Question 1

Value stream mapping is a project scheduling tool that illustrates all of the "paths" that represent sequences of activities that must be carried out in order for a project to be completed.

Accepted Answer

Value stream mapping is a lean-management method used to analyze and design the flow of materials and information required to bring a product or service to a consumer, not a project scheduling tool.

Question 2

Total quality management (TQM)is based on customer focus,building quality throughout the organization,empowering employees,pursuing a strategy of preventing mistakes,and demonstrating a long-term commitment to continuous improvement.

Accepted Answer

The statement accurately describes the principles of total quality management (TQM).

Question 3

Just-in-time production is a production system that emphasizes the production of goods to meet actual current demand,thus minimizing the need to hold inventories of finished goods and work-in-process at each stage of the supply chain.

Accepted Answer

This is an accurate description of the just-in-time production system.

Question 4

W.Edwards Deming taught that improving quality was a key to business success.

Accepted Answer

W.Edwards Deming was a renowned quality guru who emphasized the importance of improving the quality of products and services for achieving business success. He believed that quality improvement was not just a matter of manufacturing defect-free products, but also involved a deep commitment to continuous improvement, teamwork, leadership, and customer satisfaction. Deming's ideas and principles have been widely adopted by many organizations around the world, and are considered to be a cornerstone of modern quality management practices.

Question 5

The Deming Chain Reaction refers to the compounding of interest that explains why a dollar today is worth more than a dollar tomorrow.

Accepted Answer

The Deming Chain Reaction is actually a management concept developed by W. Edwards Deming that emphasizes a continuous cycle of quality improvement, which ultimately leads to increased customer satisfaction and business success. It has nothing to do with financial principles such as the time value of money.

Question 6

Value stream mapping is a tool that enables firms that want to implement lean production methods to identify sources of waste.

Accepted Answer

Value stream mapping is indeed a tool that helps organizations identify sources of waste in their production processes. This enables them to eliminate or reduce these wastes and carry out lean production.

Question 7

Japanese firms embraced the ideas of quality experts such as W.Edwards Deming and revolutionized their manufacturing by adopting a strategy of a continuous quality improvement.

Accepted Answer

Japanese firms did indeed embrace the ideas of quality experts such as W.Edwards Deming and revolutionized their manufacturing by adopting a strategy of continuous quality improvement. This approach played a significant role in Japan's economic success in the second half of the 20th century.

Question 8

Poka-yoke is a Japanese term that refers to simple procedures built into the production process that prevent workers from making mistakes or allows them to catch and correct mistakes quickly if they do occur.

Accepted Answer

This is an accurate definition of poka-yoke, which is a lean manufacturing technique used to improve quality by preventing errors and defects.

Question 9

Factors that contribute to the cost and challenge of implementing ERP systems include the complexity of the software itself,the need to transfer data and information into the new system,and the challenge of training employees to use the system.

Accepted Answer

The statement accurately identifies the factors that contribute to the cost and challenge of implementing ERP systems.

Question 10

Just-in-time production is called a pull system because actual orders "pull" the goods through the production process.

Accepted Answer

Just-in-time production relies on actual customer demand to trigger the production process, making it a pull system rather than a push system where production is based on forecasts or inventory levels.

Question 11

In order to participate in the Baldrige National Quality Program,firms are required to incorporate the Six Sigma quality program.

Accepted Answer

The Baldrige National Quality Program does not require participating firms to incorporate the Six Sigma quality program. However, Six Sigma principles and tools can be used to support a company's efforts to achieve Baldrige criteria.

Question 12

Although enterprise resource planning software is very easy to implement,once it is in place many organizations find it difficult to use because it makes data entry much more complex.

Accepted Answer

The statement is false. While implementing an ERP system can be complex and time-consuming, once it is in place, it is designed to make data entry easier and more streamlined. This is one of the main benefits of using an ERP system. However, organizations may struggle with using the software if they do not have proper training or if they are not using the software properly.

Question 13

ISO 9000 is a set of generic standards for quality management systems established by the International Organization for Standardization.

Accepted Answer

ISO 9000 is indeed a set of generic standards for quality management systems established by the International Organization for Standardization.

Question 14

Total quality management (TQM)relies on a small cadre of quality experts to exert complete control over the organization's quality assurance efforts.

Accepted Answer

TQM involves a philosophy that emphasizes involvement and participation of all employees in the organization, with the goal of continuous improvement of quality. It is not limited to a small group of quality experts controlling the organization's quality assurance efforts.

Question 15

The Baldrige National Quality Program is an international program to promote operational procedure guidelines for all business practices.

Accepted Answer

The Baldrige National Quality Program is a United States program designed to promote performance excellence among U.S. organizations, not an international program.

Question 16

Six Sigma shares some characteristics with TQM,such as an organization-wide focus on quality and a long-term commitment to continuous quality improvement.

Accepted Answer

Six Sigma and TQM both prioritize quality and continuous improvement, making them similar in some ways.

Question 17

WestJet Airlines has been very successful at applying lean thinking to its operations.

Accepted Answer

WestJet Airlines has implemented various lean thinking practices such as reducing waste and optimizing processes, which has contributed to its success in the industry.

Question 18

Supply chains focus exclusively on coordinating the flow of materials and physical goods.The corresponding flows of information,financial resources,and other services are coordinated by enterprise planning systems that are separate from the supply chain.

Accepted Answer

This statement is false. Supply chain management also involves coordination of information and financial resources, though enterprise planning systems may be used to facilitate this coordination.

Question 19

Even though the implementation of a new ERP system can be daunting,most firms that adopt this type of system view the end result as a success.

Accepted Answer

Despite the challenges and complexities of implementing a new ERP system, most firms tend to view the end result as a success due to the improved efficiency, cost savings, and increased productivity it provides. While there may be some initial resistance and learning curve, the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term challenges.

Question 20

Lean production emphasizes the elimination of waste in all aspects of production processes.

Accepted Answer

Lean production is designed to minimize waste and maximize efficiency in every aspect of a production process. This includes reducing excess inventory, streamlining processes, and minimizing defects. The goal is to create a more efficient and productive system that saves time, resources, and improves the quality of the end product.

Quiz 16: Operations Management: Putting It All Together