The Analyze 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 Analyze Phase flashcards as text
What is the difference between 'common cause' and 'special cause' variation?
Answer: Common cause is inherent to the process; special cause is due to specific, assignable factors
Common cause variation is the normal, random variation within a stable process, while special cause variation results from specific, identifiable factors outside the normal system.
Which of the following is an example of non-value-added but necessary (NVAN) work?
Answer: Regulatory compliance reporting required by law
NVAN activities do not add value from the customer's perspective but are required due to regulatory, legal, or business constraints.
A team maps their process and finds steps where partially finished work sits idle awaiting the next operation. Which type of waste does this represent?
Answer: Inventory
Inventory waste (also called 'work in progress' or WIP) occurs when partially finished goods or services accumulate between process steps.
During the Analyze phase, a team uses a box plot. What does the line inside the box represent?
Answer: The median (50th percentile)
In a box plot, the line inside the box represents the median, which divides the dataset so that half the values fall above and half below.
Which Six Sigma concept measures the number of standard deviations between the process mean and the nearest specification limit?
Answer: Sigma level (Z-score)
The sigma level (or Z-score) measures how many standard deviations the process mean is from the specification limit, indicating process capability.
What is the primary goal of a root cause analysis in the Analyze phase?
Answer: To identify and verify the true cause driving the problem, not just its symptoms
Root cause analysis aims to identify the fundamental cause of a problem so that solutions address the source rather than temporary symptoms.
A process improvement team finds that most defects occur during the last hour of the work shift. Which analytical approach would best confirm this finding?
Answer: Stratify defect data by time of day or shift segment
Stratifying defect data by time period allows the team to confirm whether defect rates truly differ across shift segments and quantify the difference.