One step in a workflow takes twice as long as all others. What is the most effective improvement focus?

A. Speed up all steps equally

B. Improve the slowest step

C. Add more steps

D. Reduce quality standards

A fix improves short-term output but increases long-term maintenance effort. What does this indicate?

A. The fix is successful

B. The system is optimized

C. The fix trades short-term gain for long-term cost

D. Maintenance is inefficient

A system change improves one department’s efficiency but reduces overall output. What principle was likely violated?

A. Speed optimization

B. Local optimization vs system optimization

C. Skill alignment

D. Accountability

You are improving a system with these properties:

Which improvement approach is most likely to increase long-term stability?

A. Optimize the fastest-performing step

B. Add strict controls to each step

C. Reduce coupling between system components

D. Increase monitoring and reporting