Six Sigma Tools for Define and Measure from Coursera

This course is for you if you are looking to learn more about Six Sigma or refresh your knowledge of the basic components of Six Sigma and Lean. Six Sigma skills are widely sought by employers both nationally and internationally. These skills have been proven to help improve business processes and performance. This course will cover the Define phase and introduce you to the Measure phase of the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control) process. You will learn about Six Sigma project development and implementation, you will become familiar with project management tools, you will be introduced to statistics and understand its significance to Six Sigma, and finally you will learn about data collection and its importance to an organization.

Every module will include readings, videos, and a quiz to help make sure you understand the material and concepts that are studied. You will also have the opportunity to participate in peer review exercises to give you the opportunity to apply the material to your daily life.

Our applied curriculum is built around the latest handbook The Certified Six Sigma Handbook (2nd edition) and students will develop /learn the fundamentals of Six Sigma. Registration includes online access to course content, projects, and resources but does not include the companion text The Certified Six Sigma Handbook (2nd edition). The companion text is not required to complete the assignments. However, the text is a recognized handbook used by professionals in the field. Also, it is a highly recommended text for those wishing to move forward in Six Sigma and eventually gain certification from professional agencies such as American Society for Quality (ASQ).

What's inside

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.

Project Management Basics

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.

Basic Statistics

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.

Data Collection

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.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Well-suited for those desiring foundational knowledge to build upon in future studies or a career field

Introduces Six Sigma methods and tools, beneficial for various industries seeking process improvement

Provides practical skills in project management and data analysis applicable to real-world Six Sigma projects

Taught by experienced instructors with backgrounds in engineering and Six Sigma, ensuring subject matter expertise

Requires proficiency in basic statistics, which may necessitate additional background knowledge or self-study

Companion textbook recommended but not included, potentially incurring additional expenses for learners

Reviews summary

Six sigma tools for define and measure

According to students, this course is largely positive with a focus on Six Sigma tools for defining and measuring problems and opportunities. Learners say that the material is well-structured and makes concepts easy to grasp. Many instructors are praised for clear explanations and engaging presentations. Topics students have highlighted as well-covered include: project development, management, statistics, data collection, Six Sigma certifications, and business improvement practices. However, a few learners suggest that more real-life examples and practical activities would be beneficial. Also, some students have expressed difficulty with content delivered by Professor David Cook in weeks 1 and 4.

Instructors are engaging and make the material interesting.

"Great Theory, good explanation."

"Interesting course delivery by the instructors yet very instructive."

"The course which every aspiring mechanical engineer should forward to."

Well-structured and easy to follow.

"The course outline is well designed."

"The course is well-designed to cover the topics of define and measure such as project development and management and basic statistics."

"The course comprises well the principles of project management and estatistics in order to define and measure a problem."

Instructors provide clear explanations.

"The course instructors make the material easy to understand."

"I thought this course was excellent."

"The videos go along with the text well."

Covers Six Sigma tools and concepts thoroughly.

"This course helped me to get a good knowledge about the define and measure parts of yellow belt six sigma."

"I got lots of information about data collection, measuement, analysis."

"Uncover the initial steps of Six Sigma to Define and Measure the populations we want to analyze in our projects."

Some students have experienced difficulty with content delivered by Professor David Cook.

"Weeks 1 and 4 were very hard to follow, not because they were difficult, but due to the presentation style."

"David Cook's Sections are weak, not coherent, and need to be reviewed."

"The optional quizzes popped in before the thoughts were concluded."

Provides limited practical application.

"I feel as though the online could have given us more real life examples and training for each data collection and analysis mentioned."

"This course was more of theory than practical activities which used to be the Six Sigma Principles Course."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Six Sigma Tools for Define and Measure with these activities:

Review Statistics Concepts

Show steps

Strengthen your foundation by revisiting fundamental statistical concepts, such as mean, median, and standard deviation.

Browse courses on Probability and Statistics

Show steps

Review your notes from previous statistics courses
Use online resources or textbooks to refresh your understanding
Work through practice problems to test your comprehension

Show all one activities

Career center

Learners who complete Six Sigma Tools for Define and Measure will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Consultant

Consultants work with businesses and organizations to improve their performance. They may be involved in a variety of projects, including process improvement, quality control, and strategic planning. A Six Sigma certification can be a valuable asset for a Consultant, as it demonstrates their expertise in process improvement and data analysis. This course can help Consultants develop the skills they need to succeed in this role, including project management, data collection, and statistical analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. They use statistical methods and software to identify trends, patterns, and relationships in data. A Six Sigma certification can be helpful for Data Analysts, as it demonstrates their expertise in data analysis and process improvement. This course can help Data Analysts develop the skills they need to succeed in this role, including project management, data collection, and statistical analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Lean Six Sigma Manager

Lean Six Sigma Managers are responsible for leading and managing Six Sigma projects and initiatives. They work with teams to identify and eliminate waste, and to improve quality and productivity. A Six Sigma certification is required for this role, and this course can help Lean Six Sigma Managers develop the skills they need to succeed in this role, including project management, data collection, and statistical analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lean Six Sigma Manager

Quality Manager

Quality Managers are responsible for developing and implementing quality management systems to ensure that products and services meet customer requirements. They use statistical methods and tools to identify and eliminate defects, and to improve quality and productivity. A Six Sigma certification can be helpful for Quality Managers, as it demonstrates their expertise in quality management and process improvement. This course can help Quality Managers develop the skills they need to succeed in this role, including project management, data collection, and statistical analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Manager

Process Engineer

Process Engineers design, improve, and maintain processes to ensure that they are efficient and effective. They use statistical methods and tools to identify and eliminate waste, and to improve quality and productivity. A Six Sigma certification can be helpful for Process Engineers, as it demonstrates their expertise in process improvement and data analysis. This course can help Process Engineers develop the skills they need to succeed in this role, including project management, data collection, and statistical analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Process Engineer

Operations Manager

Operations Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the operations of a business or organization. They work to ensure that operations are efficient and effective, and that quality standards are met. A Six Sigma certification can be helpful for Operations Managers, as it demonstrates their expertise in process improvement and data analysis. This course can help Operations Managers develop the skills they need to succeed in this role, including project management, data collection, and statistical analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and executing projects. They work with teams to develop and implement project plans, and to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to scope. A Six Sigma certification can be helpful for Project Managers, as it demonstrates their expertise in project management and process improvement. This course can help Project Managers develop the skills they need to succeed in this role, including project management, data collection, and statistical analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Quality Engineer

Quality Engineers are responsible for developing and implementing quality control systems to ensure that products and services meet customer requirements. They use statistical methods and tools to identify and eliminate defects, and to improve quality and productivity. A Six Sigma certification can be helpful for Quality Engineers, as it demonstrates their expertise in quality management and process improvement. This course can help Quality Engineers develop the skills they need to succeed in this role, including project management, data collection, and statistical analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Engineer

Business Analyst

Business Analysts work with businesses and organizations to identify and solve business problems. They use analytical methods and tools to understand business needs, and to develop and implement solutions. A Six Sigma certification can be helpful for Business Analysts, as it demonstrates their expertise in process improvement and data analysis. This course can help Business Analysts develop the skills they need to succeed in this role, including project management, data collection, and statistical analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses and organizations make informed decisions. They use statistical methods and software to identify trends, patterns, and relationships in data. A Six Sigma certification can be helpful for Statisticians, as it demonstrates their expertise in data analysis and process improvement. This course can help Statisticians develop the skills they need to succeed in this role, including project management, data collection, and statistical analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Industrial Engineer

Industrial Engineers design, improve, and install integrated systems of people, materials, and equipment. They work to ensure that systems are efficient and effective, and that quality standards are met. A Six Sigma certification can be helpful for Industrial Engineers, as it demonstrates their expertise in process improvement and data analysis. This course can help Industrial Engineers develop the skills they need to succeed in this role, including project management, data collection, and statistical analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineers design, develop, and implement manufacturing processes. They work to ensure that products are manufactured efficiently and effectively, and that quality standards are met. A Six Sigma certification can be helpful for Manufacturing Engineers, as it demonstrates their expertise in process improvement and data analysis. This course can help Manufacturing Engineers develop the skills they need to succeed in this role, including project management, data collection, and statistical analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Manufacturing Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use statistical methods and machine learning to extract insights from data. They work with businesses and organizations to solve business problems and improve decision-making. A Six Sigma certification can be helpful for Data Scientists, as it demonstrates their expertise in data analysis and process improvement. This course can help Data Scientists develop the skills they need to succeed in this role, including project management, data collection, and statistical analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work to ensure that software is efficient, effective, and meets user requirements. A Six Sigma certification can be helpful for Software Engineers, as it demonstrates their expertise in process improvement and data analysis. This course can help Software Engineers develop the skills they need to succeed in this role, including project management, data collection, and statistical analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts analyze financial data to help businesses and organizations make informed decisions. They use statistical methods and financial models to identify trends, patterns, and relationships in data. A Six Sigma certification can be helpful for Financial Analysts, as it demonstrates their expertise in data analysis and process improvement. This course can help Financial Analysts develop the skills they need to succeed in this role, including project management, data collection, and statistical analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst