Question 1

Quality control is the sole goal of Six Sigma.

Accepted Answer

Six Sigma aims to reduce variation and defects in processes, not just control quality. While quality control is a component of Six Sigma, it is not the sole goal.

Question 2

TQM derives from concepts developed by Japanese quality experts.

Accepted Answer

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Question 3

Why should a company engage in business process reengineering? How would a company know if it needed or would gain from BPR?

Accepted Answer

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Question 4

What is BPM? What are the steps involved in practicing BPM?

Accepted Answer

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Question 5

The most significant barrier to successful business process change is organizational culture.

Accepted Answer

Organizational culture refers to the shared values, beliefs, behaviors, and norms that shape how people within an organization interact and work together. When a business processes change, it often requires people to change the way they work and think, which can be difficult if the organization's culture does not support or encourage this change. Therefore, organizational culture can be a significant barrier to successful business process change.

Question 6

Which of the following statements about BPR is not true?
A) BPR can result in a paradigm shift.
B) BPR can lead to dramatic gains in productivity and efficiency.
C) BPR is the easiest type of BPM to implement.
D) Amazon is an example of BPR.
E) BPR typically involves radical change.

Accepted Answer

BPR (Business Process Reengineering) is not the easiest type of BPM (Business Process Management) to implement. It typically involves radical change and can result in a paradigm shift. BPR can lead to dramatic gains in productivity and efficiency, and Amazon may be used as an example of BPR.

Question 7

Based on your reading of the chapter case, which of the following did Carter's implement to transform the role of its finance function?
A) CAD
B) BPR
C) TQM
D) Benchmarking
E) Value chain analysis

Accepted Answer

The case mentions that Carter's implemented Business Process Reengineering (BPR) to streamline and standardize finance processes, which transformed the role of its finance function. The other options, such as CAD, TQM, Benchmarking, and Value chain analysis are not mentioned in the case as initiatives that Carter's implemented to transform the finance function.

Question 8

Which of the following is the first step in BPM?
A) Reduce cycle time and simplify the production process.
B) Improve design quality and precision.
C) Identify processes for change.
D) Extend the value chain.
E) Identify synergies.

Accepted Answer

The first step in BPM is to identify processes that require change. This involves analyzing current processes and identifying areas for improvement. Once processes have been identified, they can be redesigned and optimized to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Question 9

Discuss the ways information systems can be used to improve quality.

Accepted Answer

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Question 10

How does the definition of quality differ from the customer and manufacturer perspectives?

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Question 11

Which of the following companies used benchmarking to achieve an order-shipping accuracy of 99.9 percent?
A) Ford Motor Co.
B) L.L. Bean
C) GE Aviation
D) Nike
E) 1-800-Flowers

Accepted Answer

L.L. Bean used benchmarking to achieve an order-shipping accuracy of 99.9 percent.

Question 12

Amazon used which of the following to reduce errors in order fulfillment?
A) BPR
B) 3-D printing
C) TQM
D) BPM
E) Six Sigma

Accepted Answer

Six Sigma methodology is specifically designed to reduce errors and defects in any process, including order fulfillment. Amazon uses Six Sigma to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and quality of its operations, which ultimately leads to better customer satisfaction.

Question 13

Why is identifying processes for change one of the most important strategic decisions that a firm can make?

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

Benchmarks may be external industry standards, standards other companies set, internally developed standards, or some combination of these.

Accepted Answer

Benchmarks can come from external sources such as industry standards or from other companies, or they can be developed internally. It is also possible to use a combination of all three sources.

Question 15

One of the best ways to reduce quality problems is to increase cycle time.

Accepted Answer

Increasing cycle time can actually lead to more quality problems, as it reduces the frequency of inspections and feedback loops, and may also result in a delay in identifying and correcting defects. Shorter cycle times allow for quicker identification and resolution of quality issues.

Question 16

Business process reengineering involves the radical redesign of business processes.

Accepted Answer

Business process reengineering (BPR) is a management approach that involves the radical redesign of business processes to achieve dramatic improvements in performance, quality, and cost. BPR typically involves the examination and analysis of existing business processes, the identification of inefficiencies and bottlenecks, and the development of innovative solutions to streamline and improve those processes. BPR is a significant departure from traditional incremental process improvement approaches and often involves fundamental changes in organizational structure, technology, and work methods.

Question 17

You are advising the owner of Smalltown Computer, a new, local computer repair store that also builds custom computers to order. Define 3-D printing and explain how it might be relevant to this business?

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

Mapping and measuring existing processes is an important part of BPM.

Accepted Answer

Mapping and measuring existing processes is a crucial step in identifying areas for improvement and implementing effective BPM strategies. By analyzing current processes, businesses can identify inefficiencies and streamline operations to improve productivity, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.

Question 19

BPM ends once the new processes are both implemented and accepted.

Accepted Answer

BPM is a continuous improvement process that involves regularly analyzing and optimizing business processes. It doesn't actually end, but rather becomes an ongoing endeavor to maintain and improve efficiencies within a company.

Question 20

BPM tools can do all of the following except:
A) capture and enforce business rules for performing processes.
B) integrate existing systems to support new or redesigned processes.
C) create models of improved processes.
D) document processes requiring improvement.
E) create a digital model of a part, product or structure.

Accepted Answer

Creating a digital model of a part, product, or structure is not a function of BPM tools, but rather a function of computer-aided design (CAD) software. The other options listed are all functions that BPM tools can perform.

Quiz 3: Achieving Competitive Advantage With Information Systems