What does cycle time measure in a process?

Cycle time measures the time taken from the moment work begins on a specific item until that work is completed. This measurement is crucial in understanding the efficiency and effectiveness of a process. It helps organizations evaluate how quickly they can deliver value to customers or stakeholders by identifying the total duration required for a work item to progress through various stages of a process. By focusing on this measurement, organizations can streamline workflows, eliminate bottlenecks, and ultimately enhance productivity.

The other choices do not accurately capture the essence of cycle time. The duration of planning stages is just one part of a process and does not encompass the entire lifecycle of a work item. The time taken for decision-making and the amount of time spent on corrections might influence cycle time but do not represent the overall measurement itself. Cycle time specifically accounts for the entire duration of the workflow, which is why B is the most accurate option.