Six Sigma Quality, 6 credits

Six Sigma Quality, 6 hp

TMQU04

Main field of study

Industrial Engineering and Management

Course level

Second cycle

Course type

Programme course

Examiner

Peter Cronemyr

Director of studies or equivalent

Uni Sallnäs

Education components

Preliminary scheduled hours: 50 h
Recommended self-study hours: 110 h

Available for exchange students

Yes
ECV = Elective / Compulsory / Voluntary
Course offered for Semester Period Timetable module Language Campus ECV
6CEMM Energy-Environment-Management M Sc in Engineering 8 (Spring 2019) 2 2 English Linköping, Valla E
6CEMM Energy-Environment-Management M Sc in Engineering (Sustainable Business Development) 8 (Spring 2019) 2 2 English Linköping, Valla E
6CIEI Industrial Engineering and Management - International, M Sc in Engineering - Chinese 8 (Spring 2019) 2 2 English Linköping, Valla E
6CIEI Industrial Engineering and Management - International, M Sc in Engineering - Chinese (Master Profile Quality Technology and Management) 8 (Spring 2019) 2 2 English Linköping, Valla C/E
6CIEI Industrial Engineering and Management - International, M Sc in Engineering - French 8 (Spring 2019) 2 2 English Linköping, Valla E
6CIEI Industrial Engineering and Management - International, M Sc in Engineering - French (Master Profile Quality Technology and Management) 8 (Spring 2019) 2 2 English Linköping, Valla C/E
6CIEI Industrial Engineering and Management - International, M Sc in Engineering - German 8 (Spring 2019) 2 2 English Linköping, Valla E
6CIEI Industrial Engineering and Management - International, M Sc in Engineering - German (Master Profile Quality Technology and Management) 8 (Spring 2019) 2 2 English Linköping, Valla C/E
6CIEI Industrial Engineering and Management - International, M Sc in Engineering - Japanese 8 (Spring 2019) 2 2 English Linköping, Valla E
6CIEI Industrial Engineering and Management - International, M Sc in Engineering - Japanese (Master Profile Quality Technology and Management) 8 (Spring 2019) 2 2 English Linköping, Valla C/E
6CIEI Industrial Engineering and Management - International, M Sc in Engineering - Spanish 8 (Spring 2019) 2 2 English Linköping, Valla E
6CIEI Industrial Engineering and Management - International, M Sc in Engineering - Spanish (Master Profile Quality Technology and Management) 8 (Spring 2019) 2 2 English Linköping, Valla C/E
6CIII Industrial Engineering and Management, M Sc in Engineering 8 (Spring 2019) 2 2 English Linköping, Valla E
6CIII Industrial Engineering and Management, M Sc in Engineering (Master Profile Quality Technology and Management) 8 (Spring 2019) 2 2 English Linköping, Valla C/E
6MIND Industrial Engineering and Management, Master's Programme 2 (Spring 2019) 2 2 English Linköping, Valla E
6MIND Industrial Engineering and Management, Master's Programme (Operations Management) 2 (Spring 2019) 2 2 English Linköping, Valla E
6MIND Industrial Engineering and Management, Master's Programme (Quality Management) 2 (Spring 2019) 2 2 English Linköping, Valla C/E
6CMMM Mechanical Engineering, M Sc in Engineering 8 (Spring 2019) 2 2 English Linköping, Valla E
6CMMM Mechanical Engineering, M Sc in Engineering (Production Engineering) 8 (Spring 2019) 2 2 English Linköping, Valla E
6CMMM Mechanical Engineering, M Sc in Engineering (Quality Management) 8 (Spring 2019) 2 2 English Linköping, Valla C/E
6MMEC Mechanical Engineering, Master's Programme 2 (Spring 2019) 2 2 English Linköping, Valla E
6MMEC Mechanical Engineering, Master's Programme (Manufacturing Engineering) 2 (Spring 2019) 2 2 English Linköping, Valla E

Main field of study

Industrial Engineering and Management

Course level

Second cycle

Advancement level

A1X

Course offered for

  • Master's Programme in Industrial Engineering and Management
  • Master's Programme in Mechanical Engineering
  • Energy-Environment-Management M Sc in Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering and Management - International, M Sc in Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering and Management, M Sc in Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering, M Sc in Engineering

Entry requirements

Note: Admission requirements for non-programme students usually also include admission requirements for the programme and threshold requirements for progression within the programme, or corresponding.

Prerequisites

Required: Mathematical statistics, Quality Management and Engineering
Desired: Statistical Quality Control.

Intended learning outcomes

The course gives knowledge about organization, working methods and tools for process and product improvements using Six Sigma methodology. The essence of Six Sigma is to define and solve advanced problems using advanced statistical and qualitative methods, but doing so in a way that results and solutions are well supported by managers and employees in the organization and process being improved. The foundation is based on scientific method, but the project-oriented approach is design to fit in an engineering environment. After completing the course, the student is able to:

  • identify situations where Six Sigma methodology could give an important contribution to quality improvement with regard to product and process development within industrial and service contexts
  • identify which analysis methods is suitable to solve a given problem
  • carry out a Six Sigma project from defined problem and target to verified improvement according to the DMAIC process
  • use both qualitative evaluations and quantitative statistical analysis and improvement methods

Course content

Understanding of variation, Evolution of Six Sigma, the DMAIC roadmap for carrying out improvement projects as well as tools for the five phases:

  • DEFINE - Define problem and target (but not solution)
  • MEASURE - Collect facts and data (historical/real-time) and funnel the problem
  • ANALYZE - Find the hidden root causes with quantitative and qualitative methods
  • IMPROVE - Carry out robust and sustainable improvements
  • CONTROL - Document, train, measure and follow up and finally hand over

Teaching and working methods

The course is carried out as a Six Sigma-project according to the five phases of the DMAIC process. The theoretical elements of the course are covered in lectures, one-two per project phase. All work is done on a project basis, where max four students work in a team. All teams will get the same assignment but with different data to analyze, and hence different root causes. Each team carries out a project phase per week and will be coached/guided by a teacher once a week. Each phase ends with the submission, review and approval (if necessary after completion) of a new chapter in the project report. The project work is designed as a real project, the way it is carried out in industry or other companies using the Six Sigma process improvement methodology. Furthermore, a final project presentation in a so-called poster session in front of other students is conducted in the end of the course. A literature seminar is also conducted group wise.

Examination

KTR1Written Test0.5 creditsU, 3, 4, 5
UPG2Projects5.5 creditsU, 3, 4, 5

Each team submits five report chapters (one per DMAIC phase), which together form the project report. These are graded according to U,3,4,5 based on how well the work was done by the group and how much supervision and completion they needed. Everyone in the group gets the same average grade. The individual grades may be changed based on an individual written test. The main focus is on solving the problem in the group under as close to real circumstances as possible why the group's performance is the main basis for grading.

Grades

Four-grade scale, LiU, U, 3, 4, 5

Other information

Supplementary courses

Quality Management Project Course. May lead to Six Sigma Green Belt certification.

Department

Institutionen för ekonomisk och industriell utveckling

Director of Studies or equivalent

Uni Sallnäs

Examiner

Peter Cronemyr

Education components

Preliminary scheduled hours: 50 h
Recommended self-study hours: 110 h

Course literature

Books

  • Brook, Q., (2013) Lean Six Sigma and Minitab: The Complete Toolbox Guide for All Lean Six Sigma Practitioners 4
    ISBN: 978-0954681388
  • Magnusson, K., Kroslid, D. and Bergman, B., (2003) Six Sigma The Pragmatic Approach 2 Studentlitteratur
    ISBN: 9789144028033

Other

  • Handouts and papers during the course.

Code Name Scope Grading scale
KTR1 Written Test 0.5 credits U, 3, 4, 5
UPG2 Projects 5.5 credits U, 3, 4, 5

Each team submits five report chapters (one per DMAIC phase), which together form the project report. These are graded according to U,3,4,5 based on how well the work was done by the group and how much supervision and completion they needed. Everyone in the group gets the same average grade. The individual grades may be changed based on an individual written test. The main focus is on solving the problem in the group under as close to real circumstances as possible why the group's performance is the main basis for grading.

Course syllabus

A syllabus has been established for each course. The syllabus specifies the aim and contents of the course, and the prior knowledge that a student must have in order to be able to benefit from the course.

Timetabling

Courses are timetabled after a decision has been made for this course concerning its assignment to a timetable module. A central timetable is not drawn up for courses with fewer than five participants. Most project courses do not have a central timetable.

Interrupting a course

The vice-chancellor’s decision concerning regulations for registration, deregistration and reporting results (Dnr LiU-2015-01241) states that interruptions in study are to be recorded in Ladok. Thus, all students who do not participate in a course for which they have registered must record the interruption, such that the registration on the course can be removed. Deregistration from a course is carried out using a web-based form: www.lith.liu.se/for-studenter/kurskomplettering?l=sv. 

Cancelled courses

Courses with few participants (fewer than 10) may be cancelled or organised in a manner that differs from that stated in the course syllabus. The board of studies is to deliberate and decide whether a course is to be cancelled or changed from the course syllabus. 

Regulations relating to examinations and examiners 

Details are given in a decision in the university’s rule book: http://styrdokument.liu.se/Regelsamling/VisaBeslut/622678.

Forms of examination

Examination

Written and oral examinations are held at least three times a year: once immediately after the end of the course, once in August, and once (usually) in one of the re-examination periods. Examinations held at other times are to follow a decision of the board of studies.

Principles for examination scheduling for courses that follow the study periods:

  • courses given in VT1 are examined for the first time in March, with re-examination in June and August
  • courses given in VT2 are examined for the first time in May, with re-examination in August and October
  • courses given in HT1 are examined for the first time in October, with re-examination in January and August
  • courses given in HT2 are examined for the first time in January, with re-examination at Easter and in August.

The examination schedule is based on the structure of timetable modules, but there may be deviations from this, mainly in the case of courses that are studied and examined for several programmes and in lower grades (i.e. 1 and 2). 

  • Examinations for courses that the board of studies has decided are to be held in alternate years are held only three times during the year in which the course is given.
  • Examinations for courses that are cancelled or rescheduled such that they are not given in one or several years are held three times during the year that immediately follows the course, with examination scheduling that corresponds to the scheduling that was in force before the course was cancelled or rescheduled.
  • If teaching is no longer given for a course, three examination occurrences are held during the immediately subsequent year, while examinations are at the same time held for any replacement course that is given, or alternatively in association with other re-examination opportunities. Furthermore, an examination is held on one further occasion during the next subsequent year, unless the board of studies determines otherwise.
  • If a course is given during several periods of the year (for programmes, or on different occasions for different programmes) the board or boards of studies determine together the scheduling and frequency of re-examination occasions.

Registration for examination

In order to take an examination, a student must register in advance at the Student Portal during the registration period, which opens 30 days before the date of the examination and closes 10 days before it. Candidates are informed of the location of the examination by email, four days in advance. Students who have not registered for an examination run the risk of being refused admittance to the examination, if space is not available.

Symbols used in the examination registration system:

  ** denotes that the examination is being given for the penultimate time.

  * denotes that the examination is being given for the last time.

Code of conduct for students during examinations

Details are given in a decision in the university’s rule book: http://styrdokument.liu.se/Regelsamling/VisaBeslut/622682.

Retakes for higher grade

Students at the Institute of Technology at LiU have the right to retake written examinations and computer-based examinations in an attempt to achieve a higher grade. This is valid for all examination components with code “TEN” and "DAT". The same right may not be exercised for other examination components, unless otherwise specified in the course syllabus.

Retakes of other forms of examination

Regulations concerning retakes of other forms of examination than written examinations and computer-based examinations are given in the LiU regulations for examinations and examiners, http://styrdokument.liu.se/Regelsamling/VisaBeslut/622678.

Plagiarism

For examinations that involve the writing of reports, in cases in which it can be assumed that the student has had access to other sources (such as during project work, writing essays, etc.), the material submitted must be prepared in accordance with principles for acceptable practice when referring to sources (references or quotations for which the source is specified) when the text, images, ideas, data, etc. of other people are used. It is also to be made clear whether the author has reused his or her own text, images, ideas, data, etc. from previous examinations.

A failure to specify such sources may be regarded as attempted deception during examination.

Attempts to cheat

In the event of a suspected attempt by a student to cheat during an examination, or when study performance is to be assessed as specified in Chapter 10 of the Higher Education Ordinance, the examiner is to report this to the disciplinary board of the university. Possible consequences for the student are suspension from study and a formal warning. More information is available at https://www.student.liu.se/studenttjanster/lagar-regler-rattigheter?l=sv.

Grades

The grades that are preferably to be used are Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass not without distinction (4) and Pass with distinction (5). Courses under the auspices of the faculty board of the Faculty of Science and Engineering (Institute of Technology) are to be given special attention in this regard.

  1. Grades U, 3, 4, 5 are to be awarded for courses that have written examinations.
  2. Grades Fail (U) and Pass (G) may be awarded for courses with a large degree of practical components such as laboratory work, project work and group work.

Examination components

  1. Grades U, 3, 4, 5 are to be awarded for written examinations (TEN).
  2. Grades Fail (U) and Pass (G) are to be used for undergraduate projects and other independent work.
  3. Examination components for which the grades Fail (U) and Pass (G) may be awarded are laboratory work (LAB), project work (PRA), preparatory written examination (KTR), oral examination (MUN), computer-based examination (DAT), home assignment (HEM), and assignment (UPG).
  4. Students receive grades either Fail (U) or Pass (G) for other examination components in which the examination criteria are satisfied principally through active attendance such as other examination (ANN), tutorial group (BAS) or examination item (MOM).

The examination results for a student are reported at the relevant department.

Regulations (apply to LiU in its entirety)

The university is a government agency whose operations are regulated by legislation and ordinances, which include the Higher Education Act and the Higher Education Ordinance. In addition to legislation and ordinances, operations are subject to several policy documents. The Linköping University rule book collects currently valid decisions of a regulatory nature taken by the university board, the vice-chancellor and faculty/department boards.

LiU’s rule book for education at first-cycle and second-cycle levels is available at http://styrdokument.liu.se/Regelsamling/Innehall/Utbildning_pa_grund-_och_avancerad_niva. 

Books

Brook, Q., (2013) Lean Six Sigma and Minitab: The Complete Toolbox Guide for All Lean Six Sigma Practitioners 4

ISBN: 978-0954681388

Magnusson, K., Kroslid, D. and Bergman, B., (2003) Six Sigma The Pragmatic Approach 2 Studentlitteratur

ISBN: 9789144028033

Other

Handouts and papers during the course.

Note: The course matrix might contain more information in Swedish.

I = Introduce, U = Teach, A = Utilize
I U A Modules Comment
1. DISCIPLINARY KNOWLEDGE AND REASONING
1.1 Knowledge of underlying mathematics and science (G1X level)
X
UPG2

                            
1.2 Fundamental engineering knowledge (G1X level)
X
X
UPG2

                            
1.3 Further knowledge, methods, and tools in one or several subjects in engineering or natural science (G2X level)
X
X
UPG2

                            
1.4 Advanced knowledge, methods, and tools in one or several subjects in engineering or natural sciences (A1X level)

                            
1.5 Insight into current research and development work

                            
2. PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES
2.1 Analytical reasoning and problem solving
X
X

                            
2.2 Experimentation, investigation, and knowledge discovery
X
X

                            
2.3 System thinking
X
X
UPG2

                            
2.4 Attitudes, thought, and learning
X

                            
2.5 Ethics, equity, and other responsibilities
X
UPG2

                            
3. INTERPERSONAL SKILLS: TEAMWORK AND COMMUNICATION
3.1 Teamwork
X
UPG2

                            
3.2 Communications
X
UPG2

                            
3.3 Communication in foreign languages
X
UPG2

                            
4. CONCEIVING, DESIGNING, IMPLEMENTING AND OPERATING SYSTEMS IN THE ENTERPRISE, SOCIETAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT
4.1 External, societal, and environmental context
X

                            
4.2 Enterprise and business context
X
UPG2

                            
4.3 Conceiving, system engineering and management
X
UPG2

                            
4.4 Designing
X
UPG2

                            
4.5 Implementing
X
UPG2

                            
4.6 Operating
X

                            
5. PLANNING, EXECUTION AND PRESENTATION OF RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WITH RESPECT TO SCIENTIFIC AND SOCIETAL NEEDS AND REQUIREMENTS
5.1 Societal conditions, including economic, social, and ecological aspects of sustainable development for knowledge development

                            
5.2 Economic conditions for knowledge development

                            
5.3 Identification of needs, structuring and planning of research or development projects
X
UPG2

                            
5.4 Execution of research or development projects
X
UPG2

                            
5.5 Presentation and evaluation of research or development projects
X

                            

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