Knowledge Check: Quick Quiz

Test your understanding. Answers and short explanations follow the questions.

1. Why is it important to define verification metrics before implementing a countermeasure?
   • a) To make the document look complete
   • b) To ensure you can objectively measure whether the countermeasure removed the root cause
   • c) To delay implementation
2. Which tool is best for brainstorming multiple categories of potential causes?
   • a) 5 Whys
   • b) Fishbone diagram
   • c) A3 (always)
3. True or false: If a countermeasure reduces the symptom but creates another problem, it should always be rolled out company-wide.
4. When using 5 Whys, what is the most important safeguard?
   • a) Stop after exactly five whys
   • b) Always blame the person who made the last action
   • c) Seek evidence for each causal step and confirm before accepting it as root cause
5. What is a quick sign that a problem is suitable for a small A3 and short test (<4 weeks)?
   • a) The problem is clearly tied to a process or equipment element that can be changed and measured in the short term
   • b) It requires a long organizational policy change that will take months
   • c) No data exists and no one is willing to collect any

Answers

1. b) Verification metrics let you objectively determine if the countermeasure removed the root cause rather than masking the symptom.
2. b) Fishbone diagrams help teams consider multiple cause categories before drilling down.
3. False. If a countermeasure creates other problems, it needs further testing and adjustment before any broader rollout.
4. c) Evidence for each why prevents confirmation bias and premature conclusions.
5. a) Problems that can be changed and measured quickly are ideal for a small A3 and a short test; longer policy issues need larger change management approaches.