Six Sigma Black Belt Certified Practice Exam

Which tool is commonly utilized in the define phase of a project?

1. Affinity diagram

2. Control chart

3. Failure mode and effects analysis

4. Data collection checklist

The correct answer is: Affinity diagram

In the define phase of a Six Sigma project, the primary focus is on clearly identifying the problem, understanding the project goals, and outlining the scope of the project. The affinity diagram is a valuable tool in this phase as it helps teams organize and categorize ideas or information gathered during brainstorming sessions. By visually clustering related thoughts and themes, teams can better understand key issues, prioritize areas of focus, and clarify the project objectives in a structured manner. This approach fosters collaboration and ensures that the input from team members is effectively utilized in defining the problem and setting the direction for the project. The other tools listed—control chart, failure mode and effects analysis, and data collection checklist—are generally applied in later phases, such as analyzing or controlling, where data evaluation and problem identification become crucial.