Six Sigma Advanced Define and Measure Phases from Coursera

This course is for you if you are looking to dive deeper into Six Sigma or strengthen and expand your knowledge of the basic components of green belt level 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 take you deeper into the principles and tools associated with the "Define" and "Measure" phases of the DMAIC structure of Six Sigma.

It is highly recommended that you complete the "Yellow Belt Specialization" and the course "Six Sigma and the Organization (Advanced)" before beginning this course.

In this course, your instructors will introduce you to, and have you apply, some of the tools and metrics that are critical components of Six Sigma. This course will provide you with the advanced knowledge of team dynamics and performance, process analysis, probability, statistics, statistical distributions, collecting and summarizing data, measurement systems analysis, process and performance capability, and exploratory data analysis associated with Six Sigma and Lean.

Every module will include readings, videos, and quizzes to help make sure you understand the material and concepts that are studied.

Registration includes online access to course content, projects, and resources but does not include the companion text The Certified Six Sigma Green Belt 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

Yellow Belt Refresher - Team Basics

This module is a Yellow Belt Refresher Area, since some learners may have entered this course without having taken the previous yellow belt material. This refresher area does not serve as a "replacement" for taking the yellow belt specialization. It is only a "patch" for those who already have some knowledge of six sigma, but find the yellow belt specialization to be too introductory for their current situation. If you find yourself struggling with the green belt material in this course, it is highly recommended that you travel through the yellow belt specialization before attempting the green belt content. In this module you will learn about team development, different types of teams, tools for decision making, and tools for communication.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides advanced knowledge of Six Sigma's "Define" and "Measure" phases, which are key in improving business processes

Taught by instructors who are experts in Six Sigma, ensuring learners receive up-to-date and relevant industry knowledge

Emphasizes advanced tools and metrics like team dynamics, process analysis, statistics, and data analysis, making it suitable for those seeking deeper Six Sigma expertise

Recommended for learners with a solid foundation in Yellow Belt and "Six Sigma and the Organization (Advanced)" courses, ensuring a smooth learning progression

Requires learners to have access to course materials such as the "Certified Six Sigma Green Belt Handbook (2nd edition)", which may incur additional expenses

Reviews summary

Advanced six sigma define and measure

According to students, this course provides a solid foundation and practical tools for the Define and Measure phases of Six Sigma Green Belt. Learners frequently praise the useful assignments and clear explanations in many modules, finding the content directly applicable to professional settings. However, several reviews note that the statistics sections can be challenging and may require additional study or prior knowledge. While the course is generally well-structured, some learners feel the recommended Yellow Belt prerequisite is essential for success, and that having the companion handbook could be beneficial for deeper understanding.

Lectures and materials are mostly clear and structured.

"Most of the videos and readings were very clear and helped break down complex Six Sigma concepts effectively."

"I liked how the modules were organized logically, making it easy to follow the DMAIC structure."

"The instructors explain the tools and methodologies in a straightforward manner."

"The quizzes helped reinforce my understanding of the material presented in the lectures."

Content is highly relevant to real-world projects.

"The assignments were very practical and helped me understand how to apply Six Sigma tools in my work."

"I really appreciated the focus on tools and techniques I could immediately use in my business process improvement projects."

"Learned valuable methods for process mapping and data collection that are directly applicable to my job."

"The course content is highly relevant for anyone working on process improvement initiatives."

Additional resources or handbook may be needed.

"Although the handbook isn't required, I think having it would significantly aid understanding, especially for certification prep."

"I had to supplement with other online resources to fully grasp certain statistical methods."

"The course provides a good overview, but for Green Belt certification depth, expect to do additional reading."

"Useful course, but don't rely solely on it if your goal is immediate certification."

Statistical concepts are difficult for many students.

"The statistics modules were particularly challenging and required me to review outside resources to fully grasp the concepts."

"I found the sections on probability and statistical distributions quite dense and hard to follow at times."

"While the foundational parts were clear, the jump into advanced statistics felt a bit abrupt and difficult."

"Could use more examples or slower pacing in the statistics lectures."

Prior knowledge, especially Yellow Belt, is crucial.

"Strongly recommend having a solid Yellow Belt background before attempting this course, as it builds heavily on those fundamentals."

"The refresher modules are helpful, but they are definitely not a substitute for the full Yellow Belt specialization."

"I struggled initially because I didn't have the suggested prerequisites; they are highly recommended for success."

"Learners without prior Six Sigma exposure may find the pace too fast."

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 Advanced Define and Measure Phases with these activities:

Review Six Sigma Vocabulary

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Start by reviewing the key terms and concepts of Six Sigma, especially those related to the Define and Measure phases of DMAIC.

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Read through the course syllabus and make a list of unfamiliar terms.
Use online resources or a Six Sigma glossary to define the terms you don't know.
Review Six Sigma case studies and examples to see how the terms are used in practice.

Review Six Sigma Concepts

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Begin this course by solidifying your understanding of foundational Six Sigma concepts, ensuring you have a strong base before diving deeper.

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Review The Certified Six Sigma Green Belt Handbook (2nd edition).
Attend a Yellow Belt Refresher Course.
Complete the Yellow Belt Specialization course.
Review the 'Six Sigma and the Organization (Advanced)' course.

Review Team Dynamics and Types

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Review the concept of team dynamics and types of teams to enhance understanding of how teams function and contribute to successful process improvement projects.

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Review materials on team dynamics and types.
Analyze how team dynamics impact project outcomes.
Identify different types of teams and their roles in Lean Six Sigma.

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Participate in Team Discussions and Simulations

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Engaging in team discussions and simulations develops communication and collaboration skills, which are essential for successful teamwork in Lean Six Sigma projects.

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Join online forums or study groups to connect with peers.
Participate in discussions on Six Sigma topics and share insights.
Take part in simulation exercises to practice problem-solving and decision-making in team settings.

Review basic probability

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Review basic probability concepts to strengthen foundation for Six Sigma course

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Review the concepts of probability distributions discrete probability mass function, and probability density function.
Practice calculating probabilities using these functions.
Solve problems involving conditional probability and the multiplication rule.

Solve Probability and Statistics Problems

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Solving probability and statistics problems can improve problem-solving skills and reinforce understanding of statistical concepts, which are important for analyzing and interpreting data in Six Sigma projects.

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Review basic probability and statistics principles.
Practice solving probability problems involving mutually exclusive and independent events, combinations, and permutations.
Apply statistical concepts, such as central limit theorem and confidence intervals, to real-world Six Sigma scenarios.

Develop a Process Map for a Real-World Scenario

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Apply the concepts of process analysis to a practical situation, enhancing your ability to identify and document process flow and inefficiencies.

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Select a process in your workplace or daily life to analyze
Use a process mapping tool to document the process steps, inputs, and outputs
Identify potential bottlenecks, waste, and improvement opportunities

Practice solving statistics problems

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Repeatedly solve statistics problems to enhance comprehension and strengthen analytical abilities

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Find practice problems online or in textbooks that cover various statistical concepts.
Solve these problems regularly, focusing on accuracy and understanding the underlying principles.
Review your solutions to identify areas for improvement and seek clarification when needed.

Practice Process Mapping

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To fully grasp process mapping and its applications, engage in guided tutorials that provide step-by-step instructions.

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Find online tutorials on process mapping techniques.
Follow the tutorials and practice creating process maps for different scenarios.
Share your process maps with peers for feedback and improvement.

Find tutorials on process capability analysis

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Identify and complete tutorials for process capability analysis to gain deeper understanding

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Identify online resources or platforms that provide comprehensive tutorials on process capability analysis.
Review the fundamentals of process capability, including Cp, Cpk, and Pp.
Learn how to conduct process capability studies and interpret the results.
Apply process capability analysis techniques to real-world scenarios.

Tutorial on Measurement System Analysis

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Understanding how to perform measurement system analysis helps ensure the accuracy and reliability of data collected during Six Sigma projects, leading to more accurate and effective process improvements.

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Watch video tutorials on measurement system analysis techniques.
Learn about different types of measurement errors and their impact on data quality.
Practice applying measurement system analysis methods to real-world data.

Solve Probability and Statistics Problems

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Strengthen your problem-solving skills in probability and statistics, improving your ability to analyze and interpret data effectively.

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Work through practice problems covering topics such as probability distributions, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis
Use online resources or textbooks to reinforce your understanding

Solve Probability Problems

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Master probability concepts by actively solving problems involving combinations, permutations, and other probability rules.

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Gather practice problems from textbooks or online resources.
Attempt to solve the problems independently.
Compare your solutions with solved examples or consult with an expert for guidance.

Become a Peer Mentor for Six Sigma Concepts

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Solidify your knowledge and enhance your leadership skills by mentoring other students in the fundamentals of Six Sigma.

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Identify a mentee who needs guidance in Six Sigma.
Develop a mentorship plan that outlines the learning goals and timeline.
Meet regularly with your mentee to provide support and guidance.
Evaluate your mentee's progress and provide feedback.

Develop a Statistical Analysis Report

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Showcase your understanding of statistical analysis by creating a comprehensive report that effectively communicates your findings.

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Choose a dataset and define the research question.
Apply appropriate statistical techniques to analyze the data.
Interpret the results and draw conclusions.
Write a report that clearly presents your findings and insights.

Participate in a Process Improvement Workshop

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Enhance your practical skills by collaborating with peers in a workshop setting, focusing on real-world process improvement projects.

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Join a study group or organize a workshop with classmates.
Identify an organization or process to analyze.
Apply the DMAIC methodology to improve the process.
Present your findings and recommendations to stakeholders.

Contribute to a Six Sigma Open Source Project

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Deepen your practical understanding of Six Sigma by contributing to an open-source project focused on process improvement.

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Identify an open-source Six Sigma project that aligns with your interests.
Join the project community and learn about its goals and processes.
Contribute to the project by fixing bugs, developing new features, or improving documentation.
Collaborate with other contributors and share your knowledge.

Attend a Six Sigma Certification Workshop

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Enhance your credibility and skills by attending a Six Sigma certification workshop, providing valuable insights and opportunities to connect with experts in the field.

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Research and identify a reputable Six Sigma certification workshop.
Register for the workshop and prepare for the sessions.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the learning activities.
Network with other participants and industry professionals.

Career center

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

Statistician

Statisticians apply their knowledge of statistics to solve various problems in business, industry, and government. The skills learned in this Six Sigma course, such as probability, statistics, and data analysis, would be highly valuable to a Statistician. By taking this course, you can gain a strong foundation in the principles and tools used by Statisticians, which can help you succeed in this role.

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Quality Assurance Manager

Quality Assurance Managers are responsible for ensuring that products and services meet quality standards. The skills learned in this Six Sigma course, such as process analysis, measurement systems analysis, and statistical process control, would be essential for a Quality Assurance Manager. By taking this course, you can gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this role and ensure that products and services meet the highest quality standards.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Manager

Quality Engineer

Quality Engineers work to improve the quality of products and processes. The skills learned in this Six Sigma course, such as process analysis, design of experiments, and statistical analysis, would be highly valuable to a Quality Engineer. By taking this course, you can gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this role and improve the quality of products and processes.

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Process Engineer

Process Engineers design and improve processes to make them more efficient and effective. The skills learned in this Six Sigma course, such as process analysis, process mapping, and data analysis, would be essential for a Process Engineer. By taking this course, you can gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this role and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of processes.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. The skills learned in this Six Sigma course, such as data collection, data analysis, and statistical modeling, would be highly valuable to a Data Analyst. By taking this course, you can gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this role and help businesses make better decisions.

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Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and analytical techniques to solve problems in business and industry. The skills learned in this Six Sigma course, such as probability, statistics, and optimization, would be essential for an Operations Research Analyst. By taking this course, you can gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this role and solve complex problems in business and industry.

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Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineers design, develop, and improve manufacturing processes. The skills learned in this Six Sigma course, such as process analysis, process improvement, and statistical process control, would be highly valuable to a Manufacturing Engineer. By taking this course, you can gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this role and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of manufacturing processes.

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Reliability Engineer

Reliability Engineers ensure that products and systems meet reliability requirements. The skills learned in this Six Sigma course, such as probability, statistics, and failure analysis, would be essential for a Reliability Engineer. By taking this course, you can gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this role and ensure that products and systems meet reliability requirements.

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Supply Chain Manager

Supply Chain Managers are responsible for managing the flow of goods and services from suppliers to customers. The skills learned in this Six Sigma course, such as process analysis, inventory management, and transportation management, would be highly valuable to a Supply Chain Manager. By taking this course, you can gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this role and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of supply chains.

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Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. The skills learned in this Six Sigma course, such as project planning, risk management, and quality management, would be highly valuable to a Project Manager. By taking this course, you can gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this role and lead projects to successful completion.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business needs and develop solutions to improve business processes. The skills learned in this Six Sigma course, such as process analysis, data analysis, and problem solving, would be highly valuable to a Business Analyst. By taking this course, you can gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this role and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of business processes.

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Consultant

Consultants provide advice and expertise to businesses and organizations. The skills learned in this Six Sigma course, such as problem solving, communication, and teamwork, would be highly valuable to a Consultant. By taking this course, you can gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this role and provide valuable advice and expertise to businesses and organizations.

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Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs start and run their own businesses. The skills learned in this Six Sigma course, such as problem solving, decision making, and risk management, would be highly valuable to an Entrepreneur. By taking this course, you can gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this role and start and run your own successful business.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects. The skills learned in this Six Sigma course, such as communication, teamwork, and problem solving, would be highly valuable to a Teacher. By taking this course, you can gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this role and educate students in a variety of subjects.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts analyze financial data to make investment recommendations. The skills learned in this Six Sigma course, such as data analysis, statistics, and modeling, would be highly valuable to a Financial Analyst. By taking this course, you can gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this role and make sound investment recommendations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst