FREE Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Root Cause Analysis Questions and Answers

Question 1

A project team is brainstorming the potential causes of a product defect.
To visually organize these potential causes into logical categories such as People, Process, and Equipment, which tool would be most effective?

Accepted Answer

Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram

Answer

Control Chart

Answer

SIPOC Diagram

Answer

Pareto Chart

Question 2

An IT team is investigating why a software application crashes frequently. The lead analyst asks, "Why did the application crash?" and the team determines it was due to a memory leak. The lead then asks, "Why was there a memory leak?" This iterative, questioning approach is a direct application of which root cause analysis technique?

Accepted Answer

5 Whys

Answer

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)

Answer

Brainstorming

Answer

Scatter Plot

Question 3

Which of the following statements best describes the primary objective of Root Cause Analysis (RCA) in the Analyze phase of DMAIC?

Accepted Answer

To identify, verify, and address the fundamental cause of a problem to prevent its recurrence.

Answer

To brainstorm and implement the quickest possible solution.

Answer

To assign blame to the individuals responsible for the process failure.

Answer

To create a detailed map of the current state of the process.

Question 4

During a root cause analysis session, a team generates over 30 potential causes for an increase in customer complaints. What is the most logical and effective *next step*?

Accepted Answer

Use data and team expertise to prioritize the most likely causes for further investigation.

Answer

Immediately implement solutions for all 30 potential causes.

Answer

Conclude the Analyze phase and present the list to management.

Answer

Select a cause at random to begin working on a solution.

Question 5

A key principle of effective Root Cause Analysis is distinguishing between symptoms and the actual root cause. Which of the following is the best example of a symptom?

Accepted Answer

A high rate of product returns from customers.

Answer

An improperly calibrated torque wrench.

Answer

An outdated and incorrect work instruction document.

Answer

Lack of a required preventative maintenance program for a machine.

Question 6

A team is using a Fishbone Diagram to analyze service delays. They are grouping potential causes under the categories of 'Policies', 'Procedures', 'People', and 'Plant/Technology'. This structure is a common variation of which model?

Accepted Answer

The 4 P's Model

Answer

The 5 Whys

Answer

The SIPOC Model

Answer

The FMEA Model

A project team is brainstorming the potential causes of a product defect.To visually organize these potential causes into logical categories such as People, Process, and Equipment, which tool would be most effective?

A project team is brainstorming the potential causes of a product defect.
To visually organize these potential causes into logical categories such as People, Process, and Equipment, which tool would be most effective?