NCRC Problem Solving and Critical Thinking 3

Question 1

Which of the following BEST describes the difference between a symptom and a root cause of a problem?

Accepted Answer

A symptom is the visible sign of a problem; a root cause is the underlying reason it occurred

Answer

A symptom is the underlying reason; a root cause is the visible sign

Answer

A symptom and root cause are the same thing

Answer

Root causes are always easier to identify than symptoms

Question 2

A production worker consistently misses daily targets. Which approach is MOST effective for solving this performance problem?

Accepted Answer

Observe and gather data on the worker's process before proposing changes

Answer

Immediately terminate the worker

Answer

Assign more work to compensate for the shortfall

Answer

Warn the worker without investigating the cause

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of a decision made using objective criteria?

Accepted Answer

Selecting the supplier with the highest quality score and lowest price based on a comparison chart

Answer

Choosing a supplier because you have a personal relationship with the sales rep

Answer

Choosing the first option presented in a meeting

Answer

Picking the option that requires the least paperwork

Question 4

What is the purpose of the '5 Whys' technique in problem solving?

Accepted Answer

To repeatedly ask 'why' to drill down to the root cause of a problem

Answer

To question whether a problem is worth solving

Answer

To generate five possible solutions to a problem

Answer

To assign blame to five possible responsible parties

Question 5

An employee is asked to choose between two scheduling options for a project. Option A finishes the project one week early but costs 10% more; Option B meets the deadline at the budgeted cost. The company has a strict budget. Which option should the employee choose?

Accepted Answer

Option B, because it meets the deadline within the strict budget constraint

Answer

Option A, because finishing early is always better

Answer

Neither option — request a third option

Answer

Option A, because speed always saves money in the long run

Question 6

Which of the following is the BEST example of creative problem solving in the workplace?

Accepted Answer

Finding an unconventional approach to a challenge after standard methods fail

Answer

Doing the same thing that was done last time without reviewing outcomes

Answer

Escalating every problem to a manager without attempting a solution

Answer

Copying a competitor's solution without adapting it to your situation

Question 7

After solving a recurring workplace problem, a team wants to prevent it from happening again. What is the MOST effective preventive action?

Accepted Answer

Document the root cause and update standard procedures to address it

Answer

Warn employees that the problem will result in discipline if it recurs

Answer

Wait for the problem to happen again before taking further action

Answer

Assume the fix will hold without any follow-up