Module 4 – Case
SIX SIGMA AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Assignment Overview
In this module, you will explore Six Sigma as it relates to
project management. Six Sigma utilizes a five step process of define, measure,
analyze, improve, and control (Pande, Neuman & Cavanagh, 2002). We will
give an overview of these elements and the Six Sigma mystique.
The first step, of course, is to define customer needs. At
this time, the processes are also evaluated to locate difficulties in the
process. Once identified, the next step is the measurement step. This step
entails the collection of information regarding customer needs and process
issues at various points throughout the process. With the data collected, the
‘analyze’ step begins. With the data from the second step, the analyst will
evaluate the problem to determine an improvement standard using statistical
analysis. Once the standard is determined, the third step is to improve the
process by creating action plans and taking action. The final step is the
control step. This step leverages data to maintain the gains from step four. By
using statistics to determine the value is continuing to be realized, the
change will freeze and the value sustained.
So what does Six Sigma have to do with project management?
The project manager can use Six Sigma in making decisions in each phase of the
project. Likewise, the PMO can use Six Sigma techniques to measure and monitor
successes in the project management practices across the enterprise. This
module will give you the opportunity to explore these opportunities in both the
Case and SLP.
Case Assignment
Six Sigma has gained popularity in industry. By reviewing
the experience at Red Cross Hospital, the value of Six Sigma can clearly be
seen. In this case you are to review the story of the Red Cross Hospital in the
Netherlands. Utilizing the other required reading, you are to craft a review of
the steps taken and the value realized. The case should include the following:
A brief discussion of Six Sigma.
A brief discussion of the issues at Red Cross Hospital.
An explanation of how Six Sigma created value at Red Cross
Hospital.
How does the value realized at Red Cross Hospital translate
to your organization or an organization with which you have some familiarity?
Assignment Expectations
You should try to integrate your responses into a seamless
essay rather than using a question/answer format. You can segregate answers to
the various questions using sub-headings, if you would like. Please present
your response in a 3- to 5-page essay.
A good format for this paper is to use section headings. For
the first section the heading “Introduction” works quite well, of course. You
may want to include brief sub headings for the key topics in the body of your
essay and your final section could simply use “Conclusion” or “Summary and
Conclusion” as a heading. There are variations of this heading usage formatting
approach, of course. The key point here is that headings are very useful for
helping to organize your essay. They can also provide clues for your professor
for finding your answers to specific questions.
Also, please make sure that you include an appropriate cover
page and that you cite and reference your sources.
Include this essay in a Word Document and upload.
