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What Is the Purpose of the Cause and Effect Matrix in Six Sigma?
Ace your Lean Six Sigma certification exam by understanding the Cause and Effect (C&E) Matrix. Learn how this powerful tool prioritizes process inputs by quantitatively linking them to the Voice of the Customer (VOC) and Critical to Quality (CTQ) requirements.
Question
What does the Cause and Effect (C&E) Matrix do?
A. Links customer requirements with process drivers
B. Acts as a simple brainstorming tool only
C. Creates financial statements
D. Identifies control limits
Answer
A. Links customer requirements with process drivers
Explanation
It aligns VOC with key factors. The Cause and Effect (C&E) Matrix is a prioritization tool used to identify which process inputs have the most significant impact on the key outcomes that matter to customers.
Prioritizing Inputs Based on Customer Needs
The primary function of the Cause and Effect Matrix is to translate customer needs into a focused action plan. It provides a structured way to evaluate and rank the many potential inputs (causes) of a process to see which ones have the greatest effect on the critical outputs that customers value. This is done by systematically linking the Voice of the Customer (VOC), often expressed as Critical to Quality (CTQ) requirements, to the process inputs or factors that an improvement team can control. By assigning scores, the matrix produces a ranked list that allows the team to prioritize their efforts on the “vital few” inputs that will yield the most significant improvement in customer satisfaction.
Analysis of Incorrect Options
B. Acts as a simple brainstorming tool only: This is incorrect. While identifying potential process drivers involves brainstorming, the core purpose of the C&E Matrix is quantification and prioritization, not just idea generation. A tool like a Fishbone (or Ishikawa) diagram is a pure brainstorming tool, whereas the C&E Matrix takes the potential causes generated and ranks them analytically.
C. Creates financial statements: This is false. Financial statements are accounting documents that report a company’s financial performance. The C&E Matrix is a quality and process improvement tool with no direct function in creating financial reports.
D. Identifies control limits: This is incorrect. Control limits are statistical boundaries used in Statistical Process Control (SPC) charts during the Control phase of DMAIC to monitor a process and ensure it remains stable. The C&E Matrix is typically used earlier, in the Analyze phase, to identify which variables are most important to eventually monitor and control.
Lean Six Sigma: Define, Analyze & Improve certification exam assessment practice question and answer (Q&A) dump including multiple choice questions (MCQ) and objective type questions, with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the Lean Six Sigma: Define, Analyze & Improve exam and earn Lean Six Sigma: Define, Analyze & Improve certificate.