Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Define Phase Concepts 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A project champion asks why the SIPOC diagram is created during the Define phase rather than later. What is the best answer?
- It provides high-level process scope before detailed mapping begins (Correct answer)
- It replaces the need for a detailed process map
- It is required by the project charter template
- It identifies root causes of the problem
Correct answer: It provides high-level process scope before detailed mapping begins
SIPOC gives a macro-level view of the process boundaries, helping the team agree on scope before diving into detailed analysis.
Question 2: Which element of the project charter establishes the financial or strategic reason for undertaking a Lean Six Sigma project?
- Project scope
- Business case (Correct answer)
- Milestone plan
- Team roster
Correct answer: Business case
The business case articulates why the organization should invest resources in this project, linking it to strategic or financial goals.
Question 3: A team is struggling to write a problem statement. Which characteristic is MOST important for a well-written problem statement?
- It names the root cause of the problem
- It proposes a solution
- It describes the gap between current and desired performance (Correct answer)
- It identifies the responsible department
Correct answer: It describes the gap between current and desired performance
A good problem statement quantifies the current state versus the expected state without jumping to causes or solutions.
Question 4: Which tool is used during the Define phase to visually map the customer's experience and identify pain points along their journey?
- Control chart
- Customer journey map (Correct answer)
- Pareto chart
- Affinity diagram
Correct answer: Customer journey map
A customer journey map traces each touchpoint a customer has with a process, highlighting where frustration or failure occurs.
Question 5: In Lean Six Sigma, what does 'CTQ' stand for and what does it capture?
- Cost to Quality — total quality-related spending
- Critical to Quality — specific, measurable customer requirements (Correct answer)
- Customer to Quality — feedback survey results
- Cycle Time Quality — time-based performance targets
Correct answer: Critical to Quality — specific, measurable customer requirements
CTQ (Critical to Quality) characteristics translate broad customer needs into specific, measurable performance requirements.
Question 6: A Green Belt notices the project scope has expanded significantly since the charter was signed. What is the recommended action?
- Continue with the expanded scope to maximize value
- Revise the project charter with sponsor approval to reflect the new scope (Correct answer)
- Complete the original scope and start a new project for additional work
- Reduce resources to match the original budget
Correct answer: Revise the project charter with sponsor approval to reflect the new scope
Scope changes require a formal charter revision approved by the sponsor to keep the project aligned and authorized.
Question 7: Which stakeholder role in Lean Six Sigma is responsible for removing organizational barriers and providing resources for the project team?
- Process owner
- Team member
- Champion/Sponsor (Correct answer)
- Master Black Belt
Correct answer: Champion/Sponsor
The Champion or Sponsor has the organizational authority to allocate resources and clear roadblocks that the team cannot resolve on their own.
A project champion asks why the SIPOC diagram is created during the Define phase rather than later.
What is the best answer?