HP Quality Assurance & Improvement 3

Question 1

Which of the following is the PRIMARY distinction between quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC)?

Accepted Answer

QA focuses on preventing defects; QC focuses on detecting defects

Answer

QA is a proactive, process-oriented approach to prevent defects, while QC is a reactive, product-oriented approach to detect and correct defects.

Question 2

In Lean methodology, 'muda' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Any activity that consumes resources without adding value

Answer

'Muda' is the Japanese term for waste—any step or resource consumption that does not add value from the customer's perspective.

Question 3

A Six Sigma project aims to reduce defects to fewer than 3.4 per million opportunities. What sigma level does this represent?

Accepted Answer

Six sigma

Answer

Six sigma (6σ) corresponds to a defect rate of 3.4 per million opportunities, representing near-perfect process performance.

Question 4

An honors program measures 'time from patient arrival to physician contact' in an ED. This is an example of which type of quality measure?

Accepted Answer

Process measure

Answer

A process measure tracks whether steps in a care pathway are completed correctly; time-to-physician reflects a key step in the ED care process.

Question 5

Which technique involves observing a process in real time at the location where work is performed, often called 'going to the gemba'?

Accepted Answer

Direct observation

Answer

Direct observation (gemba walk) means going to the actual place of work to see processes firsthand, rather than relying on reports or assumptions.

(HP) Honors Program Practice Test