Six Sigma Part 2: Analyze, Improve, Control

I recently completed the second Lean Six Sigma training offered by Technische University Munich, and I must say, it was an excellent experience overall. Led by Professor Holly Ott, the sessions were not only enlightening but also exceptionally well-delivered.

One of the standout features of the training was Professor Ott's clear and concise explanations. She has a remarkable ability to break down complex concepts into digestible bits of information, making it easy for participants to grasp even the most intricate principles of Lean Six Sigma methodology.

Moreover, the practical exercises included in the training were incredibly beneficial in preparing us for the graded homework assignments. The hands-on approach allowed us to apply the theoretical knowledge gained in class to real-world scenarios, thereby enhancing our understanding and problem-solving skills.

I wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone interested in delving deeper into Lean Six Sigma methodologies. However, it's worth noting that there is room for improvement in reducing calculation errors. While this didn't detract significantly from the overall quality of the training, addressing this issue would undoubtedly enhance the learning experience even further.

In conclusion, the second Lean Six Sigma training at Technische University Munich exceeded my expectations in terms of content, delivery, and practical application. With Professor Holly Ott at the helm, participants can expect nothing short of excellence.

Ariane N.

I searched for months and read the descriptions (and even attended trailer demos) for many courses. But I haven't seen a course that is as organised and content-rich as this series from TUM !
I can't thank enough Dr. Holly Ott and the team for this course, it was really helpful and helped me construct a massive amount of knowledge about Six Sigma...
When I first became interested about quality improvement and operational excellence concept, I noticed that our company lacks a quality control department, This course, along with the previous one helped me to prepare a full presentation to our senior leadership about the importance of quality and why is it critical to establish such a department, and it was quite impressive. I can't wait to start the next and the final course in this bundle (Lean Production).

I am called Emmanuel .V. Basam; serving with Heifer Project International (INGO) with headquarters in Littlerock, Arkansas, USA. HPI is an INGO serving smallholder farmers in the Agricultural space in Africa, Asia, Americas, and USA. We are deeply rooted in sustainable community development, value-chain development, market system analysis using supply and demand data to build responsive models to inform profitable intervention options (Value Chains) to enable the Smallholder farmers achieve a Living Income (i.e. income level that will enable farmers earn a decent life); while being mindful of the use of technology, different market players requirements (VoC, & CTQ), impact of climate change on the environment, as we focus on Youth and Women socio-economic, and financial empowerment. Project/program management is an "Art" and a "Science." Through this course, I am thrilled with the science part of identifying, designing, and managing projects/programs systematically (i.e. DMAIC, DFSS models) with well defined measures (CTQ) that are determined in a logical and participatory manner with the customers (donors and end users of the product), and with specific tools/processes/methodology within each phase to ensure the achievement of a state-of-the-art product that ends up with customer satisfaction and bringing the desired business returns to the company (i.e. a win-win approach). I am deeply impressed with the use tools and processes to define the VoC, identify CTQ requirements, use them to define the project baseline, as we use analytical tools like Cause and Effect to determine the root cause of a problem, Pareto analysis to prioritize the identified problems or root causes since we want to be efficient and effective during define, design, develop, test and deploy the products or services, then; improve the process using designed experiments or prototypes (in my company's case) using one-way or two-ways ANOVA test, to measure and compare between and within factor effects; using Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Control charts (UCL, CL, LCL), X-bar, R-charts, P, C,I, MA, MR, EWMA charts are just great tools to control the process for stability, capability and for productivity, using the Lean methodology. I am a strong supporter of process control because that speaks to our efficient use of resources that would translate into effectiveness i.e. achievement of our business results, then, positive impact (customer and other stakeholder satisfaction), then, trust and sustainability of the business. Though I have learned quality tools like FMEA, 8D, 5Whys, and DFSS; in my current job, I would mostly practice 8D and 5Whys based on our business model. However, I want to learn how to practically apply all these Lean and Six Sigma tools in any company on a part time basis, as I aspire to sink and drown myself with the tools/approaches/methodologies of Lean Six Sigma in my goal to be a sound professional or expert in Lean Six Sigma within 12 months from today. Practice makes perfect! My deepest thanks to FUM, all the lecturers in the course for their commitment and professionalism in preparing and delivering these lectures; especially Prof Holly. I would like to get and keep connect on LinkedIn. My sincere and profound gratitude to all course mates for their professional contributions. Thanks

Esrol from South Africa working at Volkswagen (Vehicle Manufacturer)

I recently completed a Six Sigma course, and I must say it was an incredibly enlightening and transformative experience. The course, offered by edX exceeded my expectations in terms of content, delivery, and practical application. Here are three key takeaways that made this Six Sigma course particularly valuable:

In-Depth Understanding of Six Sigma Methodology:
The course provided a comprehensive overview of the Six Sigma methodology, taking me through each phase of the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) process. The instructors did an excellent job of breaking down complex concepts into digestible modules, ensuring that participants not only grasped the theoretical aspects but also understood how to apply them in real-world scenarios. This in-depth understanding was crucial for me to appreciate the systematic approach that Six Sigma offers in process improvement.

Practical Application through Case Studies:
One of the standout features of this course was its emphasis on practical application. Through a series of well-crafted case studies, I had the opportunity to apply Six Sigma principles to actual business situations. This hands-on experience helped me develop a nuanced perspective on problem-solving within an organizational context. The instructors provided constructive feedback, encouraging critical thinking and reinforcing the importance of data-driven decision-making. The real-world examples added a layer of practicality that I believe is essential for anyone seeking to implement Six Sigma methodologies in their professional environment.

Statistical Tools and Analysis Techniques:
A significant portion of the course was dedicated to equipping participants with the necessary statistical tools and analysis techniques used in Six Sigma projects. From basic statistical concepts to advanced analytical methods, the curriculum covered a wide spectrum. The instructors adeptly navigated through topics such as hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and control charts, ensuring that participants gained a strong foundation in statistical methodologies. This knowledge has not only enhanced my problem-solving skills but has also given me the confidence to contribute effectively to data-driven decision-making processes within my organization.

In conclusion, the Six Sigma course I undertook was a fulfilling and enriching learning experience. The blend of theoretical knowledge, practical application, and a focus on statistical tools has equipped me with a robust skill set that I am eager to implement in my professional journey. I highly recommend this course to anyone seeking a thorough understanding of Six Sigma principles and their practical application in the realm of process improvement.

Marvin Clarke. Employed to the Alcoholic Beverage Industry under Campari Global.

Analyse, Improve, Control is a very important program which will help you to think effectively within a production environment where challenges may arise spontaneously without little signs nor warning.

It is very important to have the right attitude and approach towards handling process challenges and eliminating process problems in the most time effective manner; all in the interest of protecting the customers interest and minimizing costs.

This program will not only help you to Analyse, but to Identify and locate process problems and to get to the direct root causes of these challenges.

The program equips you with the right frame of mind to understand the origin of process problems and to understand how they are likely to impact on the success of process activities whether 'directly' or 'indirectly'. It will help you to Scientifically examine and to breakdown how a process problem may grow, evolve, or translate into wastes, defects, or other related impacts caused by situations that are either controllable, or uncontrollable. (Common Causes/Assignable Causes)

This course helps you to link your ideologies and suspicions about damages, stoppages, defects and wastes in a production run, and to correlate such suspicion toward a set of outcomes that were undesirable.

Fairly, it is always natural to have suspicions. Hence, this program will show you how to ask the most pertinent questions relating to your Suspicions; all in an effort to get to the root of the problem in the most ample time.

Your Suspicion could be a popular opinion, supported by others; or an opinion that was questioned by others. Thus, you will then learn to formulate your hypothesis, which will then aim to prove your very own impression to be Wrong or Right to the context of the situation.

You will also learn how to communicate process problems with the internal departments, & how to better your relationship with the support functions at your company.

In my daily work life, this course has made me more a patient individual. I am much more understanding of Process Activities and I am quite comfortable with knowing that challenges may arise with any of the activities that I carry out.

Henceforth, thanks to this course, I am ready to handle Process Challenges as I am now much more direct but patient with my scrutiny of Activities.

I am much more methodical with my approach, and I understand very well how to locate root causes and to assess its impact on the entire processes and the Supply Chain.

Furthermore, I am even more capable of reporting process problems, and in working with the internal partners/support functions to address such problems.

I would recommend this course to Everyone and Anyone.

It is important to have the mindset for working with Complex Industries.

This is my honest testament.

Thank you.

Getting into this section of the lessons was so interesting to me as I work in a complaint handling department and being able to analyse the major and minor causes of device failure is always so vital to us. This helps us to be able to understand the problems faced by the customers and are able to inform quality engineering team and management on the improvements that can be implemented and how future problems can possibly be averted.
I also learned about the Analysis of Variance which is important in determining the variability in a product or process and therefore enabling the team to be able to bring to process to target in a bid to meet customer expectations while maximising profits for the company.
Design of experiments, sets the pace for a clear understanding of how experiments can be used to decide the control limits for producing particular goods and services. These equally led to the use of Statistical Process Control and the use of control charts in making sure that products or processes are produced or performed within certain limits. These lessons gave me a proper understanding (with the products our company produce in mind) of why certain specifications are adhered to, during production.
The DFSS and the Eight Disciplines (8D) methodology rounded it up so nicely and I felt like my daily work in Camplaint handling was brought to focus. The 8D process solving methodology is so clear and applicable and I honestly loved this part so much because it equally encourages team work in solving problems.
And finally, the Code of Ethics is something that should be applied at all times in every organisation and each day in my line of work, one must evaluate the ethical basis of every action taken. The lessons are well designed and give a good perspective into some of the activities that one should be aware of and engage in during work. Thank you TUM

Holly Ott is an excellent teacher and the teaching methodology of the videos are clear and priceless and they urge to deepen each topic.

I am still studying the QPLS2x and the applicability of each of the tools in each of the phases is immense, for example the use of simple and multiple linear regressions to analyze any production and service process, as well as the design of experiments To improve processes and adjust them to the required quality conditions, I have had the opportunity to apply some of these tools for process improvement during my work experience but not in a Six Sigma project, this course provides powerful tools and is an exciting topic and I consider that must be passionate about those professionals who are in love with quality, processes and especially mathematics and statistics.

My name is Rony Tabari and I am from Indonesia, I am currently undertaking a role as an Operations Improvement Advisor for Phu Bia Mining (PBM) with operations in Laos as one of the producing assets for PanAust in South East Asia.

Again, first of all, I would like to sincerely express my gratitude and appreciation to Professor Holly Ott with her skills and expertise for bringing such an excellent series of lectures, and to all the team from Technische Universität München (TUM), Mr. Martin, Mr. Reiner, also Mr. Zubair from ASQ, and all edX team for the well packaged courses. I would also like to thank to PanAust through my Operations Improvement team, for the opportunity, support, motivation for me to experience the study to enhance my professional skills and potential career advancement.

There are 3 specific things that I have been learning so far from the course that have been adding more value to the extent of the knowledge and skills I have at the moment.

• The knowledge of the need to understand the concept of RCA added with correlations and regression would add value for what I have been learning and forwarding to other team members in relates to the problem solving projects undertaken in the company.

• The statistic tools such as inferential statistics, confidence interval, hypothesis testing and even ANOVA will also be beneficial to initially look at the data available, to learn to test them and try to look what we can do better to the process. Sometimes, the team would only collect data even a good data, but it stops there.

• Using the concept we learned in Control Phase, we would also be able to see how the improvement will be controlled in order to be sustained.

Currently, during my time to deliver high quality of work with PBM, I have been on the task to engage people from different departments and levels to train, to coach and to support them to improve the process of their work to be easier, better, quicker, cheaper and safe using the Lean principles, including to use some of the problem solving tools for projects that require us to define the problem and key measurements.

Six sigma has been one of the selected training course which will equip me with useful knowledge and tools especially when we are involved in the data driven decision making process for the project. And thus we will have a more accurate decision from the data to be made and not just simply estimate.

I am looking forward to continue my study via TUM and edX for the next series of Six Sigma courses to complete the Yellow Belt certification. I also look forward to contribute my skills and study experience to seek the Six Sigma Green Belt level through applying Six Sigma concept to improve the process on some area of interest as well as practicing the tools and sharing the success stories with the team as part as my return on company's investments.

My name is Sylvestre Dusabimana, from Rwanda, working with Rwanda Airports Company, in Airports Operations department.

In this course, I've learnt about techniques for root cause analysis and quality methods to manage process deviations, design of experiment for quality improvement, and Process control using statistical process control charts.

The knowledge gained throughout this course will help me in my daily duties in airport operations, especially under passenger facilitation, where the passenger process flow have to meet the set standards, to ensure no long queues and good customer experience within our airports.
This will help us to improve our passenger processes, and Airport quality management system in general.