Measure, Analyze, and Design Improvements

This unit advances students into the Measure and early Design phases of Lean Six Sigma by teaching data collection, control chart usage, root-cause analysis, and solution design methods. Students learn to apply DMADV and design-thinking alongside Agile/Scrum practices, visual management, and workplace organization to prepare tested, data-driven improvements for implementation.

Learning Objectives

• Design a data collection plan and construct appropriate control charts to measure process performance, including selecting metrics, sampling methods, and interpreting chart signals
• Analyze process flows and the production cycle to generate and prioritize a list of suspects, identify the Eight Wastes, and confirm root causes using measurement and prioritization tools
• Apply DMADV and design-thinking frameworks—comparing approaches—to define requirements, develop prototypes or sprint-based test plans, and evaluate preliminary solution effectiveness
• Demonstrate workplace organization and visual management techniques (e.g., 5S, layout improvements, checklists) and explain facilitator and sponsor roles required to run and sustain successful improvement events