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TUMx: Six Sigma Part 2: Analyze, Improve, Control

4.7 stars
46 ratings

Learn how to statistically analyze process data to determine the root cause and propose solutions for process problems, to implement quality management tools, such as 8D and the 5 Whys, and to understand the concept of Design for Six Sigma (DFSS).

8 weeks
3–4 hours per week
Self-paced
Progress at your own speed
Free
Optional upgrade available

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Starts Nov 20

About this course

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Building on the concepts from the first course in the Six Sigma Program, Define and Measure, in this course, you will learn how to statistically analyze data with the Six Sigma methodology using inferential statistical techniques to determine confidence intervals and to test hypotheses based on sample data. You will also review cause and effect techniques for root cause analysis.

You will learn how to perform correlation and regression analyses in order to confirm the root cause and understand how to improve your process and plan designed experiments.

You will learn how to implement statistical process control using control charts and quality management tools, including the 8 Disciplines and the 5 Whys to reduce risk and manage process deviations.

To complement the lectures, learners are provided with interactive exercises, which allow learners to see the statistics "in action." Learners then master statistical concepts by completing practice problems. These are then reinforced using interactive case studies, which illustrate the application of the statistics in quality improvement situations.

Upon successful completion of this program, learners will earn the TUM Lean and Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification, confirming mastery of Lean Six Sigma fundamentals to a Green Belt level. The material is based on the American Society for Quality (www.asq.org) Body of Knowledge up to a Green Belt Level. The Professional Certificate is designed as preparation for a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt exam.

Awards

Runner-Up Blended Learning 2021Honorable Mention Blended Learning 2021Reimagine Education, Best Online Program - BronzeedX Prize 2022

At a glance

  • Associated skills:Lean Manufacturing, Statistics, Eight Disciplines Problem Solving (8D), Control Chart, Design For Six Sigma, Quality Management, Quality Improvement, Statistical Process Controls, Six Sigma Methodology, Confidence Intervals, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Six Sigma Yellow Belt, Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, Lean Six Sigma

What you'll learn

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  • To identify process problems and perform a root cause analysis using cause and effect diagrams and regression analysis.
  • To analyze data using inferential statistical techniques, including confidence intervals and hypothesis testing.
  • To test and quantitatively assess the impact of different improvement options using the design of an experiment.
  • To test for the significance of effects using an Analysis of Variance.
  • To implement control mechanisms for long-term monitoring using control charts for both quantitative and qualitative measurements.
  • To apply the Six Sigma methodology for the Analyze, Improve and Control phases in your work or research.

Week 1: ANALYZE - Root Cause Analysis
Introduction to methods for root cause analysis, including Cause and Effect (Fishbone diagrams) and Pareto Charts. We learn how to perform statistical correlations and regression analyses.

Week 2: ANALYZE - Inferential Statistics
Learn the inferential statistics techniques of confidence intervals and hypothesis testing in order to use sample data and draw conclusions about or process centering.

Week 3: IMPROVE - Design of Experiments
Plan designed experiments and calculate the main and interaction effects.

Week 4: MEASURE - Analysis of Variance
Review how to perform a one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for comparing the between-factor variation to the within-factor variation for a single factor experiment.
Use a two-way ANOVA for testing the significance of the factor effects for a 2x2 DOE.

Week 5: CONTROL - SPC and Control Charts
Implement Statistical Process Control (SPC) & Control Chart Theory for monitoring process data and distinguishing between common cause variation and assignable cause variation. Construct X-bar and R Charts by calculating the upper and lower control limits and the centerline.

Week 6: CONTROL - Other Control Charts
Understand other control charts, including p-and c-charts and I/MR, and EWMA Charts and review of the Control and Response Plan for Six Sigma projects.

Week 7: Quality Tools: FMEA, 8D, 5 Whys
Use several important tools used in quality management, including the 8 Disciplines (8D) and 5 Whys, and learn the concept behind Design for Six Sigma (DFSS).

Week 8: Six Sigma Scenario and Course Summary
Step through a full Six Sigma scenario, covering all phases of the DMAIC process improvement cycle.

Learner testimonials

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"Holly Ott is an excellent teacher and the teaching methodology of the videos is clear and priceless they urge to deepen each topic. I am still studying the QPLS2x and the applicability of each of the tools in each of the phases is immense, for example, the use of simple and multiple linear regressions to analyze any production and service process, as well as the design of experiments To improve processes and adjust them to the required quality conditions, I have had the opportunity to apply some of these tools for process improvement during my work experience but not in a Six Sigma project, this course provides powerful tools and is an exciting topic and I consider that must be passionate about those professionals who are in love with the quality, processes and especially mathematics and statistics." - John Ricardo

" I searched for months and read the descriptions (and even attended trailer demos) for many courses. But I haven't seen a course that is as organized and content-rich as this series from TUM! I can't thank enough Dr. Holly Ott and the team enough for this course, it was really helpful and helped me construct a massive amount of knowledge about Six Sigma...
When I first became interested in quality improvement and operational excellence concept, I noticed that our company lacks a quality control department, This course, along with the previous one helped me to prepare a full presentation to our senior leadership about the importance of quality and why is it critical to establish such a department, and it was quite impressive. I can't wait to start the next and the final course in this bundle (Lean Production)." - Husain Alghasra

"Hello, my name is Christian Salinas, I am an industrial engineering student and I am from El Salvador. The teachers perfectly supported the course showing a deep and advanced knowledge in the area, they have done a great job, the course seemed very complete and with very good examples. It helped me develop a skill set to analyze, improve, and control, and it increased my understanding of scope in real-world applications. There are many things to learn in this course that takes time to handle well, but with the help of this course, you can lay the foundation to start developing in this area. " - Christian Salinas

"I am Astrid Barquero, I am studying process engineering and industrial management in Mexico. The material of this course has helped me a lot to review topics that I had already seen in school and to deepen them much more. I also learned a lot of new things like systemic and occurrence root cause in a 5WHY analysis, the 8D methodology to solve problems, control charts for slow processes, variance analysis and its types, and much more. I am sure that this course will help me to get excellent job opportunities and be a better-prepared person for the industry. " - Astrid Barquero

Frequently Asked Questions

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Who offers this program?
The Professional Certificate Program Six Sigma and Lean: Quantitative Tools for Quality and Productivity is offered by edX and the Technical University of Munich (TUM).

How many courses are in the program?
There are three courses in this program:
Course1 QPLS1x - Six Sigma: Define and Measure
Course2 QPLS2x - Six Sigma: Analyze, Improve, Control
Course3 QPLS3x - Lean Production

Do I need to take the courses in order?
The courses should be completed sequentially , but it is not required that they are completed in any particular order. However, as Course2 QPLS2x - Six Sigma: Analyze, Improve, Control builds on the material in Course1 QPLS1x - Six Sigma: Define and Measure, you must take QPLS1x before you take QPLS2x.

Which certification do I earn for this course?
You will earn the Verified Certificate forCourse2 QPLS2x - Six Sigma: Analyze, Improve, Control.

What certificates do I earn with this program?
Upon successful completion of this program, learners will earn both the edX Professional Certificate for the program and the TUM Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification. In order to achieve the TUM Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification it is mandatory to complete all 3 courses in the program and achieve a Verified Certificate in each. Then, automatically, you will earn the edX Professional Certificate and the TUM Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification.
The TUM LSSYB is based on the American Society for Quality (www.asq.org) Body of Knowledge up to a Green Belt Level. The Professional Certificate is designed as preparation for a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt exam.

What is the passing grade for the course?
An overall average for all homework sets and peer-review assignments of 70% is required to pass the course.

Do I need to achieve 70% on each homework?
No, you need an average grade for all homework sets and peer-review assignments of 70%. This means you can do poorly or miss a homework set as long as you do well enough on other homework sets to achieve 70% overall.

How do I receive the edX Professional Certificate for this program?
The Professional Certificate will be available from your dashboard after the end of the course.

How do I receive the TUM Lean SixSigma Yellow Belt Certification for this program?
If you have earned the Verified Certificate for all three courses in the program, then you will receive the edX Professional Certificate and the TUM Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt. These will be sent to you by email.
-- For those finishing all courses by October 31, you will receive your certificate before November 31.
-- For those finishing all courses by February 28, you will receive your certificate before March 31.
-- For those finishing all courses by June 30, you will receive your certificate before July 31.

When you have passed all three courses with a verified certificate and received the edX Professional Certificate, you can also include in your CV that you have achieved the TUM Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, TUMLSSYB .

(Note: If you do not receive a certificate within 1 month of these deadlines, please send an email to the course email: qpls2x.mooc@tum.de.)

This course is part of Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification: Business Project Professional Certificate Program

Learn more 
Expert instruction
4 skill-building courses
Self-paced
Progress at your own speed
11 months
3 - 4 hours per week

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