The DMAIC Framework - Define and Measure Phase from Coursera

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Syllabus

Define: Project Identification, Voice of the Customer (VoC), and Project Management Basics 

In this module, you will learn the essential foundations for project initiation. The focus is on project identification, understanding the voice of the customer (VoC), and grasping fundamental project management principles. You’ll discover how to select projects effectively, comprehend customer needs through the VoC, and the basics of project management. You’ll also learn about project selection processes, process components, benchmarking concepts, and stakeholder analysis. The module also delves into VoC data collection, how to translate it into critical to quality (CTQ) factors, applying the KANO model, crafting project charters, defining project scopes, and tracking key project metrics. Finally, this module is your gateway to understanding project commencement and customer-centric project initiation.

Define: Project Management and Planning Tools

In this module, you will learn about the fundamental tools crucial for effective project planning. You will gain insight into the work breakdown structure (WBS), Gantt charts, critical path method (CPM), and program evaluation and review technique (PERT. Additionally, the module discusses project documentation essentials, elements of project risk analysis, management and planning tools, and strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis. You will also learn about the benefits of decision matrices, quality metrics such as DPU, DPO, DPMO, Sigma level, and cost of poor quality. Finally, the module explores stages of team evolution, role management, and decision-making aids and offers a comprehensive insight into essential techniques vital for successful project management and planning.

Measure: Probability and Statistics and Collecting and Summarizing Data 

In this module, you will focus on important statistical concepts and data-gathering techniques. You will learn about process analysis, probability basics, and various statistical distributions like normal, binomial, and Poisson. You will also gain insight into different data types, planning data collection, sampling methods, and operational definition worksheets. Next, the module delves into measures of central tendency and dispersion, and graphical representation. You will be introduced to statistical ideas such as probability, diverse data types, and effective data collection strategies, empowering you to summarize, analyze, and interpret data confidently in project scenarios.

Measure: Measurement System Analysis (MSA) 

In this module, you will gain insight into measurement system analysis (MSA), which is an in-depth evaluation of a measurement process to assess the quality and reliability of measurement systems used in data collection. You will also learn to evaluate and improve the existing measurement systems in a process or organization, identify sources of measurement error, assess measurement system performance, and implement strategies to enhance measurement accuracy and precision. Finally, this module also focuses on evaluating and assessing the performance and capability of a process to meet customer requirements and specifications.  

Peer-Reviewed Assignment

This is a peer-review assignment based on the concepts taught in The DMAIC Framework: Define and Measure Phase course. In this assignment, you will be able to explain how to apply the define and measure phases of the DMAIC framework in a real-life scenario.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Describes how to define a problem statement and project scope, which is standard in the quality industry

Shows how to collect data effectively and analyze measurement systems, which are core skills for quality professionals

Taught by a team of experienced quality professionals, this course helps learners prepare for the ASQ Certified Six Sigma Green Belt exam

Part of a larger specialization, this course provides a comprehensive overview of the DMAIC framework for quality improvement

Requires prior knowledge of quality management concepts and the DMAIC framework

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 The DMAIC Framework - Define and Measure Phase with these activities:

Review: Six Sigma for Dummies

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Supplement course materials with a comprehensive introduction to Six Sigma principles and methodologies.

View Six Sigma For Dummies on Amazon

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Statistical Calculations

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Sharpen statistical skills essential for data analysis and decision-making.

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Review concepts of probability, mean, median, and mode.
Practice calculating probabilities and descriptive statistics using online calculators or spreadsheets.
Solve word problems involving statistical concepts.

Review Process Mapping

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Reinforce process mapping skills to enhance understanding of project initiation and process analysis.

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Review the basics of process mapping, including symbols and conventions.
Identify a simple process to map, such as a task in your daily routine.
Create a flowchart or diagram to visualize the process steps.

Five other activities

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Resource Compilation: Lean Six Sigma Tools and Techniques

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Gather and organize useful resources, tools, and templates related to Lean Six Sigma to support project work.

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Research and identify a variety of Lean Six Sigma resources.
Organize the resources into a central location, such as a folder or shared document.
Share the resource compilation with peers or colleagues.

Project Charter

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Develop a project charter to outline the purpose, scope, and stakeholders for your process improvement project.

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Gather information about the project goals, objectives, and stakeholders.
Write a clear and concise project charter.
Obtain approval on the project charter.

Project: Process Improvement

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Apply the principles of the Define and Measure phases to analyze an actual process and identify areas for improvement.

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Select a process for improvement, such as a workflow in your workplace or a personal task.
Define the project scope, goals, and objectives.
Collect data on the current process using appropriate techniques.
Analyze the data to identify process inefficiencies and areas for improvement.

Peer Discussion: Measurement System Analysis

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Engage in peer discussions to deepen understanding and gain new perspectives on measurement system analysis techniques.

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Identify a measurement system in your workplace or personal life.
Meet with a peer to discuss the measurement system and potential sources of error.
Brainstorm strategies to improve the accuracy and precision of the measurement system.

Tutorials: Statistical Process Control

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Enhance analytical skills by following guided tutorials on statistical process control techniques.

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Identify online or in-person tutorials on statistical process control.
Follow the tutorials to learn about control charts, process capability analysis, and other SPC techniques.
Apply SPC techniques to analyze data and identify process improvements.

Career center

Learners who complete The DMAIC Framework - Define and Measure Phase will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Quality Analyst

Quality Analysts play a critical role in ensuring the quality of products and services. They analyze data, identify trends, and recommend improvements to processes. The DMAIC Framework: Define and Measure Phase course can help Quality Analysts develop the skills they need to succeed in their role. The course covers topics such as project planning, data collection, and statistical analysis. This knowledge can help Quality Analysts to identify and solve problems, improve processes, and ensure that products and services meet customer requirements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Analyst

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. They work with stakeholders to define project scope, develop project plans, and manage project resources. The DMAIC Framework: Define and Measure Phase course can help Project Managers develop the skills they need to succeed in their role. The course covers topics such as project management basics, project planning, and risk management. This knowledge can help Project Managers to plan and execute projects more effectively, and to manage project risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineers design, develop, and implement manufacturing processes. They work with other engineers, technicians, and operators to ensure that products are manufactured efficiently and to the highest quality standards. The DMAIC Framework: Define and Measure Phase course can help Manufacturing Engineers develop the skills they need to succeed in their role. The course covers topics such as process mapping, data collection, and statistical analysis. This knowledge can help Manufacturing Engineers to identify and solve problems, improve processes, and reduce manufacturing costs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Manufacturing Engineer

Quality Control Inspector

Quality Control Inspectors are responsible for inspecting products and services to ensure that they meet quality standards. They work with other quality professionals to develop and implement quality control procedures. The DMAIC Framework: Define and Measure Phase course can help Quality Control Inspectors develop the skills they need to succeed in their role. The course covers topics such as data collection, statistical analysis, and quality control techniques. This knowledge can help Quality Control Inspectors to identify and solve problems, improve quality control processes, and ensure that products and services meet customer requirements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Control Inspector

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and test software applications. They work with other engineers, project managers, and end users to ensure that software applications meet customer requirements. The DMAIC Framework: Define and Measure Phase course can help Software Engineers develop the skills they need to succeed in their role. The course covers topics such as requirements gathering, data collection, and statistical analysis. This knowledge can help Software Engineers to understand customer requirements, develop and test software applications, and deliver high-quality software products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help организаций make informed decisions. They work with other professionals to identify and solve problems, develop new products and services, and improve customer satisfaction. The DMAIC Framework: Define and Measure Phase course can help Data Analysts develop the skills they need to succeed in their role. The course covers topics such as data collection, statistical analysis, and data visualization. This knowledge can help Data Analysts to collect and analyze data more effectively, and to communicate their findings to stakeholders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make informed decisions. They work with other professionals to identify and solve problems, develop new products and services, and improve customer satisfaction. The DMAIC Framework: Define and Measure Phase course can help Statisticians develop the skills they need to succeed in their role. The course covers topics such as data collection, statistical analysis, and data visualization. This knowledge can help Statisticians to collect and analyze data more effectively, and to communicate their findings to stakeholders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Business Analyst

Business Analysts work with organizations to identify and solve business problems. They use data analysis, process mapping, and other techniques to develop solutions that improve efficiency, productivity, and customer satisfaction. The DMAIC Framework: Define and Measure Phase course can help Business Analysts develop the skills they need to succeed in their role. The course covers topics such as project management, data collection, and statistical analysis. This knowledge can help Business Analysts to define and solve business problems more effectively, and to develop and implement solutions that meet the needs of the organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Operations Manager

Operations Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and controlling the operations of an organization. They work with other managers to develop and implement strategies that improve efficiency, productivity, and customer satisfaction. The DMAIC Framework: Define and Measure Phase course can help Operations Managers develop the skills they need to succeed in their role. The course covers topics such as project management, data collection, and statistical analysis. This knowledge can help Operations Managers to define and solve operational problems more effectively, and to develop and implement solutions that improve the performance of the organization.

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Process Engineer

Process Engineers design, develop, and improve processes to improve efficiency and productivity. They work with other engineers, technicians, and operators to ensure that processes are operating at peak performance. The DMAIC Framework: Define and Measure Phase course can help Process Engineers develop the skills they need to succeed in their role. The course covers topics such as process mapping, data collection, and statistical analysis. This knowledge can help Process Engineers to identify and solve problems, improve processes, and reduce production costs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Process Engineer

Quality Assurance Manager

Quality Assurance Managers are responsible for developing and implementing quality assurance programs. They work with other quality professionals to ensure that products and services meet customer requirements. The DMAIC Framework: Define and Measure Phase course can help Quality Assurance Managers develop the skills they need to succeed in their role. The course covers topics such as project management, data collection, and statistical analysis. This knowledge can help Quality Assurance Managers to define and solve quality problems more effectively, and to develop and implement quality assurance programs that meet the needs of the organization.

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Continuous Improvement Manager

Continuous Improvement Managers are responsible for developing and implementing continuous improvement programs. They work with other managers and employees to identify and solve problems, improve processes, and reduce costs. The DMAIC Framework: Define and Measure Phase course can help Continuous Improvement Managers develop the skills they need to succeed in their role. The course covers topics such as project management, data collection, and statistical analysis. This knowledge can help Continuous Improvement Managers to define and solve problems more effectively, and to develop and implement continuous improvement programs that improve the performance of the organization.

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Six Sigma Black Belt

Six Sigma Black Belts are responsible for leading and managing Six Sigma projects. They work with other Six Sigma professionals to identify and solve problems, improve processes, and reduce costs. The DMAIC Framework: Define and Measure Phase course can help Six Sigma Black Belts develop the skills they need to succeed in their role. The course covers topics such as project management, data collection, and statistical analysis. This knowledge can help Six Sigma Black Belts to define and solve problems more effectively, and to lead and manage Six Sigma projects that improve the performance of the organization.

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Quality Engineer

Quality Engineers are responsible for developing and implementing quality control systems. They work with other quality professionals to ensure that products and services meet customer requirements. The DMAIC Framework: Define and Measure Phase course may be useful for Quality Engineers because it covers topics such as project management, data collection, and statistical analysis. This knowledge can help Quality Engineers to define and solve quality problems more effectively, and to develop and implement quality control systems that meet the needs of the organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Engineer

Lean Manufacturing Manager

Lean Manufacturing Managers are responsible for developing and implementing lean manufacturing programs. They work with other managers and employees to identify and eliminate waste, improve efficiency, and reduce costs. The DMAIC Framework: Define and Measure Phase course may be useful for Lean Manufacturing Managers because it covers topics such as project management, data collection, and statistical analysis. This knowledge can help Lean Manufacturing Managers to define and solve problems more effectively, and to develop and implement lean manufacturing programs that improve the performance of the organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lean Manufacturing Manager

The DMAIC Framework - Define and Measure Phase

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