During which phase of process improvement are bottlenecks and weaknesses identified?Process measurementProcess analysisProcess changeNone of the above

Step 1: Break Down the Problem

To answer the question, we need to analyze the phases of process improvement and identify where bottlenecks and weaknesses are most commonly identified. The phases listed are:

1. Process measurement
2. Process analysis
3. Process change
4. None of the above

Step 2: Relevant Concepts

In process improvement methodologies (like Six Sigma or Lean), the importance of each phase can be summarized as follows:

• Process Measurement: This phase involves collecting data on the existing process to establish a baseline.
• Process Analysis: This phase focuses on evaluating the process data to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and weaknesses.
• Process Change: In this phase, solutions are implemented to improve the identified weaknesses.

Step 3: Analysis and Detail

• During Process Measurement, the current process is quantified, but weaknesses are not directly identified.
• Process Analysis is the critical phase where the data collected in the measurement phase is thoroughly examined. This leads to the identification of bottlenecks and issues within the process.
• Process Change is subsequent to analysis and aims to rectify these weaknesses.

Step 4: Verify and Summarize

Given that the question focuses on when weaknesses are identified, it is clear that the Process Analysis phase is where this identification occurs.

Final Answer

Bottlenecks and weaknesses are identified during the Process Analysis phase.