APICS Exam CTSC Topic 3 Question 43 Discussion

Actual exam question for APICS's CTSC exam

Question #: 43
Topic #: 3

[All CTSC Questions]

Which of the following models explains how accidents happen in complex systems?

AContinuous flow

BFast chain

CHerringbone

DSwiss cheese

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: D

According to the CTSC Ex-am Content Manual1, the Swiss cheese model is one of the accident models that explains how accidents happen in complex systems. The model compares the system to a stack of slices of Swiss cheese, where each slice represents a layer of defense or protection against hazards. The holes in the cheese represent weaknesses or failures in each layer. Normally, the holes do not align and the system is safe. However, when the holes align, a hazard can penetrate through the layers and cause an accident. The model illustrates how multiple factors and conditions can combine to create a pathway for an accident.

1: https://www.ascm.org/ctsc-ecm/

by Edwin at Nov 01, 2025, 01:06 PM

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Carri

3 days ago

The Swiss cheese model sounds familiar, but I can't quite remember the details. I'll have to review my notes to make sure I understand it properly before answering.

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Tanesha

9 days ago

Hmm, I'm not too sure about this one. I'll have to think it through carefully. Maybe the fast chain model could work, but I'm not confident about that.

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Adaline

14 days ago

I think the Swiss cheese model is the one that explains how accidents happen in complex systems. It makes sense with the layers of defenses and how a single failure isn't enough to cause an accident.

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