Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Practice Exam

What is the main purpose of control charts in Six Sigma?

1. To determine the root cause of defects

2. To monitor process performance over time

3. To assess customer needs

4. To allocate resources effectively

The correct answer is: To monitor process performance over time

The main purpose of control charts in Six Sigma is to monitor process performance over time. Control charts provide a visual representation of process data, allowing teams to observe variations and trends in the process. By detecting unusual variations, control charts help in ensuring that the process remains stable and that it operates within predetermined limits. This continuous monitoring empowers organizations to identify when a process may be going out of control, prompting timely interventions to maintain quality and efficiency. While the other choices could be valuable in different contexts, they do not specifically capture the essence of control charts as monitoring tools. For instance, determining the root cause of defects typically involves deeper analysis than what control charts provide, and while assessing customer needs and allocating resources effectively are essential business strategies, they do not relate to the primary function of control charts in the Six Sigma methodology.