Six Sigma Tools for Define and Measure

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/six-sigma-tools-define-measure

Introduction

### Course Review: Six Sigma Tools for Define and Measure on Coursera As businesses become more focused on efficiency and quality, the demand for Six Sigma skills continues to rise. For professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of this methodology, particularly in the early stages of project development, the course "Six Sigma Tools for Define and Measure" offers a solid foundation. This course is led by an experienced team from Kennesaw State University, consisting of Dr. Bill Bailey, Dr. David Cook, Dr. Christine Scherrer, and Dr. Gregory Wiles. #### Overview This course serves as the second module in the Six Sigma Yellow Belt Specialization and is designed for both beginners looking to gain new skills and experienced professionals looking to refresh their knowledge. It focuses on the Define and Measure phases of the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control) framework, which is critical for any Six Sigma practitioner. The widely recognized Six Sigma skills help organizations streamline processes and maximize performance, making this course essential for individuals aiming to excel in their careers or at the organizational level. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Project Identification**: The course starts with an essential introduction to project identification and selection, stressing the importance of aligning with customer and stakeholder needs. This module establishes a critical understanding of how project development integrates with Six Sigma principles and the absolute necessity for proper resource allocation. 2. **Project Management Basics**: Building on project identification, this module delves into the fundamentals of project management within the context of Six Sigma. Participants will explore key tools such as activity network diagrams and matrix charts—essential for effective management and organization of projects. This knowledge is crucial for anyone looking to lead Six Sigma initiatives effectively. 3. **Basic Statistics**: Transitioning into the Measure phase, participants are introduced to basic statistics that are vital for interpreting data in Six Sigma practices. This module covers fundamental statistical measures, enhancing learners' ability to analyze data accurately—a key skill when undertaking Six Sigma projects. 4. **Data Collection**: Finally, the course focuses on data collection techniques and best practices, emphasizing the importance of accuracy and integrity when handling data. Understanding how to gather data effectively is critical, as it lays the groundwork for the analysis that follows in the Six Sigma process. #### Recommendations **Who Should Take This Course?** This course is ideal for professionals across various industries, project managers, quality assurance specialists, and anyone interested in understanding and implementing Six Sigma strategies to drive process improvement. Whether you are new to Six Sigma or looking to solidify your knowledge, this course offers valuable insights and techniques. **What Will You Gain?** By the end of this course, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of the define and measure phases of DMAIC. They will be equipped with practical tools and methodologies to initiate Six Sigma projects effectively, making them assets to their organizations. **Course Format and Accessibility** The course is structured with a mix of video lectures, readings, and quizzes that facilitate an engaging learning experience. Coursera’s platform allows for flexibility in self-paced learning, enabling learners to balance their education with professional commitments. ### Conclusion Overall, "Six Sigma Tools for Define and Measure" on Coursera is a well-structured program that effectively equips learners with essential Six Sigma skills. With experienced instructors, a comprehensive syllabus, and practical insights, this course is highly recommended for anyone seeking to make a difference in their professional environment through improved business processes. If you're ready to take your first step towards mastering Six Sigma methodologies, enroll today and become a key player in your organization’s journey to excellence!

Syllabus

Project Identification

Welcome to Six Sigma Tools for Define and Measure! This is the second course in the Six Sigma Yellow Belt Specialization. Your team of instructors, Dr. Bill Bailey, Dr. David Cook, Dr. Christine Scherrer, and Dr. Gregory Wiles, currently work in the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology at Kennesaw State University. This module will introduce you to the process of project development and selection. The first phase of the DMAIC process is the Define phase which begins with project identification and proceeds onto project management. When identifying Six Sigma projects it is important to ensure that resources and time are used in the most effective and productive way. In this module you will learn about the importance of customer and stakeholder needs in relation to project development.

Now that we have identified the Six Sigma project how to we begin to develop it? This module will cover the basics of project development and management. You will be introduced to many common aspects of a project plan as well as tools for managing your project. These tools include activity network diagrams, affinity diagrams, tree diagrams, relations charts, and matrix charts. Project Management is the second aspect of the Define phase in the DMAIC process of Six Sigma.

The next phase of the DIMAC process is the Measure phase. We will begin by exploring basic statistics and its significance to Six Sigma. This module will introduce you to the measures of variance, range, standard deviation, center, mean, median, and mode. You will also learn how to interpret these measures using given data sets.

The second aspect of the Measure phase is Data Collection. In the previous module we learned about statistics and how to use data for different needs. In this module we will learn different techniques on how to collect data, the reasons for collecting data, and ensuring data accuracy and integrity.