Lean Six Sigma
June 2022 Examination
Q1. Adopting Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodologies can help employees manage their time
better, resulting in a more productive and efficient end-product. Explain how Lean Six
Sigma (LSS) deployment has helped a leading global coffeehouse chain in the recent
pandemic time to bring about a positive impact to its operations and employees
performance.
(10 Marks)
Ans 1.
Introduction
Current epidemiological tactics to COVID-19 are based totally on sound targets that perceive the
motive and contributing factors, decide the extent of the virus and its progression within the
global population, check preventive and healing measures, and broaden an effective public
fitness coverage response. The general public fitness reaction has varied from the United States
of America to the country and state to the nation with varying outcomes. However, one issue of
the reaction has entailed the opportunity to try out strategies. A fast turnaround time for test
consequences from an affected person inflamed with this virus is essential for their effectiveness.
There was an extensive range in turnaround times, with some countries reporting turnaround
times of just a few hours, while others have pronounced turnaround times of days. Mainly for
humans with underlying health conditions, this undesired fluctuation in turnaround times might
be catastrophic. Take a look at turnaround time can be stricken by a spread of situations.
Discussion
Lean Six Sigma may be utilized to use the correct tools in the toolbox to find the underlying
reasons for this variation. It does this by delving into the testing manner additives from a patient
cost angle and discovering the main reasons for such undesirable variation. Because of the
importance of manner outputs to clients, Six Sigma specializes in identifying and eliminating
troubles at their supply. As a result of Lean and Six Sigma's synergy, waste and inconsistency
are decreased, and overall performance consistency is advanced, which in the long run reduces
operational costs and maximizes consumer pride. People should be tested for COVID-19 to be
isolated from sick folks and to song down and quarantine those people's contacts, similarly to the
people exposed to them. Although COVID-19 exams are to be had in maximum nations, the
testing can take some hours to three days to finish. An integrated approach to lowering and
managing COVID-19 necessitates keeping variance as low as possible and doing away with the
root resources of variant. Lean practitioners use problem fixing to supply costs using doing away
with activities that do not assist patients.
Trying out for COVID-19 is worthwhile, but the time it takes to gather results is not. Six Sigma
was created to demonstrate that excellence is determined by using reducing variance across the
manner implied. Define degree, examine, enhance, and control (DMAIC) is a prescriptive Six
Sigma method. Practitioners use this to discover the purpose-and-impact correlations of additives
that motivate uncertainty and, in turn, minimize the version. Regarding COVID-19 checking out,
an LSS crew uses the DMAIC method and non-statistical techniques to identify the few additives
that generate variability inside the timing of test findings for an individual. The LSS approach is
in sync with DMAIC regarding strategies and strategy. If improving operations is the aim, we
will use DMAIC to discern how to get there. Using DMAIC, each segment of a challenge's
lifecycle is damaged down into precise desires that should be carried out to complete the
assignment correctly. An initial benchmarking exercise and an assessment of patient perceptions
will help us decide the maximum realistic specs for turnaround times for checking out and how
frequently we attain those standards.
Here's how DMAIC might be placed to apply in a COVID-19. Take a look at it. Using simple
and effective Lean strategies, including price flow Mapping and correlation, regression analysis,
and speculation trying out, a DMAIC mission may inspect ways to enhance the trying out the
procedure for COVID-19 exams in terms of each turnaround instance and the accuracy of the
effects for patients. At this level, we want to pick out our target market and what they hope to
gain from their interactions with us. The new system has to be learned by all laboratory people so
that no one will go back to using the vintage methods. Because non-value-introduced duties are
delaying looking at the system, we need a value movement Map from the beginning to cease to
pick them out. On top of that, we'll need to plot a strategy for gathering facts on test turnaround
instances and perceiving common problems that occur during the trying-out technique. It is
crucial to notice that turnaround time is a critical component here.
Conclusion
An excellent dimension device also has to be installed throughout this degree to acquire accurate
statistics for evaluation. Throughout the analysis degree, we want to study the elements that
might affect turnaround times and the manner's errors and disorder quotes. Figuring out and
doing away with patient pain spots within the modern system is crucial for an affected personconcentrated approach. While a brand new manner is formed, we need to constantly test it to see
if it's far statistically managed. Developing and documenting a brand new system is vital in view
that this may function the brand new popular that everybody ought to observe and hold going
forward.
Q2. By proactively monitoring manufacturing processes, confectionery companies can
control variation to ensure quality product. Statistical control charting is used to support
continued process verification, ensuring that processes are executed in a correct and
consistent manner. Discuss how process control charts can be used for improving the
quality levels in the confectionery companies. (10 Marks)
Ans 2.
Introduction
Creating control charts with a short reaction time is crucial in commercial settings. Engineers can
extra quickly discover defective gadgets and restore the machine to producing high-quality goods
if managed charts respond quickly to manner shifts, as shown within the determine.
Manufacturing facility employees may not comprehend that a device is malfunctioning for an
extended period, which results in lost labor and substances and dissatisfied customers. Charitable
organizations can use a control chart to assess if an online contribution system has
malfunctioned. Leadership can promptly notify IT if the website goes down, stopping receiving
vital donations. Alternatively, a massive increase in donations may indicate a pleasing
development, such as a monumental occasion or a well-executed marketing strategy. Donation
interest should be communicated to control as fast as possible, irrespective of the approach used
to do so. Some corporations trust that turnover is vital to maintaining excellent work
surroundings.
Discussion
Manipulate Charts also are called Shewhart charts since Walter A. Shewhart first presented
them. The procedure behavior chart is some other name for it. This gives us a feel of the way the
manner has advanced. The manage phase is when we often read the manipulated chart in Six
Sigma studies. A manipulated chart is applied at the start of a challenge (VoIP) to get an idea of
how things are going. We should consider launching the venture if our current system is
dependable. We must first make sure that the system is consistent before moving on to the next
step. The first rate tool is one of the seven. The entirety has some diploma of variance; no
technique is exempt from this rule.
In different words, there cannot be any well-known or unique cause variation. A control chart
shows us how these modifications affect our method over time and if our approach is in control
or has crossed the bounds of our method control. This variance may be higher understood with
the usage of manage charts. Critical line (average) and higher and lower control limits are proven
on control charts (LCL). Three standard deviations from the centerline separate the upper and
decrease control limits. Better and decreased caution limits are also options. To identify the
specific causes of variance, we utilize a manipulated chart. It is the one that tells us if we cross
this limit, the manner becomes unstable. Retaining skills is a sign that the company may not
compare employees very selectively if it occurs at a charge over the average control stage. It is
not constantly the case that unique cause variation is terrible for the method, but it could also be
a beneficial sign. It's far possible to take preventative measures if we know a selected purpose for
the system variant that we're seeing. It is feasible to take preventive measures if we go behind
schedule because of a flat tire. Due to the fact it's miles preventable, the precise purpose is
likewise referred to as the assignable purpose, while the common cause cannot be changed.
It is essential to recognize if our process is solid or not while using a control chart, and if it is, we
want to pay attention to enhancing it. Even the assignable or unassignable resources for
differences may be discerned. The use of a control chart simplifies a manner even by omitting
the determinable root causes of the problem. A manner, average, and variance estimation are
greater sincere with its aid (the spread inside the histogram). We need to realize that the control
method is more significant.
Further, it would be best to look at the process mean and ensure that every fact point fits within
the top and lower management Limits. We can decide whether or no longer our approach is
successful and what we want to reap from doing this. We may evaluate the new technique
average to the old process standard by using the control chart to music the progress of the
process. This tells us how lots manipulation we've over our system. to begin, 95 in step with cent
of the facts points must fall within the fashionable deviation, and 99.7 percent of the information
factors ought to fall in the third widespread deviation, simply as they would in a typical control
chart, in keeping with the formulation.
Conclusion
The usage of a control chart can track system evolution. Graphs are arranged consistent with
periods. The upper and lower control limits are always proven at the centerline of a manage chart
for the common. Based totally on past facts, those strains were drawn. Those strains can be
compared with current facts to look for any correlation or randomness in system fluctuation (out
of control, affected by special reasons of version). An excellent essential tool, this statistics
collection and evaluation device may be used in various industries. Manipulate charts are
generally utilized in pairs while running with information concerning alternate.
Q3a. Suppose you work as a facilities manager in healthcare sector, identify a process that
needs some improvement and create a board outline using DMAIC methodology for the
process improvement.
(5 Marks)
Ans 3a.
Introduction
The DMAIC framework is one of the best tactics to optimize your corporation tactics. As one of
the many critical tools in the Six Sigma arsenal, the DMAIC approach is a five-step method
based on solid information. Determining and eliminating wasteful variants in business and
manufacturing procedures is the primary motive of DMAIC.
Discussion
Learning strategies and practices are getting used within the healthcare industry to improve
productivity and first-class. One of the most often utilized performance improvement techniques
is Six Sigma. Six Sigma's goal is to lessen waste and pointless tasks while increasing customer
satisfaction and loyalty. Regular business moves are designed and monitored to improve the
bottom line with the help of Six Sigma. Using DMAIC Six Sigma, you can keep cash and growth
first-class on the shop ground. The Six Sigma DMAIC manner is an improvement gadget for
present-day techniques which can be below specification and are searching for incremental
improvement. In step with the DMAIC system, an agency starts with defining, measuring,
analyzing, after which enhancing.
An environmental microbiological lifestyle is considered the preferred gold method because of
its high-quality sensitivity and specific identification of pathogens present in the area beneath
research. Due to the high prices, elements required, and time it takes to get results, that is the
least used and standardized method in establishments. It is simplest used in epidemics and
studies. Healthcare vendors are, an increasing number use Lean Six Sigma to pick out and
resolve operational problems and manipulate and oversee their methods. Six Sigma makes a
specialty of improving the existing methods of a business. Medical institution cleanliness
techniques can be progressed with minimal or no investment to encourage a tradition of
continual improvement. Due to Lean Six Sigma's efforts, Trouble-fixing, nice process
improvement, patron happiness, and value financial savings have all been executed. Although
this is strongly advocated, a secure environment can't be guaranteed by using current technology
and gear to recognize and degree the sanitation process. Regarding controlling and improving
clinic terminal sanitation, the tilt Six Sigma approach is a viable option.
Conclusion
Health facility sanitation approaches might be progressed objectively and almost via
implementing the lean Six Sigma approach's DMAIC method, which becomes confirmed to be
possible while followed step-with the aid of-step. All this is wished now is a few tweaks to suit
each region and facility's SOP tips and physical structure to make the process work in extra
healthcare facilities.
Q3b. Enlist at least 5 organizations following either Kaizen or Six Sigma. Also list out 5
organizations that uses a combination of Six Sigma and Kaizen strategies.
(5 Marks)
Ans 3b.
Introduction
Quality-control processes referred to as "Six Sigma" may be used to take away mistakes and
optimize processes to increase income for an organization's products. As an employee of
Motorola in the 1980s, a scientist came up with its idea. If you're searching out methods to
improve your business, Six Sigma is the solution.
Discussion
EMC Corporation
In response to Lee Pollack's introduction to the wonders of Six Sigma, EMC developed their
program' total client experience,' or TCE, an operational philosophy primarily based on the Six
Sigma philosophies. in the cutting-edge, Six Sigma has come to be a quintessential part of the
organization's operations and has been critical in its success.
McKesson Corporation
Within the healthcare enterprise, McKesson's products have been a few of the first to use the Six
Sigma method. The employer has had splendid fulfillment with the Six Sigma method. Six
Sigma helped the organization flow from a feature-oriented to a process-orientated mindset. It
also helped the corporation keep over $100 million in internal expenses while improving
consumer revel in and presenting a better carrier. Six Sigma has helped their company's
operational excellence.
Volt Information Sciences
First used to improve the company's business performance by dealing with production process
flaws, Six Sigma was soon extended to recruiting and hiring new employees, making it an
international first.
The Ford Motor Corporation
Former Boeing executive VP Mulally is well-versed in the principles of Kaizen. Ford becomes
capable of rebounding from the exquisite Recession inside the past due 2000s below mulally’s
leadership by specializing in green tactics.
Herman Miller
As a leading American office fixtures producer, Herman Miller is maximum regarded for its
Aeron chair, which has appeared in several movies, television shows, and commercials. The
speedy organization, a business magazine, stated in 2012 that Herman Miller had used Kaizen
and had seen 500 consistent with cent and 1,000 percent enhancements in productivity and high
quality. The thoughts of Kaizen may be carried out to any product, from cars to chairs, as tested
through this example.
The corporation that uses a combination of Six Sigma and Kaizen strategies
Lockheed Martin
Mayo Clinic
Great Western Bank
Toyota
Conclusion
It is possible to apply the Six Sigma method to find the maximum applicable statistics, and then
use it to help strategic choice-making. Speculation testing can aid popular medical processes
with the use of the Six Sigma approach. Using device mastering within a Six Sigma significant
statistics architecture could facilitate data processing and enhance outcomes.