Discuss APICS CPIM-Part-2 Exam Topic 4 Question 41

Which of the following statements is true about the mean time between failures (MTBF) measure?

AItis used for non-repairable products.

BAn increase in MTBF is proportional to an increase in quality.

CItis a useful measure of reliability.

DItis the same as operating life or service life.

Suggested Answer: C

Mean time between failures (MTBF) is the predicted elapsed time between inherent failures of a mechanical or electronic system during normal system operation1.MTBF can be calculated as the arithmetic mean (average) time between failures of a system1. MTBF is a useful measure of reliability, because it indicates how long a system is likely to work before failing.The higher the MTBF, the more reliable the system2.Reliability is the probability that a system will perform its intended function without failure for a specified period of time under specified conditions3.

The other statements about MTBF are false. MTBF is not used for non-repairable products, but for repairable systems.For non-repairable products, mean time to failure (MTTF) is used instead4.MTTF is the expected time to failure for a non-repairable system1.An increase in MTBF is not proportional to an increase in quality, because quality is not only determined by reliability, but also by other factors such as performance, functionality, durability, and customer satisfaction5.MTBF is not the same as operating life or service life, because operating life or service life is the total time that a system can operate before it reaches the end of its useful life, while MTBF is the average time between failures during the operating life6.

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31 comments · newest first

Cherelle 10 months ago

Yeah, it's all about how long something lasts before it fails.

Lettie 10 months ago

Wait, isn't MTBF different from service life? Sounds off to me.

Whitley 10 months ago

Totally agree, an increase in MTBF usually means better quality!

Chantell 10 months ago

I thought MTBF was for repairable products, not non-repairable.

Kimbery 11 months ago

MTBF is definitely a measure of reliability.

Iluminada 11 months ago

I know MTBF is a reliability measure, but I don't think it applies to non-repairable products like option A suggests.

Matthew 11 months ago

I feel like MTBF is specifically for repairable products, but I might be mixing it up with something else.

Marva 11 months ago

I remember practicing a question where an increase in MTBF was linked to better quality, but I can't recall if that's always true.

Brett 12 months ago

I think MTBF is definitely related to reliability, but I'm not sure if it's the same as service life.

Matilda 12 months ago

I've got this one! MTBF is for non-repairable products, so option A is the correct answer.

Frankie 12 months ago

The MTBF is definitely a useful reliability measure, but I'm not sure if it's the same as operating life. I'll have to think this through carefully.

Willow 1 year ago

Hmm, I'm a bit unsure about the relationship between MTBF and quality. I'll need to review that concept again.

Lera 1 year ago

This question seems straightforward, but I want to make sure I understand the differences between the MTBF options before selecting an answer.

Mitzie 1 year ago

Hmm, that makes sense too. I can see why that would be important in assessing product reliability.

Kirk 1 year ago

I think I'll just go with C. It sounds the most reasonable, and I don't want to overthink this.

Myra 1 year ago

Haha, I bet the engineers who came up with MTBF were real fun at parties. 'Hey, wanna hear about our latest reliability metric?'

Luann 1 year ago

Hmm, I'm not sure. Is MTBF really used for non-repairable products? That sounds a bit off to me.

Buffy 1 year ago

↳ replying to Luann

C) It is a useful measure of reliability.

Helga 1 year ago

↳ replying to Luann

B) An increase in MTBF is proportional to an increase in quality.

Mitzie 1 year ago

↳ replying to Luann

A) It is used for non-repairable products.

Lucina 1 year ago

I disagree, I believe the correct answer is C) It is a useful measure of reliability.

Belen 1 year ago

D is the answer. MTBF is the same as operating life or service life, which is the average time a product will function before it needs to be replaced.

Lauran 1 year ago

B seems right to me. If the MTBF increases, it means the product's quality has improved, right?

Chery 1 year ago

↳ replying to Lauran

B) An increase in MTBF is proportional to an increase in quality.

Allene 1 year ago

↳ replying to Lauran

A) It is used for non-repairable products.

Mitzie 1 year ago

I think the answer is B) An increase in MTBF is proportional to an increase in quality.

Valda 1 year ago

I think the correct answer is C. MTBF is a useful measure of reliability, as it tells us how long a product is expected to function before it fails.

Elizabeth 1 year ago

↳ replying to Valda

I see, so the correct answer is D. Thanks for clarifying!

Verdell 1 year ago

↳ replying to Valda

Actually, D is the correct answer. MTBF is the same as operating life or service life.

Lenny 1 year ago

↳ replying to Valda

I think it's B. An increase in MTBF is proportional to an increase in quality.

Dominga 1 year ago

↳ replying to Valda

I agree with you, C is the correct answer. MTBF is indeed a useful measure of reliability.

APICS CPIM-Part-2 Exam - Topic 4 Question 41 Discussion