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CAPM Practice: Demonstrate an understanding of common problem-solving tools and techniques

Question 71 of 106 in Demonstrate an understanding of common problem-solving tools and techniques

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A project manager is analyzing a process that produces customer-facing reports. She creates a flowchart, a control chart, and runs a root cause analysis. She finds the process has significant variation (shown on the control chart) and identifies three separate root causes via the fishbone diagram. What is the MOST appropriate sequence of next actions?
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Correct answer: Prioritize root causes using Pareto analysis, then address them starting with the most impactful

Explanation

When multiple root causes are identified, Pareto analysis helps prioritize them by impact. Addressing the most impactful root cause first delivers the greatest improvement with available resources. Attempting to fix all causes simultaneously may dilute effort and complicate measuring effectiveness of individual interventions.

**Why not B:** Resetting control chart limits without addressing root causes would mask the problem rather than solve it. Control limits should only be recalculated after process improvements have been implemented and verified, not as a way to accommodate unacceptable variation.

**Why not C:** Closing the issue and documenting findings is premature. The root causes have been identified but not yet addressed. Lessons learned are captured after corrective actions are implemented and results are measured, not immediately after analysis.

**Why not D:** Fixing all three root causes simultaneously can dilute resources, make it difficult to measure which intervention was effective, and introduce unnecessary risk. Prioritizing by impact ensures the most significant cause is addressed first with focused effort.

Key Concept

This question covers Demonstrate an understanding of common problem-solving tools and techniques under Demonstrate an understanding of common problem-solving tools and techniques (Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts).

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