Which Lean Six Sigma principle emphasizes the elimination of waste to enhance process performance?

The principle that emphasizes the elimination of waste to enhance process performance is Continuous Improvement. This concept is fundamental to Lean Six Sigma as it focuses on ongoing efforts to enhance products, services, or processes. Continuous Improvement encourages organizations to systematically identify and remove waste—whether in time, resources, or activities—that do not add value to the customer.

By continuously seeking ways to improve processes and reduce waste, organizations can increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve quality. This is essential in creating a more streamlined operation where every part of the process is optimized for effectiveness.

While other principles such as Quality Control and Defect Prevention are important for maintaining standards and reducing errors, they are not specifically centered around the elimination of waste as the primary focus. Value Stream Mapping is a tool used in the Continuous Improvement process to visualize and analyze the steps in a process and identify areas of waste. However, it is not a principle itself; it is a technique that supports the broader aim of Continuous Improvement.