Six Sigma Black Belt Certified Practice Exam

Which performance measure best evaluates the tangible effects of a Six Sigma project?

1. Cycle time

2. Team member absentee rate

3. Employee morale

4. Unsolicited compliments from customers

The correct answer is: Cycle time

Cycle time is the most effective performance measure for evaluating the tangible effects of a Six Sigma project because it quantifies the time taken to complete a process from start to finish. In a Six Sigma framework, improving cycle time implies enhancements in process efficiency, productivity, and overall operational performance. It allows organizations to evaluate how changes implemented through Six Sigma initiatives have directly impacted the speed of service or production, which is a clear indicator of performance improvement. While the other measures provide insights into various aspects of organizational performance, they do not directly reflect the tangible outcomes of improvements made through a Six Sigma project. For instance, measuring team member absentee rates might indicate workforce stability or issues that need addressing but does not capture the immediate effectiveness of project implementation. Likewise, employee morale is essential for a healthy work environment but is more subjective and less tied to quantitative improvements. Unsolicited compliments from customers may highlight customer satisfaction and positive experiences, but they lack the definitive quantifiable nature necessary for a solid performance evaluation. Thus, cycle time stands out as the primary measure that showcases concrete results from Six Sigma efforts.