Free CSSGB sample questions

Correct answer: DMADV (Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, Verify); the key activity is measuring customer needs and specifications.

The scenario describes activities in the 'Measure' and 'Analyze' phases of DMADV. In 'Measure', customer needs (CTQs) are identified and translated into measurable design specifications. In 'Analyze', the team analyzes design options and identifies potential failure modes, often using FMEA. IDOV's 'Design' phase focuses more on developing detailed designs after requirements are set, and 'Optimize' involves refining it, often with advanced tools like simulation.

Correct answer: Flow, by reducing the significant waiting times between process steps.

The value stream map clearly shows that the overwhelming majority of the process time is non-value-added (NVA) waiting time (2 + 4 + 3 = 9 hours). The core Lean principle of Flow aims to minimize or eliminate such interruptions and delays, creating a smooth, continuous movement of work. Addressing the waiting times (a form of waste) is the highest priority identified in this map.

Correct answer: Project A, because it is directly linked to a key organizational driver (patient satisfaction) and has a measurable goal.

Effective Six Sigma projects are tightly linked to organizational goals and key business drivers. Reducing patient admission time directly impacts patient satisfaction, operational efficiency, and potentially patient outcomes, which are core metrics for a hospital. The goal is specific and measurable. Project B is a research/capital project, not a process improvement project, and Project C is not linked to a key business driver.

Correct answer: False

The primary purpose of the RPN (Severity x Occurrence x Detection) is to prioritize risks and focus improvement efforts on the potential failure modes that pose the greatest risk to the process or product. While an FMEA may be part of regulatory documentation, its core function is risk prioritization, not compliance fulfillment.

Correct answer: product functionality; process execution

A Design FMEA focuses on failures that can occur due to the design of the product itself, such as incorrect material choice, wrong tolerances, or software bugs that affect functionality. A Process FMEA focuses on failures that can occur during the manufacturing or delivery of the product/service, such as incorrect machine setup, operator error, or shipping damage, which are all related to process execution.

Correct answers: The system's constraint should be exploited to maximize its throughput.; All other parts of the system should be subordinated to the constraint.

This is the second step of the Five Focusing Steps of TOC. Once the constraint is identified, the goal is to get the absolute most out of it without major expense.

This is the third step of TOC. It means that non-constraint processes should be paced by the constraint. Running them at full capacity would only build up excess work-in-process inventory before the constraint.

Correct answer: Affinity Diagram

An Affinity Diagram (or KJ Method) is specifically designed to organize a large number of ideas, generated from brainstorming, into their natural relationships. The team silently groups related ideas, then creates header cards to name the groups, revealing the underlying themes and structure of the problem.

Correct answer: A consequential metric

A consequential metric (or secondary metric) is a measure that is monitored to ensure that improvements in the primary metric do not cause unintended negative effects in other parts of the process or system. In this case, the team must track processing time to make sure the solution doesn't create a new problem.

Correct answer: Packing materials (box, tape, fill)

In a SIPOC diagram, 'Inputs' are the materials, information, or resources that are transformed by the process. Packing materials are a key physical input required to execute the 'Pack Box' step. The customer's address is part of the order information, the shipped package is an 'Output', and the shipping carrier is a 'Supplier'.

Correct answer: Developing a structured interview guide with open-ended questions to ask each participant consistently.

To collect effective and unbiased qualitative data, it's crucial to eliminate vagueness and ambiguity. A structured guide with open-ended questions (e.g., 'Can you describe your experience with the IT setup process?') ensures that all participants are asked the same core questions, providing consistent data while allowing them to elaborate freely without being led to a specific answer.