Lean Six Sigma Foundations and Initiation

This unit introduces core Lean Six Sigma concepts and foundational problem‑solving frameworks used in process technology. Students learn to identify value, map and analyze processes, capture the Voice of the Customer, and prepare concise project briefs that set the stage for applied improvement work in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze core Lean and Six Sigma principles, including value versus waste and types of variation, to identify opportunities for process improvement
• Apply process mapping, Kano analysis, and Voice of the Customer techniques to create high‑level process maps and customer requirement statements that define project scope
• Demonstrate understanding of introductory improvement frameworks (DMAIC, Theory of Constraints, DfSS, Agile, and rapid improvement) to recommend appropriate approaches for initiating projects
• Evaluate stakeholder, standardization, and deployment factors and produce a brief project charter or stakeholder summary that gains initial acceptance and defines roles