Six Sigma Black Belt Certified Practice Exam

In Six Sigma, what does the term 'process capability' refer to?

1. The ability of a process to produce output that meets specifications

2. The overall efficiency of a production line

3. The number of defects per million opportunities

4. The speed at which a process can operate

The correct answer is: The ability of a process to produce output that meets specifications

The term 'process capability' specifically refers to the ability of a process to produce output that consistently meets specified requirements or standards. This concept is fundamental in Six Sigma as it allows organizations to assess how well their processes perform in relation to defined quality specifications. By measuring process capability, organizations can determine the likelihood of producing items that fall within the acceptable range of quality, thereby ensuring that customer requirements are met. In the context of the options, this focus on meeting specifications distinguishes process capability from other concepts. For example, overall efficiency might pertain to the speed or productivity of a production line, but it does not necessarily indicate whether the output meets quality standards. Similarly, the number of defects per million opportunities relates to defect rates rather than the broader concept of output quality, and the speed of a process pertains solely to time rather than quality compliance. Therefore, the definition of process capability is rightly centered on the alignment of output with predetermined specifications.