For most unimproved processes, the proportion of value-added work relative to total activities is approximately:

For most unimproved processes, the proportion of value-added work relative to total activities is approximately:

• A. 25%
• B. 5%
• C. 50%
• D. 80%

Answer: (B)

Value-added time is the portion of work that actually changes the product or service in a way the customer would pay for. In most unimproved processes, this share is very small because a lot of activity involves waiting, transporting, inspecting, reworking, or moving things around—work that doesn’t add customer value. That’s why about 5% of total activities are value-added, with the rest being non-value-added waste. Higher percentages like 25%, 50%, or 80% would suggest much more of the process directly adds value, which isn’t typical before improvements. The goal is to identify and remove the non-value-added steps so the value-added portion can increase.

Value-added time is the portion of work that actually changes the product or service in a way the customer would pay for. In most unimproved processes, this share is very small because a lot of activity involves waiting, transporting, inspecting, reworking, or moving things around—work that doesn’t add customer value.

That’s why about 5% of total activities are value-added, with the rest being non-value-added waste. Higher percentages like 25%, 50%, or 80% would suggest much more of the process directly adds value, which isn’t typical before improvements. The goal is to identify and remove the non-value-added steps so the value-added portion can increase.