Learning About Lean

Try It Yourself: The 5 Whys Method

The 5 Whys technique helps you uncover the real cause of a problem, not just treat the symptoms. It’s simple: just ask “why?” repeatedly until you get to the root.     This exercise will walk you through applying it to a minor everyday issue.

How to Use the 5 Whys:

Identify a small, real problem you’ve experienced recently.
(e.g., “I was late to class”)

Ask yourself: “Why did this happen?”
Write your answer.

Ask “Why?” again about that answer.

Repeat until you’ve asked “Why?” at least 5 times.

The final answer is often your root cause — and something you can fix or influence.

If you get stuck, don’t force it — sometimes 3 whys is enough!

💡 Pro Tip: Be honest and don’t blame others. The 5 Whys only works when you’re willing to look inward or systemically — not point fingers.

Answer Key – 5 Whys Quiz

Q1: What is the purpose of the 5 Whys method?
✅ Correct Answer: To identify the root cause of a problem
📌 Asking “Why?” repeatedly helps move past symptoms and surface-level causes toward something actionable that can be improved.

Q2: When should you stop asking “Why?” during the 5 Whys process?
✅ Correct Answer: When you identify a cause that is within your control and can be addressed
📌 The goal is not to reach an arbitrary number or assign blame — it’s to reach the point where you can intervene meaningfully.

The 7 Wastes Answer Key

Q1: Which of these is a type of waste in Lean?
✅ Correct Answer: Overproduction
📌 Overproduction happens when more is made than needed or before it’s needed — leading to excess inventory, defects, or delay.

Q2: “Motion” waste refers to:
✅ Correct Answer: Unnecessary movement of people during a process
📌 This includes walking, reaching, or shifting frequently between tools or workstations — often overlooked but cumulative in cost.

Answer Key – Value Stream Mapping Quiz

Q1: What is the primary purpose of Value Stream Mapping?
✅ Correct Answer: To visualize a process and identify waste
📌 VSM maps out every step in a process to show how materials and information flow — highlighting delays, inefficiencies, and opportunities to improve.

Q2: Which of the following is least likely to appear on a value stream map?
✅ Correct Answer: Customer names
📌 VSM focuses on process elements like steps, inventory, wait times, and handoffs. Individual customer data is not typically included unless specifically relevant to process variation.

 

Answer Key – 5S Quiz

Q1:
❌ Incorrect Option: “Simplify”
✅ Correct Answer: Sort, Shine, Sustain are all part of 5S — Simplify is not.

Q2:
✅ Correct Answer: “Shine” means clean the workspace and inspect for problems.