Six Sigma Part 2: Analyze, Improve, Control

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.

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.

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

TUMx teaching method and Holly’s approach are unique. Many statistical methods you once learned in academia will be illustrated with relevant examples of production optimization. Holly explains the material very thoroughly and clearly. I highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to work on process optimization and to understand the basic principles of process quality control and optimization.

3 Main subjects I've learned from this course:

Data Analysis Techniques: DoE, Regression, Hypotesis testing, relationships in process performance.

Six Sigma Integration: Root Cause Analysis, P/FMEA, value stream mapping and more.

Ethics, Process optimization and control by determining UCL/LCL in different processes and appropriate representative data charts

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).

With every industry pursuing Lean practices in their manufacturing processes, knowledge of lean and Six Sigma becomes imperative if you want to pursue career in such an industry!!

I was initially doubtful of starting this online course (as I am not much of a virtual-class fan), but this course really blew me away with level of engagement it evoked in me! The lecture videos aren't just a formality to go though all the topics they promise but so meticulously structured that by the end of each module per course ( I have done all the modules in all 3 course in the series) you get equipped with the TOOLS of Six Sigma. The tools about which you can really boast knowing, the tools which you can use in almost any sphere of your profession that requires logical reasoning. The best part of these tools being, being able to QUANTIFY the QUALITATIVE information!

My particular favourites were the 'FMEA analysis' and the 'Regression Analysis'. The most useful tools! Even my friends have started the course seeing the level of knowledge I gained about quantifying the qualitative information and reach to conclusion of what actually the problem is and how to address it.

I can go on and on about the course and this is one of the best courses online I have done so far. And last, but not the least; Holy Ott, the lecturer in the courses, has impeccable skills of teaching and engaging with the students. I had one problem in between and she replied within minutes (and when I was late to reply, she followed up). Such a great teacher who is actually concerned in imparting knowledge, no matter even if you are her virtual student. I loved her engagement in the course as a lecturer!

I TOTALLY RECOMMEND EVERYONE TO TAKE UP THIS COURSE IF YOU REALLY REALLY WANT TO LEARN ABOUT SIX SIGMA AND LEAN!!!!
No-where, I believe, is it possible to get this quality level lectures, excercises and projects! And if you want to take it to a step furtehr, go for the TUM Certificate, The stamp of TUM speaks for itself! :)

Hi All, My name is Max Lu from Infineon Taiwan. My job function is for OSAT (Outsourcing Subcontractor Assembly Test) operation management for engineering.
After the training Six Sigma Part 2: Analyze, Improve, Control, I learn more about the analyze/Improve/Control skills in DMAIC flow. Especially, one-way/two-way ANOVA, process control and control charts such as X-bar and R-charts, P-/C-charts…etc. During the last section, 8D and deviation management and 3x5Why methodology all very useful in my daily work. 0D: Become aware of the problem/Prepare and plan,1D: Grab a Team!, 2D: Understand the Problem,3D: Take Containment Actions, 4D: Find the Root Cause, 5D: Choose the Corrective Action, 6D: Implement Corrective Action, 7D: Learn & Define Prevention for the Future, 8D: Release the Teams.

This course gives a solid and structured overview of the Analyze and Improve phases of Six Sigma. The content is clear and well organized, even though some examples are strongly focused on manufacturing.

For me, the main value was not the formulas themselves, but learning how to think in terms of variation, data quality, and structured problem solving. These concepts are very applicable to service and transactional processes as well, such as quotation processes, billing, or lead time improvements.

The course requires some effort, especially if you are not coming from a statistical background, but it helps build a better understanding of risks behind averages and assumptions. Overall, a useful and practical course for professionals who want to apply data-driven thinking in real business environments.

One of the primary focuses of the course is the application of statistical methods to analyze process data. As student, you learn to identify patterns, determine root causes, and make data-driven decisions to improve process performance. The course covers essential statistical tools such as hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and control charts, which are crucial for effective problem-solving in Six Sigma projects.

You learn how to use statistical methods to analyze process data in order to: identify patterns, determine root causes, and make data-driven decisions to improve process performance. The course covers essential statistical tools such as hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and control charts, which are crucial for effective problem-solving in Six Sigma projects.

In the last section of the course, you are introduced to widely used problem-solving frameworks like the 8D (Eight Disciplines) methodology and the 5 Whys technique. These tools help teams systematically investigate issues, implement corrective actions, and prevent recurrence. You also have the possibility to apply the learned concepts to case studies which connect the theory and its application in the real world.

I would recommend this course to all professionals looking to enhance their analytical and problem-solving capabilities in process improvement. Thanks to its structured approach, practical methodologies, and focus on both corrective and preventive measures, the course effectively equips us (the learners) with the skills to drive quality enhancements in their organizations.

I am a supply chain professional working in the humanitarian sector and my goal is to apply the highest industry quality standards to our work in humanitarian organizations.

I hope you enjoy it!

Javier.

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.