CPI Certification Practice Test

What does the term "Poka-Yoke" refer to in process management?

1. A technique to increase production speed

2. A mistake-proofing technique used to prevent errors

3. A method for employee evaluation

4. A corrective action for past mistakes

The correct answer is: A mistake-proofing technique used to prevent errors

The term "Poka-Yoke" is a Japanese concept that translates to "mistake-proofing." It refers specifically to techniques employed in process management to eliminate the possibility of errors, ensuring that processes are designed in such a way that mistakes are either impossible or immediately detectable. This method can involve simple mechanisms or systems that help workers avoid mistakes by providing guidance or alerts, thus promoting quality and efficiency in production processes. Rather than simply responding to errors after they occur, Poka-Yoke focuses on preventing them from happening in the first place. The other options, while related to process improvement and management, do not capture the essence of Poka-Yoke. Increasing production speed or evaluating employees does not address error prevention directly, and corrective actions deal with errors after they have happened, rather than preventing them from occurring. Therefore, the choice that accurately represents the Poka-Yoke concept as it applies to process management is the technique that focuses on mistake-proofing and preventing errors.