Final answer:
The correct answer here is option a). The Lean principle of 5S dictates that a safe and orderly work environment is also an efficient work environment. It is a methodology comprised of five stages: Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain, all aimed at improving workplace productivity and efficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Lean principle of 5S forms part of a broader methodology aimed at productivity improvement and waste reduction within a workplace. This principle emphasizes organizational practices that promote a more efficient work environment. Specifically, the 5S principle is comprised of five stages: Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain. These stages are designed to create and maintain an organized, clean, and safe workplace, which ultimately contributes to increased efficiency.
Looking at the options provided in the student's question, option a) states that 'a safe and orderly work environment is also an efficient work environment,' which reflects the goals and outcomes of the 5S methodology.
Options b) through e) are related to different aspects of business and operations management but do not directly correspond to the principles of 5S. Option b) involves the use of statistics for improvement which is more in line with the principles of Six Sigma. Options c), d), and e) address aspects of order fulfillment, cultural business efficiency comparisons, and redundancy in operations respectively, which are not related to the core philosophy of the 5S principle.
Therefore, upon evaluating all options in the context of the 5S principle, the correct answer here is option a).