SNCOA LDR-303S IMPROVING ORGANIZATIONS 8-STEP PRACTICAL
PROBLEM SOLVING METHOD (PPSM) ASSESSMENT EXAM PRACTICE
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALE
Batch 1: Questions 1–50
1. Which step of the 8-Step Practical Problem Solving Method (PPSM) is
considered the foundation of the entire process?
A. Step 2 - Breakdown the Problem
B. Step 1 - Clarify & Validate the Problem
C. Step 4 - Identify Root Causes
D. Step 5 - Develop Countermeasures
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1 is critical because if you solve the wrong problem, all
subsequent steps will be misdirected. This step ensures you understand
where the problem is occurring, who it affects, and its impact .
2. Which Lean principle involves producing only what is "pulled" by the
customer?
,A. The first principle
B. The second principle
C. The third principle
D. The fourth principle
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The fourth Lean principle dictates that production should be
driven by actual customer demand (pull) rather than forecasts (push) .
3. MSgt Ryan says, "This tool can help you recognize which processes
are useful and those that are not. It is used to find out the needs of a
stakeholder." Which tool BEST explains this description?
A. Strategic Alignment and Deployment (SA&D)
B. Go and See
C. Voice of the Customer (VOC)
D. Value Stream Mapping
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale: The Voice of the Customer (VOC) process is a structured
method of gathering the needs, wants, experiences, and expectations
of the customer to identify what adds value .
4. What is the primary purpose of the 6S methodology?
A. To establish consistent work practices to eliminate uncertainty
B. To increase the number of process steps
C. To reduce the workforce
D. To create more paperwork
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The 6S methodology is a Lean workplace practice designed
to establish consistent work practices, eliminate uncertainty, and
create a safe, organized, and efficient work environment .
5. Which type of waste involves doing more work or adding more
features than the customer requires?
A. Overproduction
B. Extra Processing
C. Defects
, D. Motion
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Extra Processing waste refers to doing more work or adding
more features to a product or service than what the customer actually
values or requires .
6. Which step of the PPSM involves getting the problem right, which is
considered the most important part of this step?
A. Step 3 - Set Improvement Targets
B. Step 1 - Clarify & Validate the Problem
C. Step 5 - Develop Countermeasures & Implementation Plan
D. Step 8 - Standardize Successful Processes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1 ensures you understand where the problem is
occurring, who it affects, and its impact on the organization. Getting
this step right is critical to avoiding misdirected efforts .
7. Which of the following is NOT one of the 8 types of waste?
PROBLEM SOLVING METHOD (PPSM) ASSESSMENT EXAM PRACTICE
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALE
Batch 1: Questions 1–50
1. Which step of the 8-Step Practical Problem Solving Method (PPSM) is
considered the foundation of the entire process?
A. Step 2 - Breakdown the Problem
B. Step 1 - Clarify & Validate the Problem
C. Step 4 - Identify Root Causes
D. Step 5 - Develop Countermeasures
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1 is critical because if you solve the wrong problem, all
subsequent steps will be misdirected. This step ensures you understand
where the problem is occurring, who it affects, and its impact .
2. Which Lean principle involves producing only what is "pulled" by the
customer?
,A. The first principle
B. The second principle
C. The third principle
D. The fourth principle
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The fourth Lean principle dictates that production should be
driven by actual customer demand (pull) rather than forecasts (push) .
3. MSgt Ryan says, "This tool can help you recognize which processes
are useful and those that are not. It is used to find out the needs of a
stakeholder." Which tool BEST explains this description?
A. Strategic Alignment and Deployment (SA&D)
B. Go and See
C. Voice of the Customer (VOC)
D. Value Stream Mapping
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale: The Voice of the Customer (VOC) process is a structured
method of gathering the needs, wants, experiences, and expectations
of the customer to identify what adds value .
4. What is the primary purpose of the 6S methodology?
A. To establish consistent work practices to eliminate uncertainty
B. To increase the number of process steps
C. To reduce the workforce
D. To create more paperwork
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The 6S methodology is a Lean workplace practice designed
to establish consistent work practices, eliminate uncertainty, and
create a safe, organized, and efficient work environment .
5. Which type of waste involves doing more work or adding more
features than the customer requires?
A. Overproduction
B. Extra Processing
C. Defects
, D. Motion
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Extra Processing waste refers to doing more work or adding
more features to a product or service than what the customer actually
values or requires .
6. Which step of the PPSM involves getting the problem right, which is
considered the most important part of this step?
A. Step 3 - Set Improvement Targets
B. Step 1 - Clarify & Validate the Problem
C. Step 5 - Develop Countermeasures & Implementation Plan
D. Step 8 - Standardize Successful Processes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1 ensures you understand where the problem is
occurring, who it affects, and its impact on the organization. Getting
this step right is critical to avoiding misdirected efforts .
7. Which of the following is NOT one of the 8 types of waste?
