Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Practice Exam

In business process management (BPM), how does a project management approach help to improve quality?

1. Products no longer pass through multiple horizontal business levels of the company

2. One person is responsible for the product through all stages of production

3. Processes no longer flow through multiple vertical functions of the company

4. Each stage of the overall process is managed separately

The correct answer is: One person is responsible for the product through all stages of production

The emphasis on having one person responsible for the product through all stages of production ties directly into a key principle of project management and quality improvement. This approach fosters accountability and ensures that there is a single point of oversight throughout the lifecycle of the product, which can lead to more consistent quality control and responsiveness to issues that arise. When one individual manages the product from inception to completion, there is a clearer communication path, reducing the chances of misunderstandings or misalignments that could negatively impact quality. This accountability helps in identifying problems more efficiently, ensuring that corrections can be made promptly and that quality standards are consistently met throughout the production process. The other approaches listed do not inherently connect to the concept of improved quality in the same direct manner. For example, changes in how products flow through levels or functions may enhance efficiency but do not guarantee that quality will be monitored effectively. Managing stages separately can create silos and lead to a lack of cohesive quality assurance across the entire process. Thus, having one individual oversee the entire lifecycle presents a structured method for maintaining quality in a business process management context.