Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Practice Exam

What is the next step after identifying the constraints of a system in the Theory of Constraints (TOC)?

1. Return to the first step

2. Elevate the system's constraints

3. Decide how to exploit the system's constraints

4. Subordinate everything else to the above decisions

The correct answer is: Decide how to exploit the system's constraints

After identifying the constraints of a system in the Theory of Constraints (TOC), the logical next step is to decide how to exploit those constraints. This involves making the most of the existing capacity of the constraints to maximize throughput. By focusing efforts on ensuring that the constraint is operating efficiently and effectively, an organization can improve performance and achieve better outcomes. Exploiting the constraint means ensuring that it is not idle, that it is always working at its highest capacity, and that any potential disruptions are minimized. This step is critical as it directly impacts the throughput of the overall system. The other options do not follow directly after identifying constraints. For instance, elevating the system's constraints is the next step after exploitation if further capacity is needed. Subordinating everything else to the constraint addresses how other parts of the system should adjust to support the constraint, but this comes after making decisions on how to exploit it. Returning to the first step would not be appropriate at this stage, as it would imply a lack of progress.