CPIM Practice Exam

Which activity would likely take place during a Kaizen event?

1. Strategic planning for the next fiscal year

2. Reviewing company profits

3. Conducting process improvement sessions

4. Hosting a company-wide celebration

The correct answer is: Conducting process improvement sessions

During a Kaizen event, the primary focus is on continuous improvement and enhancing processes. Kaizen, which means "change for the better" in Japanese, emphasizes small, incremental changes rather than large-scale transformations. The essence of a Kaizen event involves gathering team members to analyze current workflows, identifying inefficiencies, and brainstorming solutions to improve productivity and quality. In this context, conducting process improvement sessions aligns perfectly with the core goals of a Kaizen event. These sessions provide a structured approach for participants to collaborate, share insights, and implement changes that lead to enhanced operational effectiveness. The other activities listed are not aligned with the purpose of a Kaizen event. For instance, strategic planning for the next fiscal year involves long-term organizational goals, while reviewing company profits focuses on financial performance metrics rather than process efficiency. Hosting a company-wide celebration is an event aimed at morale but does not contribute directly to process improvement or operational enhancements. Thus, engaging in process improvement sessions is the defining characteristic of a Kaizen event, making it the correct choice.