Process mapping
⏱ ~3-min readAceMark Guide
What this topic is really about
The fishbone diagram is a cause-and-effect tool used in the Analyze phase to systematically brainstorm and categorize potential root causes of a problem. It is not used in the Control phase (Option C), which instead focuses on sustaining improvements rather than identifying new issues.
Value stream mapping is a Lean tool used to visualize both the flow of materials and the flow of information required to bring a product to the customer. It is far more comprehensive than option A, which only focuses on unit cost rather than identifying wastes and processing times.
See the mechanism
A SIPOC diagram is a high-level process mapping tool that identifies the Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, and Customers involved in a process. A diagram for this topic isn't available yet — the worked example below walks the same reasoning step by step.
An exam-style question, fully explained
A SIPOC diagram includes:
- Identify what the question tests: A SIPOC diagram includes:.
- A SIPOC diagram is a high-level process mapping tool that identifies the Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, and Customers involved in a process.
- Option B is incorrect because it replaces these standard terms with unrelated business concepts like strategy and cost.
Traps the examiner sets
- Option B is incorrect because it replaces these standard terms with unrelated business concepts like strategy and cost.
Test your recall
Answer each from memory — you'll see instantly whether you're right and why.
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