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The first phase in the Six Sigma DMAIC cycle is the Define phase. In this phase, projects are defined or, we can say, the foundation of the entire project is laid down. During this phase the team is formed, stakeholders are identified and voices of the customers are documented. The main goal of this phase is to ensure that the team members involved in the project focus on the business problems. During this phase, the project leaders aim to clarify the purpose and scope of the project. The activities in the Define phase can include:

• Identifying stakeholders.

• Determining critical to X requirements.

• Defining the problem statement after analyzing the voice of the customer.

• Understanding the needs and requirements of the customers.

• Ensuring that the needs and requirements of the customers are aligned with the goals and objectives of the Six Sigma project.

• Developing a project charter, project management plan, and agreeing with the means to track project implementation.

It is in the Define phase where important “Project Stakeholders” are identified and their needs and requirements are properly documented. It is essential to understand stakeholder interests, power, and influence on the project in order to implement the project in the most effective way. During this phase, the “Project Charter” is also documented. A project charter is a document that gives an overview of the project by stating the project’s goals and objectives. It states the scope, objectives, boundaries, resources, participants, and anticipated outcomes of the project. 

Other tasks performed during this phase include: defining and documenting the problem statement and scope of the project. The problem statement must include accurate definitions of conditions that can cause undesirable effects on the project and the organization. Project scope defines the boundaries of the project. Project scope definition must be done in such a manner that the project scope is neither too broad nor too narrow. Another important task performed in this phase is the formation of a proper team that will actively take part in the completion and execution of the project.

Some of the key tools and techniques that are used in the Define phase of Six Sigma to achieve the goals of the project are as follows:

• Benchmarking.

• Market research data.

• Historical quality information.

• Team experience.

• Quality Function Deployment.

• CTQ flow down.

• Kano customer satisfaction levels.

• Customer Value Analysis.

• Charter negotiations.

• Templates

• Expert judgment.

• Decomposition.

• GANTT chart.

• CPM and PERT.

At the end of the Define phase, the organization’s problems would be outlined by the project team members; the scope of the project would be clear to everyone, and the needs and requirements of all the stakeholders would be determined. 

To read more on the next phase of the DMAIC Cycle, please click here