Six Sigma Methodology for Project Management

Six Sigma Methodology is a process management system that follows a data driven approach towards defect reduction in a process for project management. But before we dive into the topic we need to have the answers to some of the very basic questions.

What is a Project?

In simple terms a project is a one-time activity that produces a specific output and or outcome, for example, a building or a major new computer system.

What is Project Management?

Project management is the practice of initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing the work of a team to achieve specific goals and meet specific success criteria at the specified time.

In our professional career we come across multiple projects that have varied requirements and stringent deadlines, adhering to which becomes mandatory for cost optimization. Ever wondered how these deadlines are defined? Or can there be a better and shorter way to achieve the common goal without compromising on the quality or on the cost? Or can there be a better methodology to improve the quality?

Six Sigma is a process optimization tool that focuses on reducing the defects so as to improve the processes and helps you answer all of those questions.

Project management using Six Sigma

Six Sigma process optimization is based on the below mentioned five phases.

First is the Define phase. In this phase, the focus in on customer requirements. With the help of affinity diagram or Kano Model, we can record the voice of the customer. Post this, we identify the Critical to Quality characteristics and prepare a project charter and then Map the processes.

Measure phase is the second phase. In this phase, we measure the extent of the defects, variations and waste. The most important aspect of this phase is to collect relevant data and measure it as accurately as possible. Any kind of error at this stage must be avoided.

Once we are done with the measurement we can move to Analyze phase. In this phase, we try to interpret the measurements and calculations that are done during the measurement phase. The sole aim of this phase is to identify the cause and effect of the defects.

Fourth phase is Improve phase. In this phase, we try to find multiple solutions for each of the key problems through brainstorming or other techniques. Then the solutions are ranked in the order of their priority and feasibility. The best solution is chosen and worked upon to improve the process.

Control phase is the final phase of the process. Once we are aware of the problem, its cause and effects and the solution for it, that doesn’t mean the task is over. We monitor the process continuously to prevent recurrence of previous and new defects.

Benefits of Six Sigma Methodology

Six Sigma has millions of benefits depending on the sector and processes on which it’s implemented. As it is a data driven methodology hence it is more reliable than other methods of process improvement.

A doctor can have the benefit of having increased success rate, recognition, and can treat more patients.

An engineer can have the benefit of improved quality of output, save time and resources, better results and early promotion.

A business can benefit by generating more and multiple products, improved service, customer satisfaction, and positive brand image and profit maximization.

Customer gets the best quality at reasonable price, better and improved service from the company, defect-proof products that ultimately helps him/her to save time and cost that could have been resulted due to replacement or repairing of the product.

Practice the philosophy of continuous improvement, get a little bit better every single day.

We are moving towards a future where customer is the king. The products and services that are provided are shaped according to the customers need. More and more businesses are coming out with solutions that provide customized products and services for each customer. Today’s successful businesses are not those that provide the most pocket friendly products and services, but those who provide the best experience to their customers.

Six Sigma is a tool with unlimited opportunity and scope in this direction. It’s the change that you need for a successful business.

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