In the ‘Define’ section we take a closer look at what is needed for a good project definition, and we consider the requirements for good project management. We will look at an example project to establish what items you will need to deliver in order to become a successful certified Green Belt. The course will start with an introduction to Lean Six Sigma: what does a Lean Six Sigma adventure look like, and what is the value for the customer? Another example project will illustrate the different phases of the DMAIC principle. You will learn how to bring about change, and finally you will answer the questions: “Do we have a problem?” and “How do I find out whether it’s worth solving the problem?”

MODULES

• Introduction to Lean Six Sigma
• DMAIC project phases
• Starting a project
• Leading a project

In the ‘Measure’ section you will dive into the basic principles of statistics. Using the statistical software MiniTab, you will learn how to visualise data and clarify what the problem is. Some of the topics that we will discuss are:

• How does MiniTab work?
• What types of data can we identify?
• What is the Pareto principle?
• What can we do with distributions?

You may have come across most of these terms in your mathematics classes in secondary school. You will use them again in a Lean Six Sigma setting. The Box Plot, however, may not sound familiar. This graphical rendering is used to provide a summary of your data. During the ‘Measure’ phase, you will aim to answer the question: “How do I find out whether the problem has been measured carefully?”

MODULES

• Basic statistical principles
• How to measure
• Data visualisation
• Analysing the measuring system

Based on your measurements, you will be able to draw conclusions relating to the population. You will also learn to make practical Lean analyses. Once we have collected the data, we can start analysing it. Several instruments can help with this process, putting your critical mind and analytical abilities on the right track. What matters is that we map the performance of the current process. Questions to ask in the analysis phase, therefore, are: “How is the process performing?” and “How can I establish what factors are influencing the performance?”

MODULES

• Distributions
• Statistical analysis
• Lean analysis

In this section, we will use data to establish the links between cause and effect. You will apply Lean methods in order to improve processes. In the ‘Improve’ phase, we will:

In this fase we will:

• Look for the cause of the problem
• Come up with solutions during a brainstorming session
• Set up and carry out experiments

This phase is where the solutions come in. You are looking for answers to the questions:
“What is most influential?”, “How do I find out whether this solution works? Is it the best solution?” and “Is it valuable to implement this solution?”

MODULES

• Introduction to testing
• Advanced testing
• Lean improvements
• Planning the implementation 

CONTROL
The section ‘Control’ is about ensuring the problem is solved permanently. You will learn how to make a final business case. Based on the final business case, your client will approve the project.

Once you have control, it is crucial to not let it slip away. There are various areas of control, three of which are:

• Personnel control
• Result control
• Process control

This section will pay attention to controlling the process performance in order to prevent relapse. Questions to be answered are: “How do I ensure that the problem does not come back?” and “How can I be sure that the profits are actually realised?”

MODULES

• Personnel control
• Result control
• Process control