ABSTRACT
The Define, Measure and Analyze phases of the DMAIC model are somewhat creative, making use of tools that inspire the team to be inventive in finding creative solutions. As long as the general objective is met, the PM has a great deal of flexibility. Project management is used throughout all phases of the DMAIC model. However, the most apparent use of project planning tools is in the Define phase. In the Define phase, for example, there are only two rules to qualify as a DMAIC project. First, the PM must have a map of the current process and, second, a project charter before leaving the Define phase. Key tools for the Define phase include the following: Process map, Project charter, Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats (SWOT) CTQ definitions, Stakeholder's analysis, Supplier, input, process, output, customer (SIPOC) diagram, Quality function deployment/design (QFD), DMAIC WBS—project tracking tool, Affinity diagram, Kano model.
