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Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Introduction to Lean Six Sigma Methods

Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare

Overview

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This course covers the fundamental principles, practices and tools of Lean Six Sigma methods that underlay modern organizational productivity approaches applied in aerospace, automotive, health care, and other sectors. It includes lectures, active learning exercises, a plant tour, talks by industry practitioners, and videos. One third of the course is devoted to a physical simulation of an aircraft manufacturing enterprise or a clinic to illustrate the power of Lean Six Sigma methods. The course is offered during the Independent Activities Period (IAP), which is a special 4-week term at MIT that runs from the first week of January until the end of the month.

Syllabus

Ses. 1-2: The Start of Your Lean Journey.
Ses. 1-3: Lean Thinking: Part I.
Ses. 1-3: Lean Thinking: Part II.
Ses. 1-5: People: The Heart of Lean.
Ses. 1-6: Value Stream Mapping Basics.
Ses 1-7 | MIT 16.660 Introduction to Lean Six Sigma Methods, January (IAP) 2008.
Ses. 2-1: Lean healthcare simulation (covers 2-1, 2-3, and 2-5).
Ses. 2-2: Continuous Process Improvement, Healthcare Option.
Ses. 2-4: Improving the Enterprise, Healthcare Option.
Ses. 3-2: Variability Simulation.
Ses. 3-3 Lean for Healthcare: An Overview.
Ses. 3-4: A3 Thinking.
Ses. 3-5: Quality Tools and Topics.
Ses. 3-6: Six Sigma Basics.

Taught by

Prof. Earll Murman , Dr. Hugh McManus , Prof. Annalisa Weigel and Dr. Bo Madsen

Reviews

4.9 rating, based on 9 Class Central reviews

Start your review of Introduction to Lean Six Sigma Methods

  • It is a great intro class for absolute beginners with no prior knowledge of the field. All terms are explained clearly, and examples are engaging and easy to follow. I always thought Lean methodology could be implemented in production processes, but this course helped me to see its applicability for my current position.
  • Profile image for Leonardo Aboud Iwamoto
    Leonardo Aboud Iwamoto
    The Six Sigma Methods class from MIT OpenCourseWare is very clear and informative. The lesson explains complex statistical and process-improvement concepts in a simple and organized way, making them easier to understand even for beginners.

    What stands out is the balance between theory and practical examples, especially when introducing tools like DMAIC and data analysis. It feels objective, well-structured, and useful for anyone who wants a solid foundation in Six Sigma and real-world process improvement.
  • Kunal Pakhale
    It was good foundation course for Lean Six sigma for basics i learn a lot on foundation course I recommend everyone to do this course for Lean six foundation course.
  • Profile image for Alessandro Vesguerber
    Alessandro Vesguerber
    A avaliação do Six Sigma muito interessante, é feita por meio de métricas que medem a qualidade de um processo. Para isso, é necessário ter dados confiáveis sobre o processo e definir uma métrica para cada tema de projeto.
  • Guilherme Augusto Da Silva Praça
    Very good course!
    Insightful course on Six Sigma! Comprehensive, practical, and well-structured for real-world applications.
  • Roman Taksing
    Absolutely great course with proper explanations and information to lean six sigma methods. I am a student in South Africa and have been studying operations management and in particular lean six sigma and with the amount of information and knowledge gained from this program I am able to apply it towards my degree and achieve an overall understanding of the various aspects related to the topic of lean six sigma manufacturing.
  • Dalia Akter (Jotee)
    I have learnt a lot throughout this course which I suppose will prove to be helpful in my career. The course contains details about six sigma and lean process along with some case studies that helped me understand the concepts more precisely.
  • Ola Gamal Abdl Hady
    it's a comprehensive course linked with real practices in workplace helping in understanding what is lean and how to be lean and how to apply lean and its effects in enhancing workflow and great significance in achieving organizational goals and objectives im highly recommend this course for anyone need to know about lean six sigma
  • Moyses Victor
    Excellent approach to the proposed topic.
    the Course really offers quite important concepts in the Lean universe.

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