Operations Management & Process Improvement Flashcards

In operations management, what does 'cycle time' refer to?

Answer: The time required to complete one unit from start to finish at a workstation

Cycle time is the elapsed time to complete one repetition of a process at a given workstation, directly affecting capacity and throughput.

Which quality management tool displays the frequency distribution of defects by category to identify the most significant causes?

Answer: Pareto chart

A Pareto chart ranks defect categories by frequency, applying the 80/20 rule to focus improvement efforts on the most impactful causes.

What is the primary purpose of Statistical Process Control (SPC)?

Answer: To monitor a process using statistical methods and detect variation

SPC uses control charts and statistical techniques to monitor process variation and distinguish common-cause from special-cause variation.

In the Theory of Constraints (TOC), what is the first step in the five focusing steps?

Answer: Identify the system's constraint

The first focusing step is to identify the constraint—the bottleneck limiting system throughput—before taking any action to improve it.

What does 'poka-yoke' mean in lean manufacturing?

Answer: A mistake-proofing device or technique that prevents errors

Poka-yoke refers to any mechanism that makes it impossible or immediately obvious when an error occurs, preventing defects at the source.

Which inventory management system orders a fixed quantity when stock falls to a predetermined reorder point?

Answer: Fixed-order quantity system (Q-system)

The Q-system (fixed-order quantity model) triggers an order for a constant quantity Q whenever inventory drops to the reorder point, regardless of timing.

What is takt time in lean manufacturing?

Answer: The available production time divided by customer demand rate

Takt time = Available Production Time / Customer Demand Rate, setting the pace at which products must be completed to meet demand.