Chapter 8

Problem-Solving Using Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve,

Control

Problem-Solving

• If you don’t know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere else.– Laurence J. Peters

• Author and business theorist

Problem-Solving

• Dr. Deming’s Plan-Do-Study-Act Cycle

Problem-Solving

• Six Sigma projects have five phases:– Define– Measure– Analyze– Improve– Control (note similarity to PDSA)

Problem-Solving

• Define– Identify the problem/project– Define the requirements– Establish the goals to be achieved

Problem-Solving

• Measure– Gather information about the current process

• Define and measure key process steps and inputs

– Refine the problem statement and goals

Problem-Solving

• Analyze– Identify potential root causes of the problem– Validate the cause and effect relationship– Identify the vital few root causes

Problem-Solving

• Improve– Implement solution to address root causes of

problem– Test solutions– Measure results

Problem-Solving

• Control– Evaluate and monitor improvements

• Make adjustments as needed

– Establish standard procedures

Problem-Solving

• Eight essential tools typically used within DMAIC process

• Process Maps• Cause and Effect Diagrams• Failure Modes and Effects Analysis• Measurement System Analysis• Process Capability Studies• Multi-variate studies• Design of Experiments• Process Control Plans

Problem-Solving

• Seven Tools of Quality proposed by Kaoru Ishikawa– Flow Chart– Control Chart– Check Sheet – Histogram– Pareto Diagram– Cause and Effect Diagram– Scatter Diagram