Homework: DMAIC Methodology
Understanding the distinction phases in the DMAIC methodology is essential to understanding quality management. Moreover, the DMAIC methodology is important to your success in the course and on the LSSGB exam.
Selecting the right Lean Six Sigma project is usually accomplished by establishing a project selection steering committee that generates project ideas that are assessed and prioritized based on some project selection criteria similar to the following instances when DMAIC should be applied:
o The problem is linked to a business process
o The process runs frequently
o There is no known solution
o The root cause is not known
o The problem is complex and needs statistical analysis
o The problem is part of an existing process
o The process is repeatable
o A defect can be defined
o Project will take three to six months
o There is data available
Not all project ideas are good candidates for the DMAIC methodology, however. Instances when DMAIC would not be required or appropriate, or might not be successful, include:
o If problems have an obvious root cause and known solution: In such situations, the solutions should just be implemented. Such problems rarely require DMAIC.
o If leaders are having trouble obtaining buy-in from their employees or supervisors regarding improvements that are needed: In this type of situation, the answer is not to charter a DMAIC project. DMAIC is not intended as a replacement for effective leadership and change management.
o If there is no business process management system: In this situation, a DMAIC project is unlikely to go smoothly.
For example, if the goal were to "implement a new call monitoring system," then applying DMAIC to the situation would not be appropriate. An appropriate goal for a DMAIC project would be: "Find out why our technical support resolution rate is so low and improve it."
For your initial post in the discussion forum, review the module lesson and address the following:
o Describe an example of an actual process that the DMAIC methodology could be applied to. NOTE: This should be different than the process you will identify in this module's journal homework.
o Describe an example of an actual process for which the DMAIC methodology would not be suitable.
Respond to at least two of your peers by explaining why you agree or disagree with whether the process your peer described is a viable process improvement project and if the problem assessed lends itself to the DMAIC methodology.
Format your homework according to the following formatting requirements:
o The answer should be typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides.
o The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
o Also include a reference page. The Citations and references must follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.