Performance Evaluation & Continuous Improvement Flashcards

In Six Sigma DMAIC, which phase establishes the baseline performance of the current process?

Answer: Measure

The Measure phase collects data to quantify current process performance.

After a project ends, a structured meeting asking 'What was supposed to happen, what happened, and why?' is called:

Answer: After-action review

An after-action review captures lessons learned by comparing intended and actual outcomes.

Comparing a client's processes to those of the best-in-class organization in any industry is known as:

Answer: Generic (best-practice) benchmarking

Generic benchmarking looks beyond the industry to the top performers in a function.

Which control chart signal most strongly suggests special-cause variation?

Answer: A point falling outside the upper control limit

A point beyond a control limit indicates an assignable or special cause.

Kaizen is best described as:

Answer: Continuous, incremental improvement involving all employees

Kaizen emphasizes ongoing small improvements driven by everyone in the organization.

A consultant measures engagement ROI as (benefits - costs) / costs. Benefits are $300,000 and costs are $100,000. What is the ROI?

Answer: 200%

($300,000 - $100,000) / $100,000 = 2, or 200%.

Which practice best prevents improvement gains from eroding after the consultant leaves?

Answer: Documenting standard work and assigning process owners with control plans

Standardization, ownership, and control plans sustain gains, as in the DMAIC Control phase.