ME503 MIDTERM EXAM QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
ANSWERS
The most important contribution by Henry Ford that helped increase productivity and
reduce cost of production was? - Answers - The moving assembly line
What is the definition of true lean? - Answers - it is about people who do the work
improving their own work continuously, with support and training from management
What formed the foundation of the Toyota House? - Answers - Toyota Way Philosophy
The two pillars in the Toyota Way Philosophy are? - Answers - Respect for people;
continuous improvement
In the Toyota Production System, emphasis is placed not only on the results of a
particular task but also on the method/procedure of doing this task. Briefly explain the
reason for doing this - Answers - The reason is so that the work can be standardized
and easily repeatable. Having a process that can be easily repeatable calls for less
defects and less waste during the process. A poke yoke is defined as "idiot-proofing" in
the Toyota System, which can be easily accomplished if the process is repeatable with
little to no effort.
'A company can be successful in its lean transformation if all the tools are implemented'.
Briefly explain whether you agree or disagree with this statement and why - Answers - I
disagree with this statement due to the fact that a particular set of lean tools can be
easily mistaken for deep 'lean thinking'. This is only the tip of the iceberg as mentioned
in our slides. Having a total transformation of lean thinking requires altering the culture
of the company. Culture creates continuity throughout the company which helps in
developing a true lean way of thinking
Idling machines are not considered a waste. (True or False) - Answers - True
Utilization-driven manufacturing will eliminate some types of waste (T/F?) - Answers -
False
Harnessing the creativity and skills of employees is time consuming and wasteful. (T/F)
- Answers - False
Searching for tools necessary to change the die is a waste (T/F) - Answers - True
Excess inventory in a system is a symptom of overproduction (T/F) - Answers - True
ANSWERS
The most important contribution by Henry Ford that helped increase productivity and
reduce cost of production was? - Answers - The moving assembly line
What is the definition of true lean? - Answers - it is about people who do the work
improving their own work continuously, with support and training from management
What formed the foundation of the Toyota House? - Answers - Toyota Way Philosophy
The two pillars in the Toyota Way Philosophy are? - Answers - Respect for people;
continuous improvement
In the Toyota Production System, emphasis is placed not only on the results of a
particular task but also on the method/procedure of doing this task. Briefly explain the
reason for doing this - Answers - The reason is so that the work can be standardized
and easily repeatable. Having a process that can be easily repeatable calls for less
defects and less waste during the process. A poke yoke is defined as "idiot-proofing" in
the Toyota System, which can be easily accomplished if the process is repeatable with
little to no effort.
'A company can be successful in its lean transformation if all the tools are implemented'.
Briefly explain whether you agree or disagree with this statement and why - Answers - I
disagree with this statement due to the fact that a particular set of lean tools can be
easily mistaken for deep 'lean thinking'. This is only the tip of the iceberg as mentioned
in our slides. Having a total transformation of lean thinking requires altering the culture
of the company. Culture creates continuity throughout the company which helps in
developing a true lean way of thinking
Idling machines are not considered a waste. (True or False) - Answers - True
Utilization-driven manufacturing will eliminate some types of waste (T/F?) - Answers -
False
Harnessing the creativity and skills of employees is time consuming and wasteful. (T/F)
- Answers - False
Searching for tools necessary to change the die is a waste (T/F) - Answers - True
Excess inventory in a system is a symptom of overproduction (T/F) - Answers - True
