PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) Practice Exam

Which principle is a foundational concept in Lean and Agile approaches to continuous improvement?

1. Elimination of waste

2. Maximizing output regardless of input

3. Increasing documentation for transparency

4. Focusing solely on delivering features

The correct answer is: Elimination of waste

The elimination of waste is a foundational concept in Lean and Agile methodologies, as it directly supports the principles of continuous improvement. In these approaches, waste refers to any activity or resource that does not add value to the product or service being delivered. By identifying and minimizing waste, teams can streamline their processes, reduce costs, and improve efficiency, ultimately leading to a more effective workflow and enhanced value delivery. Continuous improvement, also known as "Kaizen" in Lean philosophy, emphasizes the importance of ongoing enhancements in processes, products, and services. This principle encourages teams to continuously evaluate and refine their operations, fostering a culture of learning and adaptation. Focusing on waste reduction aligns with this goal, as it not only improves current practices but also creates a foundation for future innovations and improvements. The other options do not align with the core principles of Lean and Agile. Maximizing output regardless of input could lead to overproduction and inefficiencies, which contradicts the objective of waste elimination. Increasing documentation for transparency, while important in certain contexts, is not a core principle in Lean or Agile, where the focus tends to be on delivering value rather than excessive documentation. Lastly, focusing solely on delivering features does not encompass the broader scope of continuous improvement, which includes enhancing processes