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Six Sigma (management system)

Information Technology > Process mapping and design

Description

Six Sigma is a data-driven management system that aims to improve business processes by reducing defects and variability. It uses a structured methodology known as DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) to identify and eliminate sources of errors. Six Sigma practitioners use various statistical tools for data analysis, process mapping techniques for visualizing workflows, and cause-and-effect diagrams for root cause analysis. As one progresses from fundamental awareness to expert level, they develop skills in leading complex projects, customizing the DMAIC approach, performing advanced statistical analyses, and implementing strategic process controls.

Expected Behaviors

LEVEL 1

Fundamental Awareness

At the fundamental awareness level, individuals are expected to have a basic understanding of Six Sigma principles and the DMAIC methodology. They should be familiar with basic statistical tools and process mapping techniques, and have knowledge of cause and effect diagrams.

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LEVEL 2

Novice

Novices should be able to apply basic Six Sigma principles and use the DMAIC methodology in simple projects. They should be capable of using basic statistical tools for data analysis, creating simple process maps, and identifying potential causes using cause and effect diagrams.

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LEVEL 3

Intermediate

At the intermediate level, individuals should effectively apply Six Sigma principles in complex projects and proficiently use the DMAIC methodology. They should be capable of advanced data analysis using statistical tools, designing and optimizing process maps, and performing root cause analysis using cause and effect diagrams.

LEVEL 4

Advanced

Advanced individuals should demonstrate leadership in Six Sigma project implementation and expertise in customizing the DMAIC methodology for specific projects. They should perform advanced statistical analysis, design and manage complex process maps, conduct in-depth root cause analysis, and proficiently use control charts for process monitoring.

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LEVEL 5

Expert

Experts should provide strategic leadership in Six Sigma deployment across the organization, master the DMAIC methodology, and train others. They should perform expert-level statistical analysis and interpretation, design and continuously improve complex process maps, conduct expert-level root cause analysis, and develop and implement control charts for strategic process control.

Micro Skills

LEVEL 1

Fundamental Awareness

Awareness of the concept of process variation
Basic knowledge of the role of data in Six Sigma
Understanding of the importance of customer satisfaction in Six Sigma
Familiarity with the five phases of DMAIC
Understanding of the purpose of each phase
Awareness of the tools used in each phase
Knowledge of mean, median and mode
Understanding of standard deviation
Awareness of the concept of normal distribution
Understanding of the purpose of process mapping
Familiarity with basic process map symbols
Awareness of the steps involved in creating a process map
Understanding of the purpose of cause and effect diagrams
Familiarity with the structure of a cause and effect diagram
Awareness of how to identify potential causes using a cause and effect diagram
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LEVEL 2

Novice

Understanding the concept of variation and its impact on processes
Knowledge of the role of customer requirements in Six Sigma
Basic application of the concept of process capability
Ability to define project goals and deliverables
Understanding of how to measure current performance
Basic skills in analyzing data to identify root causes
Ability to develop improvement plans
Understanding of how to control and maintain improvements
Ability to use descriptive statistics
Understanding of probability distributions
Basic skills in hypothesis testing
Ability to create and interpret control charts
Understanding of different types of process maps
Ability to identify key steps in a process
Basic skills in documenting processes using appropriate symbols
Understanding of the concept of cause and effect
Ability to identify potential causes of process problems
Basic skills in creating cause and effect diagrams
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LEVEL 3

Intermediate

Understanding of business processes and their performance
Skill in identifying potential areas for improvement
Knowledge of business strategy and objectives
Skill in communicating the value of Six Sigma projects to stakeholders
Understanding of the Define phase of the DMAIC methodology
Skill in setting SMART project goals
Knowledge of statistical software tools
Skill in applying appropriate statistical techniques
Understanding of process mapping techniques
Skill in optimizing process maps for efficiency and effectiveness
Understanding of root cause analysis techniques
Skill in developing solutions based on root cause analysis
Understanding of control chart theory
Skill in creating and maintaining control charts
LEVEL 4

Advanced

Understanding project requirements
Defining project scope
Setting project objectives
Team formation
Task delegation
Conflict identification
Conflict resolution
Project monitoring
Making adjustments
Stakeholder identification
Communication planning
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LEVEL 5

Expert

Understanding of business strategy
Integration of Six Sigma into business strategy
Understanding of change management principles
Implementation of change management techniques
Understanding of project portfolio management principles
Implementation of project portfolio management techniques
Understanding of mentoring and coaching principles
Implementation of mentoring and coaching techniques
Knowledge of Define phase
Knowledge of Measure phase
Knowledge of Analyze phase
Knowledge of Improve phase
Knowledge of Control phase
Understanding of project requirements
Customization of DMAIC methodology
Understanding of training principles
Implementation of training and mentoring techniques
Project management skills
Implementation of project management techniques

Skill Overview

  • Expert4 years experience
  • Micro-skills77
  • Roles requiring skill4

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