Day 1: Define and Measure — Problem and Data

Problem and CTQ

• Define defect or variation harming result
• Translate customer voice into quality characteristics
• Set process boundaries and start-end points
• Prepare a concise DMAIC charter

Measurement Plan and Baseline

• Define variables collection methods and sample
• Verify consistency of the measurement approach
• Calculate initial defect or performance rates
• Build baseline showing variation and defects

Applied Process Capability

• Compare distribution against valid specification limits
• Distinguish stability from requirement capability
• Identify the performance gap requiring improvement
• Interpret a simplified capability case

Day 2: Analyze — Verifying Influential Causes

Generating Cause Hypotheses

• Use process maps, Ishikawa, data together
• Identify variables potentially explaining variation
• Prioritize hypotheses by plausibility and impact
• Build verification plan for suspected causes

Testing Relationships and Differences

• Compare groups or periods where appropriate
• Use tests appropriate to the question
• Interpret statistical results with effect size
• Analyze a training dataset

Confirming Influential Causes

• Reject hypotheses unsupported by evidence
• Identify controllable influential factors
• Consider practical significance alongside statistical signals
• Rank verified causes by controllable impact

Day 3: Improve and Control — Solution and Sustainability

Selecting and Piloting Solutions

• Generate solutions for verified causes
• Compare options by impact/effort/risk
• Run limited tests before full deployment
• Measure results using the same method

Verifying Practical Improvement

• Compare new performance against baseline
• Confirm reduction in defects and variation
• Check unintended time/cost effects
• Decide whether to standardize or adjust

Controlling the Gains

• Define indicator limit frequency and owner
• Specify responses when performance exceeds limits
• Update working method and training
• Prepare a concise Control Plan

• A simplified DMAIC project based on recognized Six Sigma practice
• Data exercises covering defects variation and capability
• Hypothesis tests linked with explicit operating questions
• Control Plans defining measures thresholds and response