On Your Marks: Planning a Successful Six Sigma Project

This article is the first in our three-part series to help you achieve the best results using Six Sigma. Today we focus on planning a successful Six Sigma project. You can read parts 2 and 3 here. Now, on your marks . . .

If you’re new to Six Sigma, or just want to brush up, then this three-part guide will act as the perfect project toolkit, covering everything you need to know. But what goes into planning a Six Sigma project? That’s where we can help. Remember, the perfect plan is also a map to success!

Planning Team Work

Embarking on any Six Sigma project is not something we recommend doing alone. Six Sigma requires, at its most intrinsic level, a group effort for maximum process improvement. In fact, it is this very factor that ensures Six Sigma’s success, as it demands a continual group effort to evaluate, organize and communicate the needs and difficulties of the project.

Project managers often make the mistake of planning a Six Sigma project without assistance, which is one of the leading causes of failure for Six Sigma projects. Good planning takes time and effort, requiring extensive prep-work, and great leadership. Below we outline a few useful tips to help make your Six Sigma project a successful one:

• Be sure to properly outline and document the scope of the project.
• Be organized. Make use of a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) to document all aspects of the plan and any related communications.
• Take everything into account. Leave no stone unturned. Communication, product quality control, customer reviews, reportage, and so on, must all be given equal attention.
• Remain involved with the rest of the team. Complete all work in person. It is the responsibility of the project manager to oversee all aspects of planning, taking risks and deliverables into account. It is also up to you to manage and direct the rest of the team.
• Management should be involved in the planning stage, not just when the project finally commences.

Sustained Improvement Requires Ongoing Effort

Your Six Sigma project plan is more than just something to get out of the way. It is an invaluable tool not to be underestimated. Your plan will function as a source of direction and information for your team to return to throughout the project. Look closely at what you learn about the project, take note of any changes of scope, amendments to the WBS, effects on stakeholder, as factors like this can have a big impact on the plan’s trajectory and ultimate direction. Take our advice when it comes to project plans: if there’s a plan, use it; if there’s not, make one (and use it).

Results: Aim High, Remain Focused

Invest your effort wisely: You should direct continual planning by both you and your team towards getting results. Consider these questions. What needs to be done to achieve the desired result? How will the quality of work be maintained? Do tools, tests and techniques used to relate to the project deliverables? Taking time to consider all aspects of the project, as opposed to just winging it, will ensure your project has the best plan and the best results.

Contact us at 6Sigma.us and find out how we can positively help you plan and change the culture and operations of your organization. We offer Green Belt and Black Belt training programs, as well as a Master Black Belt program.