The DMAIC Framework: Analyze, Improve, and Control Phase from Coursera

The course will teach you the competencies and essential skills required to pass the American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) exam. This course focuses specifically on the last three phases of the define, measure, analyze, improve, and control (DMAIC) framework and will enable you to analyze the root causes of existing issues, implement solutions, and ensure the process's sustainability. You will gain insight into data analysis techniques such as hypothesis testing and regression analysis and be able to develop control plans for process improvement.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

- Describe the importance of analyzing data and identifying root causes of problems in the process.

- Apply data analysis techniques such as hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and correlation analysis to identify the issues in your process.

- Develop control plans and strategies for sustaining process improvements.

- Use control charts and statistical process control techniques to monitor process performance.

The course offers practical exposure with a peer-graded project that enables you to apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios. The course is for individuals who wish to analyze and solve quality problems and are working in process improvement teams or involved with Six Sigma, lean, or other quality improvement projects.

What's inside

Syllabus

Analyze: Exploratory data analysis (EDA)

In this module, you will learn why exploratory data analysis (EDA) is a critical component of data analysis in various domains, including statistics, data science, and machine learning. It involves examining and visualizing the characteristics of a dataset to gain insights, discover patterns, and identify relationships between variables. It also helps understand the data, identify quality issues, and formulate hypotheses for further analysis. Additionally, you will learn the fundamentals of correlation and linear regression and how to analyze and extract meaningful insights from datasets. This helps to strengthen the foundation for subsequent data analysis and modeling tasks, enabling informed decision-making and hypothesis generation.

Analyze: Hypothesis testing

In this module, you will learn about hypothesis testing, which is an important component of statistical analysis and data-driven decision-making. You will also learn how to apply hypothesis-testing techniques to infer population parameters based on sample data. Additionally, you will formulate hypotheses, select appropriate tests, conduct hypothesis tests, interpret results, and effectively communicate the findings. Hypothesis testing provides a systematic framework for making data-driven decisions and drawing valid conclusions based on statistical evidence.

Improve: Design of experiments (DOE) and control charts

In this module, you will learn about the design of experiments (DOE), which plays a crucial role in the improve phase of the Six Sigma methodology. It provides a structured approach for data-driven decision-making and process optimization and enables you to examine the parameter space efficiently to comprehend the relationships between factors and responses. You will also gain insight into designing and conducting efficient experiments, analyzing experimental data, and optimizing process variables. By applying DOE techniques, you can systematically assess the process space, identify influential factors, and optimize process performance while minimizing time, cost, and resources. The module also provides an overview of control charts, their uses, and applications in the Six Sigma methodology. Additionally, you will gain an understanding of various types of control chart patterns used to detect special causes of variation.

Control: Sustain improvements and control the process

In this module, you will learn about strategies and practices to ensure that the improvements implemented in a process are sustained over the long term. You will learn how to establish a culture of continuous improvement, maintain process stability, monitor performance, and engage stakeholders in sustaining improvements. By mastering these strategies and techniques, you can ensure that the improvements implemented in a process have long-lasting effects and contribute to the organization’s overall success.

Peer Review Assignment

This is a peer-review assignment based on the concepts taught in The DMAIC Framework: Analyze, Improve, and Control Phase course. In this assignment, you will be able to explain how to apply the analyze, improve, and control phases of the DMAIC framework in a real-life scenario.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches strategies and techniques to solve quality problems and improve processes

In-depth exploration of the last three phases of the DMAIC framework

Builds a strong foundation for Six Sigma, Lean, and quality improvement projects

Course content caters specifically to those seeking the American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) certification

Taught by experienced instructors in the Six Sigma field

Provides practical exposure through a peer-graded project

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: Analyze, Improve, and Control Phase with these activities:

Review Six Sigma Green Belt Handbook

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Review a foundational textbook to reinforce understanding of core concepts and key terms.

View Six Sigma Handbook, Fourth Edition (ENHANCED... on Amazon

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Read through each chapter and make notes of important concepts and definitions.
Summarize the main points of each chapter in your own words.
Identify any areas where you need further clarification and research those topics.

Follow Tutorials on Control Chart Techniques

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Supplement your knowledge by following guided tutorials to gain practical insights into control chart techniques.

Browse courses on Control Charts

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Search for reputable online tutorials on control charts.
Select tutorials that cover the specific types of control charts relevant to the course.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step and apply the techniques to sample datasets.

Review data analysis concepts

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Review key data analysis concepts to strengthen your foundation for the Analyze phase of the DMAIC framework.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

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Go over your notes from previous data analysis courses or textbooks.
Take practice quizzes or tests to assess your understanding.
Identify areas where you need additional review.
Seek out additional resources, such as online tutorials or articles.
Attend a refresher course or workshop on data analysis.

Eight other activities

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Solve Practice Problems on Hypothesis Testing

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Practice solving various types of hypothesis testing problems to enhance your understanding.

Browse courses on Hypothesis Testing

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Find practice problems and datasets online or in textbooks.
Attempt to solve the problems using the appropriate statistical techniques.
Check your answers against provided solutions or consult with peers or instructors for feedback.

Develop a Hypothesis Testing Plan

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Create a detailed plan for hypothesis testing to demonstrate your understanding of the process.

Browse courses on Hypothesis Testing

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Identify the research question and formulate a hypothesis.
Determine the appropriate statistical test to use.
Collect and analyze the data.
Interpret the results and draw conclusions.

Attend Industry Meetups on Six Sigma

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Connect with professionals, learn from industry experts, and stay current with industry trends.

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Identify industry meetups or conferences focused on Six Sigma or related topics.
Attend the meetups and actively participate in discussions.
Network with other attendees and exchange knowledge.

Solve Six Sigma practice problems

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Practice solving Six Sigma problems to improve your problem-solving skills and understanding of the DMAIC framework.

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Find a set of practice problems online or in a textbook.
Set a timer for 45 minutes.
Solve as many problems as you can within the time limit.
Check your answers and identify areas where you need improvement.
Repeat this process until you are comfortable solving Six Sigma problems.

Develop a data visualization for a real-world problem

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Apply your understanding of data analysis techniques to create a meaningful data visualization that solves a real-world problem.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Identify a problem or issue that can be solved using data visualization.
Collect and clean the necessary data.
Choose the appropriate data visualization technique.
Create the data visualization using a tool like Tableau or Power BI.
Present your data visualization and explain how it solves the problem or issue.

Design an Experiment for Process Improvement

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Propose and design an experiment to test and validate a potential process improvement.

Browse courses on Design of Experiments

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Identify the problem or area for improvement within a process.
Research and select appropriate experimental design techniques.
Develop a detailed experimental plan, including variables, measurements, and data collection methods.

Participate in a Design of Experiments Workshop

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Gain hands-on experience in designing and conducting experiments for process optimization.

Browse courses on Design of Experiments

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Identify relevant workshops related to Design of Experiments.
Register and actively participate in the workshop activities.
Implement the techniques learned in the workshop to real-life projects.

Contribute to an Open-Source Six Sigma Project

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Apply your knowledge and contribute to the Six Sigma community through open-source projects.

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Identify open-source projects related to Six Sigma on platforms like GitHub.
Review the project documentation and identify potential areas for contribution.
Collaborate with the project maintainers and make meaningful contributions.

Career center

Learners who complete The DMAIC Framework: Analyze, Improve, and Control Phase will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Analyst

As a Data Analyst, you will be responsible for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course will provide you with the skills you need to succeed in this role, including data analysis techniques such as hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and correlation analysis. You will also learn how to develop control plans and strategies for sustaining process improvements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Quality Engineer

As a Quality Engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring that products and services meet quality standards. This course will provide you with the skills you need to succeed in this role, including data analysis techniques such as hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and correlation analysis. You will also learn how to develop control plans and strategies for sustaining process improvements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Engineer

Process Engineer

As a Process Engineer, you will be responsible for designing and improving processes. This course will provide you with the skills you need to succeed in this role, including data analysis techniques such as hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and correlation analysis. You will also learn how to develop control plans and strategies for sustaining process improvements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Process Engineer

Project Manager

As a Project Manager, you will be responsible for planning, executing, and controlling projects. This course will provide you with the skills you need to succeed in this role, including data analysis techniques such as hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and correlation analysis. You will also learn how to develop control plans and strategies for sustaining process improvements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Operation Research Analyst

As an Operation Research Analyst, you will be responsible for using mathematical models to solve problems in areas such as logistics, scheduling, and supply chain management. This course will provide you with the skills you need to succeed in this role, including data analysis techniques such as hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and correlation analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operation Research Analyst

Statistician

As a Statistician, you will be responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. This course will provide you with the skills you need to succeed in this role, including data analysis techniques such as hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and correlation analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Data Scientist

As a Data Scientist, you will be responsible for using data to build predictive models and solve business problems. While this course may also help you succeed in this role, it is less useful than other courses that are more tailored to the specific skills and knowledge required in data science.

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Consultant

As a Consultant, you will be responsible for providing advice and guidance to clients on a variety of business issues. This course may be helpful for you, but it is less useful than courses that are more tailored to the specific skills and knowledge required in consulting.

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Business Analyst

As a Business Analyst, you will be responsible for analyzing business needs and recommending solutions. This course may be helpful for you, but it is less useful than courses that are more tailored to the specific skills and knowledge required in business analysis.

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Financial Analyst

As a Financial Analyst, you will be responsible for analyzing financial data and making investment recommendations. This course may be helpful for you, but it is less useful than courses that are more tailored to the specific skills and knowledge required in financial analysis.

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Marketing Manager

As a Marketing Manager, you will be responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns. This course may be helpful for you, but it is less useful than courses that are more tailored to the specific skills and knowledge required in marketing.

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Sales Manager

As a Sales Manager, you will be responsible for leading and managing a sales team. This course may be helpful for you, but it is less useful than courses that are more tailored to the specific skills and knowledge required in sales management.

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Software Engineer

As a Software Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. This course is not relevant to this role.

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Web Developer

As a Web Developer, you will be responsible for designing and developing websites. This course is not relevant to this role.

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Graphic designer

As a Graphic Designer, you will be responsible for creating visual content such as logos, brochures, and websites. This course is not relevant to this role.

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