CPIM Practice Exam

What are common causes of variation in a process?

1. Causes that can be easily fixed

2. Random variation that affects process outcomes

3. Specific identifiable sources of defect

4. External factors impacting production timelines

The correct answer is: Random variation that affects process outcomes

The correct answer highlights that random variation is a natural part of any process and affects its outcomes. This type of variation is often caused by numerous small, unpredictable factors that are inherent in the system, leading to variability in results such as output quality or time to completion. Recognizing and understanding random variation is crucial for process improvement methodologies, as it helps teams identify what aspects of the process can be standardized and which require closer monitoring. Other options address different aspects of variation but don't focus on the common, inherent randomness found in processes. Options that suggest easily fixable causes or specific, identifiable sources are more related to special or assignable causes of variation, which can often be documented and resolved through corrective action. Finally, while external factors can certainly impact production timelines, they do not constitute a part of the inherent variability of a process itself. Understanding these distinctions can help in effective process management and improvement efforts.