ASQ CSSGB Exam Questions

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61.

Lean is the application of tools that allows a Six Sigma team to remove waste and variation contained within a process. Which lean tool is used for determining the most efficient combinations of operations?

  • Standard work

  • Kanban

  • Poka-yoke

  • Total productive maintenance

Correct answer: Standard work

Standard work is the lean tool used for determining the most efficient combinations of operations. Standard work is composed of three elements, which include takt time, working sequence, and standard in-process stock. Standard work ensures that all jobs are organized around human motion to create an efficient sequence without waste.

Kanban is the lean tool used as a signal for a particular action. Poka-yoke is the lean tool used for mistake-proofing by design. Total productive maintenance is the lean tool used to manage operations through the use of preventive maintenance, load balancing, and streamlined flow control.

62.

The achievement of aggressive benchmarks or breakthrough on a consistent basis is developed in which of the following?

  • Design for performance

  • Design for robustness

  • Design for manufacturing

  • Design for maintainability

Correct answer: Design for performance

In the design for performance, the latest and greatest technology is developed in a constant challenge of exceeding unachievable levels of delivery by meeting aggressive benchmarks on a consistent basis. A historical example of design for performance is when an aircraft was designed to travel faster than the speed of sound.

Design for robustness is used to test parts and assemblies. Design for manufacturing is used to determine tolerance in design and savings in processes, tooling, and gauging. Design for maintainability indicates the ability during the process to perform routine maintenance.

63.

Vijay has been charged with improving density variation in a sheetrock product line. In his green belt project, he is ready to begin isolating the cause of variation to a critical few X's. After determining that he needs to first quantify the stability of the operation, which is his best tool to accomplish this task?

  • Multi-vari Analysis

  • Correlation analysis

  • Simple regression

  • Skewness analysis

Correct answer: Multi-vari Analysis

Multi-vari analysis is a statistical method that analyzes the relationship between multiple variables and parameters to understand the causes of process variation. It would be an ideal tool for Vijay to understand the stability of the sheetrock production line.

Correlation analysis is used to identify relationships between two variables and would not be useful here.

Simple regression attempts to mathematically describe a relationship between two variables.

Skewness is a descriptive statistic and while it might indicate a process that is not in control, cannot offer further information.

64.

A process is considered in statistical control when only _____________ remain after ____________ have been removed.

  • Common causes, special causes

  • Special causes, common causes

  • Process variation, special causes

  • Common causes, process variation

Correct answer: Common causes, special causes

A process is considered in statistical control when only common causes remain after special causes have been removed.

Common causes and process variation are inherent in the process and cannot be removed. Process variation cannot be all that remains after special causes have been removed because common causes will remain as well.

65.

If a problem has not yet happened but is likely to happen, what is the best answer for the type of action that is called for?

  • Preventive action

  • Predictive action

  • Responsive action

  • Business continuity action

Correct answer: Preventive action

If the problem has not yet happened but is likely to happen, the request is called a preventive action. RCA focuses on the root cause that could potentially allow the problem to happen.

Answers "Predictive action", "Responsive Action", and "Business ContinuityAction" are incorrect. as these are not RCA action types under Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA).

66.

Which statement best describes why control charts exhibit statistical normality even with non-normal distributions?

  • Averaging the measurement values in subgroups allows the central limit theorem to be applied

  • Different control chart types can have different scales

  • Plotting over time leads to normality due to the central limit theorem

  • When you remove enough outliers, the distribution becomes normal

Correct answer: Averaging the measurement values in subgroups allows the central limit theorem to be applied

In the real world, not all processes are normally distributed. By applying the central limit theorem when taking measurement samples, the status of the process can be monitored by averaging the measurement values in subgroups, for example, in SPC control charts. Since control charts like X–bar and R charts and X-bar and s charts are plotted with averages of the individual readings, the charts are robust to departures from normality.

The other answer options are all wrong because they are not actual aspects of control chart tendencies.

67.

When completing a DMAIC Six Sigma project, a project team would use all except which of the following Six Sigma tools during the analyze phase?

  • Pugh matrix

  • Run charts

  • Five whys

  • Regression analysis

Correct answer: Pugh matrix

The Pugh matrix is not a Six Sigma tool that would be used during the analyze phase of a DMAIC Six Sigma project. The Pugh matrix is a Six Sigma tool that would be used during the improve phase of a DMAIC Six Sigma project.

The Six Sigma tools that would be used during the analyze phase of a DMAIC Six Sigma project are Pareto chart, Ishikawa diagram, five whys, run charts, relations graph, correlation, regression analysis, hypothesis testing, and tollgate review. The analyze phase of a DMAIC Six Sigma project is when the project team studies the process and data for clues to what is going on.

68.

A hypothesis test should be conducted to compare all except which of the following?

  • Modes

  • Means

  • Variances

  • Proportions

Correct answer: Modes

A hypothesis test is not conducted to compare modes.

A hypothesis test is conducted to compare means, variances, and proportions. The tests used to compare means, variances, and proportions include the paired comparison t-test, F-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and chi-square. Once the tests are performed, it is up to the belt to analyze, or interpret, the results.

69.

A process has specifications of height between 3.6 mm and 4.6 mm. The samples pulled for measurement were at heights of 4.1, 3.8, 4.3, 4.0, and 3.7 mm. What is the Cpk (process capability index) of the process?

  • 0.53

  • 0.36

  • 0.30

  • 0.39

Correct answer: 0.53

Cpk = min (USL-μ / 3σ ​, μ-LSL / 3σ​)

where:

  • USL is the Upper Specification Limit,
  • LSL is the Lower Specification Limit,
  • μ is the mean of the sample data,
  • σ is the standard deviation of the sample data.

Given data:

  • USL=4.6mm,
  • LSL=3.6mm,
  • Sample measurements = 4.1, 3.8, 4.3, 4.0, 3.7mm.

Calculate the mean and standard deviation of the sample data and then use these to calculate the Cpk.

The mean (μ) of the sample measurements is approximately 3.98 mm, and the standard deviation (σ) is approximately 0.24 mm.

Using these values, the upper Cpk value, which corresponds to the capability related to the upper specification limit (USL), is approximately 0.87. The lower Cpk value, which corresponds to the capability related to the lower specification limit (LSL), is approximately 0.53.

Therefore, the process's Cpk is approximately 0.53, indicating its capability with respect to the tighter of the two specification limits.

70.

Which of the following terms describes the likelihood that a negative event will occur during the implementation of a project?

  • Probability

  • Severity

  • Occurrence

  • Mitigation

Correct answer: Probability

Risk probability is based on the likelihood that a problem will happen during the implementation of a project.

Severity is based on the extent of the risk, which may range from minor to hazardous. Occurrence is usually based on the number of historical times the issue has occurred, measured from remote occurrences to persistent occurrences. Mitigation involves identifying activities the team or company can perform to reduce risk or to reduce the impact if a problem does occur.

71.

As part of a control plan, what enables the process operator to evaluate the current performance against the predetermined control limits?

  • Performance standard

  • Measurement rules

  • Control subjects

  • Units of measure

Correct answer: Performance standard

A performance standard enables the process operator to evaluate the current performance against the predetermined control limits as part of a control plan.

Measurement rules include the measurement device, occurrence of measurement, sample size, and method of recording. Control subjects are features of a product or process brought under monitoring to track and find conditions where it may be out of control. Units of measure relate to consistency of measurement units, such as inches or centimeters, throughout the process.

72.

When a leader reduces the level of directive behavior and increases supportive behavior, this is what type of leadership?

  • Supporting

  • Delegation

  • Coaching

  • Directing

Correct answer: Supporting

When a leader reduces the level of directive behavior and increases supportive behavior, this is the supporting leadership style. The supporting leadership style is commonly used in the norming phase of project development. The leader will also encourage the team and emphasize roles and responsibilities.

Delegation is incorrect as this is the leadership style for the performing stage. Coaching is incorrect as this is the leadership style for the storming stage. Directing is incorrect as this is the leadership style for the forming stage.

73.

Which of the following tools is most useful in determining project scope?

  • SIPOC

  • Design of Experiments

  • Ishikawa Diagram

  • Force Field Analysis

Correct answer: SIPOC

A SIPOC (Supplier - Input - Process - Output - Customer) diagram is very useful for identifying clear boundaries and parameters of a project and determining what is inside and outside of scope.

Design of Experiments is incorrect because it is mainly a useful tool for identifying interaction effects or relevant parameters. Ishikawa Diagram is incorrect because it is a useful tool for identifying possible root causes of failure. Force Field Analysis is incorrect because it is a useful tool for weighing pros and cons.

74.

When selecting variables to determine special causes, which variable is analyzed to determine the effect on a process?

  • Key process input variables

  • Key process output variables

  • Design of experiments

  • Analysis of variance (ANOVA)

Correct answer: Key process input variables

When selecting variables to determine special causes, key process input variables are analyzed to determine the effect on a process. If a project team is using a control chart to monitor a process, the team must select a variable for monitoring.

Key process output variables are used to determine process capability. Design of experiments and analysis of variance are used to identify variables related to process control.

75.

Which of the following is a disadvantage of competitive benchmarking?

  • Focusing on industry norms may restrict opportunities to achieve exceptional results

  • Looking internally for high performance may be limited by culture and norms

  • Comparing similar functions outside of the industry provides little insight

  • Limited collaborative cooperation between functions or companies 

Correct answer: Focusing on industry norms may restrict opportunities to achieve exceptional results

A disadvantage of competitive benchmarking could be that focusing on industry norms could mean forgoing opportunities to achieve exceptional results, especially in sectors where there is a quality deficit.

An internal search for high performance is internal benchmarking. Comparing similar functions outside of the industry is functional benchmarking. Collaborative cooperation between functions or companies is collaborative benchmarking.  

76.

The feedback loop through which actual performance is measured, compared to a standard, and the differences acted on is called what?

  • Control process

  • Statistical process control

  • Statistical quality control

  • Statistical process display

Correct answer: Control process

The feedback loop through which actual performance is measured, compared to a standard, and the differences acted on is called control process. 

Statistical process control is incorrect because this is the application of statistical techniques for measuring variation. Statistical quality control is incorrect because this is the application of statistical techniques to measure and improve processes. Statistical process display is incorrect as this is a visual display for customers but not the actual improvements to a process.

77.

Which of the following is the number of ways of arranging passenger seating on an airplane?

  • Permutations

  • Combinations

  • Calculations

  • Multiplications

Correct answer: Permutations

A permutation is an ordered arrangement of n individual objects, with the number of ways of ordering those objects, n, taken r at a given time. This is shown as nPr.

Combinations is the number of different combinations of n individual objects taken r at a time. Calculations and multiplications are not types of arrangements.

78.

The structured, organized method used to determine the relationship between different factors (X) affecting a process and the output of the process (Y) is called what?

  • Design of experiments

  • Relational experience

  • Fishbone diagram

  • FMEA

Correct answer: Design of experiments

The design of experiments is a structured and organized method used to determine the relationship between different factors (X) affecting a process and the output of the process (Y). Design of experiments was developed by Sir Ronald A. Fisher to statistically measure the effects of fertilizers on crops.

Relational experience is incorrect because this is not a term used to describe the relationship between factors of a process. Fishbone diagram is incorrect because it is a tool, not a structured method. FMEA is incorrect because it is used to determine failure modes, not relation factors.

79.

When would a project team use a nominal group technique?

  • When it is necessary for a team to deep think on an issue

  • When the same team is used for multiple projects

  • When absolute secrecy is required

  • To reduce the impact of shareholder pressure

Correct answer: When it is necessary for a team to deep think on an issue

In order to encourage equal participation, project teams use the nominal group technique to brainstorm by reducing peer pressure when some team members are more vocal than others. When using the nominal group technique, the team leader will provide the team members with 10 to 15 minutes to sit quietly in order to think and generate ideas. Once the time is up, the leader will gather the team's ideas and post them so the entire team can see them.

Whether or not a team is running multiple projects is irrelevant to this process. NGT can be helpful when the team needs to think through controversial or sensitive issues, but it is not a tool geared for absolute secrecy. The tool is helpful to reduce peer pressure. Stakeholder pressure, on the other hand, is a different dynamic that the tool is not geared to counteract.

80.

Six Sigma is a large collection of which of the following?

  • Tools

  • Processes

  • Statistical calculations

  • Best practices

Correct answer: Tools

Six Sigma is a large collection of tools. These tools consist of items such as diagrams, teams, charts, interviews, plans, processes, communication, and individuals to lead the teams. Six Sigma itself has come to be widely considered a best practice in the continuous improvement space, rather than an amalgam of best practices. One could legitimately consider various Six Sigma methods, such as Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC) as a process. But Six Sigma is best considered a vast collection of tools by which to effect continuous improvement upon an external process. Statistical calculations only make up a small portion of Six Sigma.