One thing admirable about Six Sigma is that its tools can be integrated with tools of other quality methodologies. One fruitful marriage is Six Sigma and Project Management.
Using Six Sigma tools throughout the project life cycle adds a series of troubleshooting tools and methodology to the project management system. Project management contributes tools to monitor and track the progress of the project and also adds controls to the problem.
According to Daniel Zucker writing for iSixSigma:
The Six Sigma methodology DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) offers a structured and disciplined process for solving business problems. Six Sigma uses tools designed to identify root causes for the defects in processes that keep an organization from providing its customers with the consitent quality of products the customers require on time and at the most reasonable cost. The Six Sigma work is normally done through cross-function teams that manage the project. Yet the methodology does not address the management of the project itself.
Project management’s tools and techniques focus on attributes of a project such as development, execution, control and closing. There is an assortment of tools that are used throughout the project to manage the project to completion.
Below is an example.
| Example Integration of Project Management System and Six Sigma System | |||||
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The Project Life Cycle |
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Phase I Define |
Phase II Define |
Phase III Measure/Analyze |
Phase IV Improve/Control
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Phase V Improve/Control |
Phase VI Control |
| > VOC -statement of work > Pareto diagrams > Fishbone diagram > FMEA > Process flow > Control plan > Scope definition, objectives > Assumptions > Risk process > Project deliverable checklist |
> Requirements writing > Criteria for project completion > Communication plan > Responsibility assignment matrix > Risk process > Change management > Lessons learned > Weekly team meeting |
> Cost estimating > Work breakdown structure - Cost budget - Schedule > Gauge R&R > Pareto analysis > FMEA > DOE > Risk process > Change management > Earned value analysis > Lessons learned > Weekly team meeting |
> Recommend solutions > Recommend controls of solutions > Design recommended solution > Design controls > Risk process > Change management > Earned value analysis > Lessons learned > Weekly team meeting |
> Implement process improvements > Project process monitoring with countermeasures and controls > Purchase capital > Test solution > Risk process > Change management > Earned value analysis > Lessons learned > Weekly team meeting |
> Measure for completion of objectives > Repeat at 3 months then again at 6 months > Controls review > Close project > Project book archive > Risk process > Change management > Lessons learned > Weekly team meeting |
| Senior management approval to continue the project | Stakeholder approval to continue the project | Project Sponsor approval to continue the project | Stakeholder approval to continue the project | Project Sponsor approval to continue the project | Project success or failure |
