Six Sigma Project Plan: A Quick Guide

The Six Sigma project plan is a popular strategy incorporating the Six Sigma methodology to enhance project development. Nowadays, it is likely that every major organization has already adopted the Six Sigma project plan. By implementing this methodology, organizations experience considerable improvement in their processes and product quality, which is why it is hyped worldwide. If you are a professional in the project development field, you must keep up with the skill to thrive. 

This article will provide you with key points you need to know about Six Sigma. 

What is a Project Plan in Six Sigma? 

In the current business scenario, efficiency and consistency are the two most influential aspects of project development. However, developing a project quickly and effectively without a proper roadmap may lead to errors and failures. Therefore, there is a constant need for efficient project planning to address these challenges. This is where the implementation plan Six Sigma comes into play. Six Sigma training helps individuals lead projects within an organization.

The Six Sigma method focuses on improving the organization’s process with the help of statistical data involving qualitative and quantitative techniques or tools. Similarly, the project plan in the Six Sigma implementation plan involves creating a comprehensive plan that focuses on understanding customer requirements. Moreover, the project plan Six Sigma will reduce defects and waste, enhance process control, minimize variation, and increase quality and efficiency.

It is important to understand the Lean Six Sigma project plan concept. Initially, Six Sigma and Lean were separate methodologies aimed at improving process control and reducing defects and waste. Over time, the term ‘Lean Six Sigma Project plan’ emerged. This acknowledges the need to incorporate both approaches while effectively planning a Six Sigma project.

Elements of a Six Sigma Project Plan 

The efficiency of the Six Sigma project plan relies on eight major elements: Scope, Tasks, Schedule, Resources, Budget, Stakeholders, Communication, and Risk. Each element of the Six Sigma project plan defines a specific aspect of the project development, and it is mandatory to address all of them. 

Scope

To develop a project, one has to authorize the project by clearly defining the project's destination per the customer's needs. This responsibility falls under the scope element of project plan Six Sigma. The scope defines the project's objectives, features, and components, along with the domain and goal that must be achieved via the project plan.

Tasks

Defining the project's scope is essential, but it alone doesn’t guarantee successful execution. It is necessary to have an element that outlines the specific processes and activities required to make the project a reality. The task element of the Six Sigma project plan is responsible for determining the steps that must be taken to achieve the project's scope during the development process.

Schedule

Once the processing steps of the project development are defined, it is essential to determine the timeframe for completing each process. This will help in determining when the project will be ready for production. The schedule element of the Six Sigma project plan manages the time each process will need to complete. The schedule element ensures the project's completion within the desired timeframe by effectively scheduling and allocating time for each process.

Resources

After defining the tasks and their completion time to achieve the project's scope, it is necessary to identify and provide the resources to carry out the tasks. The resource element determines the resources required to develop the project from planning to production. 

Budget

While planning a project, managers need to assess the estimated required cost to complete the project to avoid any loss for both customers and the organization. The budget element of the Six Sigma project plan deals with the project development cost. It provides economic feasibility that helps the customer and the organization determine whether the project is affordable.

Stakeholders

The individuals interested in the project and who benefit from it once it reaches the production stage are represented using the stakeholder element of the Six Sigma Project Plan. Stakeholders can include anyone influencing the project’s development, such as the customers, project managers, the organization’s CEO, and development teams. 

Communication

The Communication element of the Six Sigma project plan is self-explanatory. It defines how you share information and data among the stakeholders. Six Sigma communication plan examples include presentations, reports, emails, and demonstrations. Without clear communication, the project’s objectives cannot be achieved.

Risk

The risk element of the Six Sigma project plan identifies the possible risks, including the processes that could go wrong and affect the project's outcome during the development process. 

Tools and Techniques for Six Sigma Project Planning 

The planning tools and techniques used in the Six Sigma project plan make it popular among its peers. Generally, PERT, CPM, PDPC, and Gantt charts are used to effectively plan a Six Sigma project.

• Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) chart: Uses a network diagram to demonstrate the project plan. It focuses on reducing the time and costs required for project development.
• Critical Path Method (CPM): Identifies the longest route in the project network diagram and defines the highest project development timeframe considering all the dependencies. CPM and PERT use overlapping methodologies, but CPM is activity and event oriented.
• Gantt charts: Graphically represents the project tasks and individuals assigned to them. That includes the duration of tasks against the progression of time. 
• Process Decision Program Chart (PDPC): is a planning tool involving a tree diagram to identify risks and countermeasures. The tool helps developers create a contingency plan for risk.

Examples of Successful Six Sigma Project Plans 

Thanks to its rapid growth over the years, there are notable Six Sigma implementation plans in various fields, including manufacturing, finance, IT/Technology, government schemes, sports, entertainment, and health care. 

Manufacturing Industry

Although the Lean Six Sigma implementation plan is used diversely in all fields, it was originally developed to be used in the manufacturing industry. Earn an LSSGB certification to thrive in this industry. Some Six Sigma project plan examples in the manufacturing industry include:

• Reducing lead time in customer replacement parts,
• Streamlining order lead time,
• Improving the learning curve ramp for temp employees.

Finance Industry

In the finance industry, Six Sigma is applied to various areas. Such as

• Risk management,
• Balance Sheet Management,
• Optimization of Investment Portfolios.

IT/Technology Industry

The IT/technology sector also benefits from some real-time examples of Six Sigma project plans, including: 

• Enhancing lean productivity through immersive collaboration,
• Reducing incorrect router installations for call centers,
• Improving software bug-fix lead times.

Healthcare Industry

The healthcare industry got some great Six Sigma implementation plan examples for operational efficiency. Some examples include: 

• Reducing surgery cycle time,
• Identifying defects in the hospital’s emergency care unit,
• Optimizing the surgery supply chain.

Tips for Developing a Successful Six Sigma Project Plan 

Mastering any field doesn't happen overnight. Developing a skill set requires time and patience, especially being a Six Sigma-certified developer. Planning a Six Sigma project can be challenging, but it can be done successfully with proper guidance and effective strategies. Apart from joining a professional course to get certified, here are some tips for planning a Six Sigma project. 

• Make sure the outline and the scope of the project are well-documented.
• Planning a Six Sigma project should involve teamwork and ongoing effort.
• Consider every aspect of the project, including how you communicate, ensure product quality, listen to customer feedback, and keep track of important reports.
• If you're the project manager, stay connected with the rest of the team. If you're a team member, keep the project manager updated on your progress.
• Include stakeholders and management in all stages of project development, not just the requirement analysis stage.

Winding Up 

Organizations have undergone several changes in recent years, so individuals must keep up with them to survive. Organizations require individuals with unique skill sets who can actively contribute to their projects and deliver high-quality products to stay ahead of their competitors.

The Six Sigma project plan is a highly sought-after skill in the managerial industry. This leads to a rise in demand for certification in the Six Sigma Project Plan Methodology. KnowledgeHut Six Sigma trainings offers certification, ranging from White, Yellow, and Green to Black Belt levels.