PMI CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) Examination Content OutlineAgile Frameworks/MethodologiesEasy
A project is utilizing a Lean approach to develop a new product. The team is constantly seeking to remove any activities or features that do not add value to the customer. Which Lean principle is the team primarily applying in this scenario?
- AEliminate waste
- BDeliver fast
- COptimize the whole
- DEmpower the team
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Eliminate waste
The core of Lean methodology is identifying and eliminating waste (Muda) – anything that does not add value from the customer's perspective. The team's focus on removing non-value-adding activities directly aligns with this principle.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Delivering fast is a desired outcome of Lean, but 'eliminating waste' is the principle that enables it.
- C. Optimizing the whole is a Lean principle, but the immediate action described is identifying and removing individual waste, which is a component of optimizing the whole.
- D. Empowering the team is a Lean principle, but it's not the primary one demonstrated by the act of removing waste.
Lean Principle: Eliminate Waste
The Lean principle focused on identifying and removing any activity or feature that consumes resources but does not add value from the customer's perspective.
- Identifies seven types of waste (Muda).
- Aims to streamline processes and maximize efficiency.
- Requires continuous observation and improvement.
Memory trick: Lean and mean, cut the fat, make it clean.