Which practice supports the sustainability of improvements?

• A. Create ad hoc processes
• B. Standardize processes
• C. Shorten audits
• D. Remove governance

Answer: (B)

Sustained improvements come from making the new way of working the standard way to operate. Standardizing processes means documenting the new method, outlining clear steps, responsibilities, and criteria, and embedding it into daily practice as standard work. When everyone follows the same procedure, variability decreases, performance becomes predictable, and it’s easier to monitor for drift and reinforce the improvement through training and ongoing checks. This built-in consistency also supports governance and measurement, so the gains are more likely to endure even as people change or pressure increases. Ad hoc processes, shorter audits, and removing governance all introduce variability or reduce the oversight needed to keep the improvement in place, making them less effective at sustaining results.