CPIM Practice Exam

Which method would be least effective for determining the root cause of process issues?

1. A cause-and-effect diagram

2. A brainstorming session with team members

3. A complete statistical analysis of all outputs

4. A check sheet to gather initial data

The correct answer is: A complete statistical analysis of all outputs

Determining the root cause of process issues requires a method that thoroughly investigates the underlying factors contributing to problems. A complete statistical analysis of all outputs, while it provides valuable data, often focuses on outputs rather than the processes themselves. This method can quantify performance and identify abnormalities but may not reveal the underlying causes of those issues. On the other hand, tools like a cause-and-effect diagram, brainstorming sessions, and check sheets are specifically designed to facilitate a deeper understanding of the relationships between processes and issues. A cause-and-effect diagram helps visualize potential contributing factors, brainstorming encourages team collaboration to uncover various perspectives, and a check sheet can effectively collect data that might indicate specific areas for further exploration. Therefore, while statistical analysis can be useful for evaluating performance metrics, it may not be the most effective standalone method for root cause analysis, as it lacks the qualitative insights provided by other approaches.