Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification The Define Phase 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which statement best explains why baselining current process performance is important in the Define phase?
- It provides a reference point to measure improvement after changes are implemented (Correct answer)
- It allows the team to immediately identify root causes
- It replaces the need for a project charter
- It eliminates the need for stakeholder buy-in
Correct answer: It provides a reference point to measure improvement after changes are implemented
A baseline establishes where the process stands today so the team can objectively measure the impact of improvements later.
Question 2: In a VOC exercise, a customer says 'I never want to wait more than two days for delivery.' This is best categorized as:
- A stated need (Correct answer)
- A latent need
- A delighter
- A regulatory requirement
Correct answer: A stated need
A stated need is one the customer explicitly articulates, making delivery speed a clear, directly expressed expectation.
Question 3: What is the primary risk of defining a project scope that is too broad?
- The team may lose focus and the project may never reach completion (Correct answer)
- The project will automatically fail regulatory review
- The Measure phase will be skipped
- Stakeholders will have no interest in the project
Correct answer: The team may lose focus and the project may never reach completion
An overly broad scope spreads resources thin, making it difficult to achieve measurable results within a reasonable timeframe.
Question 4: Who typically serves as the project sponsor in a Lean Six Sigma Define phase?
- A senior leader who champions the project and provides resources (Correct answer)
- The Black Belt leading the analysis
- The frontline employee closest to the problem
- An external consultant hired for the project
Correct answer: A senior leader who champions the project and provides resources
The project sponsor (Champion) is a senior leader who removes organizational barriers, secures resources, and keeps the project aligned with business goals.
Question 5: Which of the following is NOT typically included in a Project Charter?
- Root cause analysis results (Correct answer)
- Problem statement
- Business case
- Project timeline
Correct answer: Root cause analysis results
Root cause analysis is conducted in the Analyze phase, not during Define — the charter focuses on defining the problem, not solving it.
Question 6: A 'problem statement' in the Define phase should NOT include:
- A proposed solution or cause (Correct answer)
- The magnitude of the problem
- Where and when the problem occurs
- The impact on the customer or business
Correct answer: A proposed solution or cause
Including a solution or cause in the problem statement introduces bias and can prevent the team from objectively exploring all root causes.
Question 7: A team is using affinity diagrams during the Define phase. What is their primary purpose?
- To group large amounts of customer feedback into meaningful categories (Correct answer)
- To schedule project milestones
- To map process steps in sequence
- To calculate process sigma levels
Correct answer: To group large amounts of customer feedback into meaningful categories
Affinity diagrams organize qualitative data — such as customer comments — into clusters of related themes to reveal patterns.
Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification The Define Phase 3
Which statement best explains why baselining current process performance is important in the Define phase?