PMI CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) Examination Content OutlineQuality Management and Continuous Process ImprovementMedium
A project team is using Six Sigma methodology to reduce the defect rate in a manufacturing process. They have completed the 'Define' and 'Measure' phases and are now analyzing the collected data to identify the root causes of the defects. Which Six Sigma phase are they currently in?
- AAnalyze
- BControl
- CDesign
- DImprove
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Analyze
The Six Sigma methodology follows the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) cycle. After 'Define' (project goals, customer deliverables) and 'Measure' (process performance), the next phase is 'Analyze', where data is examined to determine cause-and-effect relationships and identify root causes of defects.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Control is the final phase, focused on sustaining the improvements.
- C. Design is part of DMADV (Design for Six Sigma), used for new processes, not DMAIC for existing ones.
- D. Improve is where solutions are developed and implemented to eliminate root causes.
Six Sigma DMAIC: Analyze Phase
The phase in the DMAIC methodology where data is analyzed to identify the root causes of defects and variation.
- Follows Define and Measure phases.
- Uses statistical tools to determine cause-and-effect.
- Aims to understand 'why' problems occur.
Memory trick: DMAIC: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control – for better quality!