Which option describes a misalignment with lean principles associated with production methods?

Which option describes a misalignment with lean principles associated with production methods?

• A. Idle workers
• B. Unnecessary processes
• C. Mass production
• D. Track defects against quality targets

Answer: (C)

Lean production centers on eliminating waste and creating smooth, pull-driven flow of value. Mass production clashes with this approach because it relies on large batches, pushing work through the system and building up inventory, which hides waste, slows responsiveness, and reduces flexibility. That tendency to produce in big lots and stockpile products is a classic lean waste and thus represents the misalignment. Idle workers reflect waste of people’s time, and unnecessary processes are steps that don’t add value, both of which lean aims to minimize. Tracking defects against quality targets supports measurement and continuous improvement, which is also in line with lean principles. So the option describing mass production best fits the misalignment with lean methods.

Lean production centers on eliminating waste and creating smooth, pull-driven flow of value. Mass production clashes with this approach because it relies on large batches, pushing work through the system and building up inventory, which hides waste, slows responsiveness, and reduces flexibility. That tendency to produce in big lots and stockpile products is a classic lean waste and thus represents the misalignment.

Idle workers reflect waste of people’s time, and unnecessary processes are steps that don’t add value, both of which lean aims to minimize. Tracking defects against quality targets supports measurement and continuous improvement, which is also in line with lean principles. So the option describing mass production best fits the misalignment with lean methods.