Lean Manufacturing is a management philosophy that focuses on the reduction of seven wastes. Which of the following is NOT one of these seven wastes?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Quality variations
Option (1) Overproduction — One of the seven wastes. Making more than is needed wastes material, effort and storage.
Option (2) Waiting time — One of the seven wastes. Time spent waiting for material, machines or orders adds nothing to the product.
Option (3) Scrap — One of the seven wastes. Scrap is material thrown away, so it is a waste.
Option (4) Quality variations — Not one of the seven wastes. Reducing quality variations is the aim of Six Sigma, a data-driven approach that cuts inefficiencies and saves time and money. Lean Manufacturing targets the seven wastes of overproduction, waiting time, transportation, processing, motion, inventory and scrap.
Note: Lean, Kaizen and Six Sigma are explained in a short glossary at the end of Taylor’s techniques. A few minutes with that glossary can win a full question.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition):
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