ProcessExecute with urgency to deliver valueeasy
A team using a kanban board has many items in progress but very few reaching completion, and cycle time is increasing. What is the most appropriate action?
- AStart additional items so the team has work available if something becomes blocked.
- BAssign each team member to a dedicated item to increase individual accountability.
- CSet work-in-progress limits so the team finishes in-flight items before pulling new work.
- DExtend the reporting period so cycle time appears more stable.
Explanation
Correct answer: CLimiting work in progress improves flow and reduces cycle time; excess parallel work is what causes items to stall.
- A
- Starting more work is the cause of the problem, not the cure; it further fragments attention and lengthens cycle time.
- B
- Dedicating one item per person still leaves many items open simultaneously and ignores the need for swarming on blockers.
- C
- Correct. WIP limits force the team to finish before starting, which restores flow and brings cycle time down.
- D
- Changing the measurement window disguises the symptom without improving anything.