Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification Project and Team Management 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A team is in the Improve phase and has identified multiple potential solutions. Which structured approach BEST helps prioritize which solution to implement?
- Go with the solution the team sponsor prefers
- Use a prioritization matrix scoring solutions against weighted criteria (Correct answer)
- Implement all solutions simultaneously to maximize speed
- Choose the least expensive solution regardless of impact
Correct answer: Use a prioritization matrix scoring solutions against weighted criteria
A weighted prioritization matrix objectively scores solutions against criteria like impact, cost, and feasibility to guide rational selection.
Question 2: Which change management model uses the stages of Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement?
- Kotter's 8-Step Model
- ADKAR Model (Correct answer)
- Lewin's Change Model
- Prosci Change Triangle
Correct answer: ADKAR Model
The ADKAR model (Prosci) focuses on individual change by building Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement sequentially.
Question 3: A Black Belt's project team has become highly productive, resolves conflicts independently, and supports each other without prompting. Which stage of Tuckman's model does this describe?
- Forming
- Storming
- Norming
- Performing (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Performing
The Performing stage is characterized by high productivity, self-direction, and effective interpersonal dynamics without external facilitation.
Question 4: When a Six Sigma project's benefits are not being sustained after handoff, what is the MOST LIKELY root cause?
- The project had too many team members
- The control plan was not transferred or followed by the process owner (Correct answer)
- The project used the wrong statistical tools
- The project team did not meet frequently enough
Correct answer: The control plan was not transferred or followed by the process owner
Lack of a robust control plan handoff — or failure by process owners to follow it — is the leading cause of solution deterioration after project closure.
Question 5: A Black Belt needs to gain buy-in from a skeptical department manager. Which influence technique is MOST effective in a professional setting?
- Use positional authority to mandate cooperation
- Build a relationship and present data that aligns with the manager's priorities (Correct answer)
- Bypass the manager and work directly with their staff
- Promise rewards outside of your authority to deliver
Correct answer: Build a relationship and present data that aligns with the manager's priorities
Building trust and framing data around the manager's own goals is the most durable influence strategy in cross-functional environments.
Question 6: Which tool is MOST useful for mapping the sequence of activities, decisions, and handoffs across departments in a process?
- Fishbone diagram
- Cross-functional flowchart (swim lane diagram) (Correct answer)
- Control chart
- Run chart
Correct answer: Cross-functional flowchart (swim lane diagram)
A swim lane diagram visually maps process steps and decision points across organizational roles or departments, revealing handoffs and gaps.
Question 7: A project champion is BEST described as which of the following?
- The team member who scores highest on statistical tests
- A senior leader who sponsors the project, removes barriers, and ensures resources (Correct answer)
- The Black Belt who leads day-to-day project execution
- The process owner who implements the control plan after handoff
Correct answer: A senior leader who sponsors the project, removes barriers, and ensures resources
The project champion (sponsor) is a senior leader responsible for organizational alignment, resource provision, and removing obstacles for the Black Belt.
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification Project and Team Management 5
A team is in the Improve phase and has identified multiple potential solutions.
Which structured approach BEST helps prioritize which solution to implement?