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Understanding the distinction phases in the DMAIC methodology is essential to understanding quality management

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Understanding the distinction phases in the DMAIC methodology is essential to understanding quality management. Moreover, the DMAIC methodology is important to your success in the course and on the LSSGB exam.

Selecting the right Lean Six Sigma project is usually accomplished by establishing a project selection steering committee that generates project ideas that are assessed and prioritized based on some project selection criteria similar to the following instances when DMAIC should be applied:

· The problem is linked to a business process

· The process runs frequently

· There is no known solution

· The root cause is not known

· The problem is complex and needs statistical analysis

· The problem is part of an existing process

· The process is repeatable

· A defect can be defined

· Project will take three to six months

· There is data available

Not all project ideas are good candidates for the DMAIC methodology, however. Instances when DMAIC would not be required or appropriate, or might not be successful, include:

· If problems have an obvious root cause and known solution: In such situations, the solutions should just be implemented. Such problems rarely require DMAIC.

· If leaders are having trouble obtaining buy-in from their employees or supervisors regarding improvements that are needed: In this type of situation, the answer is not to charter a DMAIC project. DMAIC is not intended as a replacement for effective leadership and change management. 

· If there is no business process management system: In this situation, a DMAIC project is unlikely to go smoothly.

For example, if the goal were to "implement a new call monitoring system," then applying DMAIC to the situation would not be appropriate. An appropriate goal for a DMAIC project would be: "Find out why our technical support resolution rate is so low and improve it."

For your initial post in the discussion forum, review the module lesson and address the following:    

· Describe an example of an actual process that the DMAIC methodology could be applied to. NOTE: This should be different than the process you will identify in this module’s journal assignment. 

· Describe an example of an actual process for which the DMAIC methodology would not be suitable.