By: Mostafa Taha
Lean Six Sigma is a project-driven business systems improvement method. Successful implementation and growing organizational interest in the Lean Six Sigma method have been exploding in recent years. It is rapidly becoming a major force driving the strategy of numerous successful organizations. Understanding the main responsibilities and success factors of LSS Projects provides important opportunities to project professionals to lead successful projects, and allows them to better support their organizations’ strategic direction.
In this article we summarize the responsibilities of LSS project team and critical factors affecting project success, and provide sample project template.
The central component of every Lean Six Sigma project is the DMAIC cycle with the following phases:
§ Define - What is important?
§ Measure - How good are we?
§ Analyze - What's Wrong?
§ Improve - What needs to be done?
§ Control - How do we ensure sustainable improvement?
Lean Six Sigma uses statistical tools that enable detailed process representation and analysis. By applying a statistical-mathematical approach, the solutions are based on numbers, data and facts and not only on the subjective perception of those involved.
Roles and responsibilities in the Six Sigma project
If you want to implement Lean Six Sigma in a company, a clear definition of roles and responsibilities is crucial. The initiator of the Lean Six Sigma initiative is the champion. Master Black Belts and Black Belts are released from their activities in the company and act as coaches and trainers or as project managers. The Green Belt is active as leader of smaller Six Sigma projects. Yellow Belts are team members who have taken part in basic Six Sigma training.
Champions / Executive Leadership
• Monitors the external and internal factors affecting the business
• Defines business strategy
• Communicates the plan for business success
• Champions Lean Six Sigma vision
• Establishes improvement priorities and targets
• Provides and aligns resources (Sponsors, Black Belts / Green Belts), ensures cross functional collaboration
• Establishes accountability for results
• Role modeling appropriate behaviors, change leader
• Integrates Lean Six Sigma into business direction & plan
• Markets Lean Six Sigma program and results
Process Owners
• Assists in identifying potential Lean Six Sigma projects
• Approves and supports projects
• Provides resources to serve as team members and subject mater experts (SMEs) on projects
• Approves changes in project scope and removes barriers
• Owns the solution delivered by the Lean Six Sigma project team
• Responsible for supporting implementation of improvement actions
Project Sponsors
• Provides and aligns resources (Black Belts / Green Belts, Team Members), ensures cross functional collaboration
• Establishes improvement priorities, targets and accountability for results
• Role modeling appropriate behaviors, change leader
• Ensures project is aligned with department and strategic objectives
• Approves all phases of Lean Six Sigma projects
• Ensures project deliverables are being maintained and project is on time and on budget
• Approves changes in scope of the Lean Six Sigma project, removes barriers
• Markets Lean Six Sigma program and results
Master Black Belt
• Part time or full time position
• Provides expertise on Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques, including project management and change management
• Provides strategic direction to leadership and project team
• Identifies Lean Six Sigma projects critical to achieving business goals
• Is ultimately accountable for project success
• Serves as main champion during change implementation
• Identifies, trains, coaches and evaluates Black Belts / Green Belts and Team Members
• Ensures cross functional & cross team collaboration
• Acts as Lean Six Sigma advisor to Champions, Sponsors and Process Owners
Black Belt
• Full time position
• Provides direction and leadership for project team, manages interproject communications
• Delivers results through application of Lean Six Sigma methodologies
• Provides skills training when needed
• Accountable for reporting project progress and coordinating communication to project stakeholders
• Maintains all documentation from project, prepares and submits deliverables
• Manages implementation of solutions, ensures transition of improved process to the business
• Acts as a change catalyst
Green Belt
• Part time position
• Provides direction and leadership for project team, manages interproject communications
• Delivers results through application of Lean Six Sigma methodologies
• Provides skills training when needed
• Accountable for reporting project progress and coordinating communication to project stakeholders
• Maintains all documentation from project, prepares and submits deliverables
• Manages implementation of solutions, ensures transition of improved process to the business
• Acts as a change catalyst
Project Team Members
• Part time position
• Team player in application of Lean Six Sigma methodologies
• Provides expertise and feedback to the project team
• Is responsible for tasks within the team action plan
• Delivers regular updates to team on status of action steps
• Acts as a change catalyst
Success factors of Lean Six Sigma
1- Commitment of company management:
Since Lean Six Sigma hides a complex process of change, this can only be carried out successfully if top management shows permanent personal commitment.
Strategic orientation: Lean Six Sigma must be an integral part of the corporate strategy, as it is not just a method for improving individual processes, but the philosophy of a continuous improvement process that all stakeholders involved must understand.
2- Selection of projects:
The definition and selection of projects is a key prerequisite for success. There are differences in the urgency of implementing Lean Sigma. It is not important to select the first process that comes along, but rather the most sensible process. The project with the highest strategic benefit has priority. In the end, however, all processes must be brought to the level required by the customer.
3- Targeted communication structure:
Since Lean Six Sigma affects the entire value chain, it is important to inform all those involved in good time and regularly, and to take feedback and take it into account. Because Lean Six Sigma does not work without committed and convinced employees.
4- Structured project management:
The defined projects should be implemented in a stringent and disciplined manner. A clean project management helps. Quick wins at the beginning of an implementation are also important, since a Lean Six Sigma initiative is designed for the long term. Therefore, short projects with quick and visible success are recommended at the beginning in order to promote the motivation and willingness of those involved.
5- Employee-friendly corporate culture:
A successful Lean Six Sigma initiative requires employees who think and act entrepreneurially, who can recognize problems that arise and solve them immediately. Every employee is in demand - across the entire company. The ability to anticipate risk and create improvements based on customer needs is essential. An environment is also necessary in which employees are willing to talk openly about possible weaknesses and mistakes.
Lean Six Sigma initiative is a complex and long-term project whose success depends on the commitment of stakeholders. For companies, this means increasing revenues, cutting costs, shortening delivery times, reducing inventories and waste, increasing customer satisfaction and building and expanding decision-making, problem-solving and team skills for employees. For this purpose, targeted training and further education is of immense importance for successful implementation in the company.