CPIM Practice Exam

If a work center crew consistently exceeds the expected output, what is the recommended course of action?

1. Nothing other than to praise the crew.

2. Conduct a new engineering study using time-study techniques.

3. Adjust the standard hours to reflect the crew's output.

4. Tighten standards for all other work centers based on this crew's output.

The correct answer is: Conduct a new engineering study using time-study techniques.

The correct course of action when a work center crew exceeds expected output is to conduct a new engineering study using time-study techniques. This approach ensures that the actual performance of the crew is accurately assessed and documented. By performing a time study, management can analyze the factors contributing to the crew's high productivity, such as improved processes, equipment efficiency, or better skills. This information can then be used to update the production standards, making them more reflective of current capabilities and practices. This not only incentivizes the crew but also provides a basis for setting realistic output expectations across the organization. Adjusting standards without further analysis may misrepresent capabilities, while only praising the crew could overlook the need for systematic improvement and recognition of best practices applicable to other work centers. Tightening standards elsewhere without justification based on a single crew's performance may lead to unrealistic expectations and dissatisfaction.