Six Sigma Quality, 6 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Course offered for

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

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

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

Grades

Other information

Supplementary courses:

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

Department

Director of Studies or equivalent

Examiner

Education components

Course literature