The Improve Phase Flashcards
7 cards from real Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 The Improve Phase flashcards as text
A team uses a Pugh Concept Selection Matrix to evaluate solutions. What is the primary purpose of this tool?
Answer: To compare multiple solution alternatives against weighted criteria
The Pugh matrix scores competing solutions against evaluation criteria, helping teams select the best option objectively.
During a kaizen event, the team identifies a process step that adds no value. According to Lean principles, what should they do first?
Answer: Eliminate the step if possible
Lean's first priority is to eliminate non-value-added steps entirely before considering optimization or automation.
A solution pilot is run on one production line before full rollout. What does the pilot primarily validate?
Answer: That the solution is feasible and achieves the desired improvement
A pilot tests solution feasibility and effectiveness at small scale before committing to full implementation.
Which improvement tool is best suited for reducing changeover time between product runs?
Answer: SMED (Single-Minute Exchange of Die)
SMED is a Lean technique specifically designed to reduce equipment changeover and setup times.
A process improvement reduces average cycle time from 12 minutes to 8 minutes. What is the percentage improvement?
Answer: 33%
The reduction is 4 minutes from a baseline of 12 minutes: (4/12) × 100 = 33.3% improvement.
In the Improve phase, what is the purpose of a risk assessment before implementing a solution?
Answer: To anticipate potential failure modes and plan mitigation actions
Risk assessment (often via FMEA) identifies what could go wrong with the solution so mitigation plans can be prepared in advance.
A team implements 5S in a work area. Which step involves keeping the work area clean and identifying problems through cleanliness?
Answer: Shine
Shine (the third S) focuses on cleaning the work area and using cleanliness to expose abnormal conditions like leaks or damage.