Assignment about lean six sigma Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

About lean six sigma - Assignment Example Common Team Tools and Their Application to Lean Six Sigma Six Sigma refers to an approach that involves a rigorous procedure that ensures a team delivers its maximum yield. Its philosophy is best summarized by the abbreviation DMAIC, which stands for definition, measurement, analysis, improvement, and control (Donald & Kubiak, p. 23). This method defines the required steps that a Six Sigma practitioner must follow. It starts with the identification of the problem and follows through to the implementation of a long lasting solution. This methodology is widely accepted and practiced. Team tools are the assessments, ice breakers and other practical activities that are employed to help teams get back on track, move forward or help build trust among team members (Donald & Kubiak, p. 23). This section discusses the team tools as applied to Six Sigma. Definition is the first step of any project during which the business goal and potential resources, project depth, and timeline are clearly d efined. The problem is defined, customers identified, and the way forward charted. The measurement concept entails data collection in a bid to establish the performance standard. This measure will be compared to the measure at conclusion to establish whether goals have been met. This measured data is critical since it forms the basis for gauging the performance of a project team. At analysis, the main task is to identify, corroborate, and select causes for elimination. A number of root causes are identified and a vote is cast, the top three or four causes are identified and the process is done recursively using complex analysis tools until the valid root cause is identified (Donald & Kubiak, p. 23). In improvement, solutions to problems are identified, tested, and implemented. Measurement identifies the creative measures to solve or eliminate the problem identified in the previous step. Techniques such as ‘Six Thinking Hats’ and ‘Design of Experiments’ are used in this step. These techniques may be avoided incase solutions are obvious. Finally, the control stage serves to sustain the gains as improvements are monitored to ensure sustainable output. This process also involves an update of training and business strategies and records. In some cases, control chart techniques are used to graphically assess the stability and progress of a progress. Types of Teams The most common on teams are the vertical/functional teams. These are teams formed to execute explicit tasks and routinely include members from various levels in the hierarchy or a business. Modestly put, a vertical team consists of a manager working with subordinates in a certain functional department (Devine, p. 330). Examples of vertical or functional teams include departments in an organization such as Accounts, personnel or Engineering. On the other hand, horizontal or cross-functional teams consist of experts from different departments coming together to work on various task s within an organization. The team members may come from different departments such as design, research and development, technical, and marketing. Once formed, horizontal teams are typically self-directed and make decisions that do not need the approval of the management (Devine, p. 302). Horizontal