Question

Cindy Hayes, the CEO of Spurling Inc., wants the organization to focus on measuring product quality, driving process improvement, and cost savings throughout the organization. To this end, she makes different teams and provides champions to sponsor projects, provides training resources, and communicates progress and achievements. The entire plan is integrated into the strategic planning process. Project selections are made based on understanding of the financial as well as the nonfinancial benefits to the organization. Cindy Hayes is practicing the _____ methodology to lower the cost of quality because of its focus on the financial return.

A) Lean Six Sigma.
B) Total Quality Management (TQM).
C) Kaizen.
D) Agile Methodology.

Answer 1

Cindy Hayes is likely practicing the Lean Six Sigma methodology, which emphasizes improving product quality, process improvement, and cost reduction. Lean Six Sigma combines Lean principles with Six Sigma's focus on reducing defects and process variability.

Step-by-step explanation:

The situation described in the question fits best with the Lean Six Sigma methodology. Lean Six Sigma is renowned for its dual focus on process improvement and cost reduction, often through project sponsorship, structured training, and a strategic alignment of projects with both financial and nonfinancial benefits. This methodology combines two powerful management strategies: Lean, which is centered on the elimination of waste to improve process speed and quality, and Six Sigma, which aims to reduce defects and variability in processes. Cindy Hayes' initiative to integrate quality management into the strategic planning process, the provision of training, and the selection of projects based on financial returns indicates a structured approach similar to Lean Six Sigma.

When a spiral design process is applied in product development or process improvement, each iteration through the 'spiral' allows for further refinement and evaluation. The advantage of this iterative process is the continuous enhancement leading to a superior end design or product. However, the disadvantage, as highlighted, is that multiple iterations require time and resources, and without careful planning, these can potentially result in project delays and increased costs — a concern Lean Six Sigma aims to mitigate.