Dmaic Approach Overview

Operations Management

Fall 2010 Semester

Essay 1

Q: When considering continuous improvement programs, is the DMAIC approach more applicable to projects focusing on incremental change or radical change? Present arguments that support your view.

A: In order to answer this question, we must first understand what DMAIC approach does, what it is and what it is not. DMAIC was initially introduced by Motorola to improve business processes and increase profitability. It is one of two key methods used to implement Six Sigma, a quality improvement process. Using each step of the method, the project management team must first define a process that needs improvement, and translate the process into measurable quantifiable terms, analyze and identify the primary causes of defects or errors encountered and set up new goals for performance. Once new performance norms are established, management must evaluate the implemented changes and strive to improve upon these changes by removing the main causes of defects. Lastly, process control measures must also be established in order to ensure an adequate control of future process performance.

Currently, the DMAIC model is widely used as a structured improvement model. It offers a step-by-step approach to problem solving by capturing the underlying causes of defects and then offering methods of improvement. DMAIC may not, however, be suitable for all types or projects.

So would it be more suitable to radical or incremental change projects and initiatives? I argue that although DMAIC can be used in both instances, it is more effective when used in incremental change initiatives, rather than in radical change projects. For projects requiring a fresh start or implementing radical changes, DMAIC does not prove to be particularly suitable, because DMAIC facilitates development of the basic processes which already exist but are not meeting the performance expectations. Therefore, an incremental change project is me more suitable...