It takes into account both the inherent variability of the production process and the design specifications, making it a useful tool for evaluating process capability and identifying areas for improvement. Six sigma, control charts, and fishbone diagrams are other quality improvement tools but they do not specifically measure process capability.

Question 10

The following are shortcomings associated with analyzing problems "one factor at a time" (also known as OFAT and 1FAT)EXCEPT:
A)In real life it is almost impossible to hold all other factors constant
B)Experimental designs specify levels for each factor to be included
C)It is very hard to account for interactions or joint variation between factors
D)Though graphing results is helpful to observe different factors,it is hard to graph variation of more than two or three variables at the time

Accepted Answer

This statement is actually true and not a shortcoming of analyzing problems "one factor at a time". OFAT designs do specify levels for each factor to be included, which can be helpful for identifying the effects of individual factors on the outcome of interest. The other three choices are all valid shortcomings of OFAT designs.

Question 11

A literal interpretation of six-sigma is:
A)4)3 defects per million opportunities (DPMO)
B)3)4 defects per billion opportunities (DPBO)
C)3)4 defects per million opportunities (DPMO)
D)3)1 defects per million opportunities (DPMO)

Accepted Answer

The literal interpretation of six-sigma is that there are only 3.4 defects per million opportunities (DPMO). This is based on the standard deviation of a normal distribution where six sigma (σ) represents a range of plus or minus three standard deviations from the mean. A defect is any nonconformity or error in the product or process that can cause customer dissatisfaction. Therefore, the goal of six-sigma is to achieve a level of quality where there are very few defects, ideally less than 3.4 DPMO.

Question 12

Quality Function Deployment (QFD)starts by using "voice of the customer" (VOC)data in which of the following matrices?
A)Process planning
B)Process deployment
C)Output planning
D)Output specification

Accepted Answer

QFD begins with the "House of Quality" matrix, which translates the voice of the customer (VOC) into output planning, ensuring that customer needs are prioritized in product development.

Question 13

Business Process Design (BPD)is also adequately named the following EXCEPT:
A)Reengineering
B)Business process innovation
C)Business process engineering
D)Downsizing or restructuring

Accepted Answer

Downsizing or restructuring is not an appropriate name for BPD because BPD is focused on redesigning and improving business processes, not necessarily reducing the size of a company or restructuring its operations. Reengineering, business process innovation, and business process engineering are all synonymous with BPD, as they all refer to the systematic approach to redesigning and optimizing business processes for improved performance and efficiency.

Question 14

Six Sigma is better applied on manufacturing than service operations.

Accepted Answer

Six Sigma can be applied to both manufacturing and service operations. It focuses on identifying and eliminating defects or errors, improving process efficiency and effectiveness, and ultimately improving customer satisfaction. While it was originally developed in a manufacturing context, it has since been successfully applied across a variety of industries including healthcare, finance, and logistics.

Question 15

Which of the following was identified by Leigh Thompson as one of several threats to team creativity?
A)Idea generation through brainstorming
B)Downward norm setting
C)Individual blocking
D)"Window Dressing"

Accepted Answer

Downward norm setting refers to the tendency of team members to conform to the least productive or creative member, which can stifle creativity.

Question 16

Which of the following tools and methodologies is NOT used in the Measure Phase of Six Sigma?
A)Design of experiments (DOE)
B)Pareto Analysis
C)Process Maps
D)Rolled throughput yield (RTY)

Accepted Answer

Design of experiments (DOE) is typically used in the Analyze phase of Six Sigma, not the Measure phase. The other options (B, C, D) are commonly used in the Measure phase.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a part of a House of Quality display?
A)Importance ratings
B)Target values
C)Importance weights
D)Interrelationships between Hows and Whens

Accepted Answer

Interrelationships between Hows and Whens are a key part of the House of Quality process and are typically displayed in a matrix or chart. The other three elements listed, importance ratings, target values, and importance weights, are all typically included in a House of Quality display.

Question 18

Six Sigma is better applied on for-profit than in nonprofit organizations.

Accepted Answer

Six Sigma, as a methodology for improving processes by eliminating defects and variability, can be effectively applied in both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. The principles of Six Sigma, such as focusing on customer satisfaction, process improvement, and data-driven decision-making, are universally applicable and can benefit any type of organization by improving efficiency, quality, and effectiveness.

Question 19

Six Sigma is among the most timely topics in business today because of the following,EXCEPT:
A)It was developed by Motorola
B)High profile organizations report strong benefits from using it
C)It can be applied in organizations that produce a tangible output or an intangible service
D)Nonprofit organizations may apply it as well as for profit companies

Accepted Answer

While Six Sigma was indeed developed by Motorola, this is not a compelling reason why it is a timely topic in business today. The other options (B, C, and D) all highlight key reasons why Six Sigma is relevant and important in contemporary business contexts.

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT an original component of reengineering?
A)A radical change in the way work is performed
B)Process-centered reorganization of activities
C)An emphasis in getting rid of unnecessary employees
D)A dramatic improvement in performance

Accepted Answer

Reengineering emphasizes process-centered reorganization and radical change in work performance as well as a dramatic improvement in performance. However, it does not necessarily involve getting rid of unnecessary employees, as the focus is on improving processes rather than on downsizing.

Quiz 4: Process Improvement: Minimizing Variation Through Six Sigma

Which of the following is FALSE about Quality Function Deployment (QFD) ?

Six Sigma (DMAIC) is best applied when:

One aspect that differentiates Six Sigma from other earlier process improvement programs including total quality management and reengineering is that with Six Sigma:

Process capability analysis does NOT depend on:

Which term compares an organization's processes with the best practices to be found in its industry or others?

Lean Sigma is a combination of Six Sigma and Lean tools appropriate when both too much variation and waste exist in a process.

Choose a common problem from the measure phase.

DMAIC stands for:

The relationship between the natural variation in the production system and the product's design specifications can be quantified using:

The following are shortcomings associated with analyzing problems "one factor at a time" (also known as OFAT and 1FAT) EXCEPT:

A literal interpretation of six-sigma is:

Quality Function Deployment (QFD) starts by using "voice of the customer" (VOC) data in which of the following matrices?

Business Process Design (BPD) is also adequately named the following EXCEPT:

Six Sigma is better applied on manufacturing than service operations.

Which of the following was identified by Leigh Thompson as one of several threats to team creativity?

Which of the following tools and methodologies is NOT used in the Measure Phase of Six Sigma?

Which of the following is NOT a part of a House of Quality display?

Six Sigma is better applied on for-profit than in nonprofit organizations.

Six Sigma is among the most timely topics in business today because of the following,EXCEPT:

Which of the following is NOT an original component of reengineering?