Operational Excellence and Process Design

This unit develops learners’ ability to measure, analyze, and organize operational processes using Lean Six Sigma and Agile methods. Students will apply data collection, control charts, waste identification, DMAIC/DMADV, visual management, and facilitation techniques to prioritize and test improvements that prepare them for detailed design and implementation in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze production and process performance using structured data collection plans, control charts, and waste analysis to quantify the current state and identify high-impact improvement opportunities
• Apply DMAIC and DMADV methodologies together with design thinking and Measure-phase tools to define requirements, confirm root causes, and size up the status quo for targeted process changes
• Demonstrate facilitation and leadership practices by creating sponsorship plans, event checklists, workplace organization (5S) and visual management artifacts to run and sustain successful improvement events
• Evaluate and prioritize solution options by designing and executing small-scale tests or Agile/Scrum-based pilots, using visual metrics and decision criteria to select ideas for full design and implementation