Application deadline

Type of course

Admission requirements

A relevant undergraduate bachelor Engineering programme with minimum 30 credits Mathematics/statistics topics

Application code: 9371 

Course content

Introduction to quality management and Lean Six Sigma.

Definitions and terms.

Relationship between TQM, Lean Six Sigma and other forms of quality management. The Laws of Lean Six Sigma.

Value and waste.

The seven (eight) forms of waste.

The five principles of "lean" manufacturing.

5S.

The Deming Cycle.

DMAIC.

Introduction to the eight-step process for quality improvement.

Identify and prioritize improvement opportunities.

Brainstorming.

Group dynamics.

Project roles.

Project approaches.

Chartering projects.

Process documentation tools.

Measurements (five-step methodology).

Analysis of the data.

Flow & pull.

Performance measures, Cp, Cpk, DPMO.

Measure system analysis.

Simple visual tools.

Mistake proofing.

SPC systems and control charts.

Objectives of the course

After passing the course, students will have the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge and understanding:

- After finishing the course and passing the exam the students will have a broad understanding of the ideas and principles that the Lean Six Sigma concepts are based on.

- Students will acquire knowledge on the DMAIC methodology.

Skills:

- Six Sigma green belt certificate

- The students will be able to utilize Lean Six Sigma in order to manage and improve company operations as leaders for improvement projects.

- The students will be able to use many of the quality improvement tools and methods that are part of the Lean Six Sigma concept.

Language of instruction and examination

Teaching methods

Concentrated lectures and exercises spread over two weeks. 25 - 28 lecture hours, 20 hours of exercises, plus self studies. Total workload is estimated to about 125 hours full time work (written examination included). Both exercises and examination may independently be subject to continuation according to normal procedures for exam and project work.

Software - Spreadsheet such as Microsoft Excel.

Assessment

Coursework / Course requirements

It is prepared for a total of ten team exercises of which six require active attendance and deliveries. In order to be familiar with how a project team works together to improve a process, and for a practical demonstration of important quality improvement techniques, a "model" will be used actively in connection with five of the mandatory team exercises. Attendance at these exercises is mandatory. The results from the "model" exercises have to be documented in a written report from each team, and presented in class by the end of the course. The reports and student attendance during the exercises have to be approved by the teacher in order to qualify for the final exam. The last mandatory exercise has to be answered in writing, handed in and approved by the teacher in order to be qualified for the final exam. Submission deadlines will be specified at start of the course. (The task descriptions will be made available on the course LMS site).

Examination and assessment

A 3 hours written exam which accounts for 100% of the grade in the course.

The grading will be done by using a A-F grading scale, where F is a fail.

A re-sit exam will be arranged for this course.

Recommended reading/syllabus