Data Analytics for Lean Six Sigma (Coursera)

I will emphasize on use of data analytics tools and the interpretation of the outcome. I will use many different examples from actual Lean Six Sigma projects to illustrate all tools. I will not discuss any mathematical background.

The setting we chose for our data example is a Lean Six Sigma improvement project. However data analytics tools are very widely applicable. So you will find that you will learn techniques that you can use in a broader setting apart from improvement projects.

I hope that you enjoy this course and good luck!

Syllabus

WEEK 1

Data and Lean Six Sigma

This module introduces Lean Six Sigma and shows you where data and data analytics have their place within the DMAIC framework. It also introduces the software package Minitab. This package is used throughout the videos for data analytics. It is not mandatory to use this package. I just really like it!

WEEK 2

Understanding and visualizing data

This module explains how to visualize data. It discusses visualizing single variables as well as visualizing two variables. You will learn to select the appropriate graph. For this it is essential to first learn the distinction between numerical and categorical data.

WEEK 3

Using probability distributions

In this module on using probability distributions, you will learn how to quantify uncertainty. Furthermore you will learn to answer an important business question: “what percentage of products or cases meet our specifications?".

WEEK 4

Introduction to testing

You will learn to model your CTQ and influence factor(s) and to use a decision tree to select the appropriate tool for data based testing of this model. Furthermore, causality is introduced.

Testing: numerical Y and categorical X

In this module on statistical testing, you will learn how to establish relationship between a numerical Y variable (the CTQ) and categorical influence factors (the X variables).

WEEK 5

Testing: numerical Y and numerical Y

What is the relation between the length of stay and the age of a patient? In this module you will learn to answers these types of questions using statistical tests to relate a numerical CTQ (the Y variable) to a numerical influence factor (the X variable).

Testing: categorical Y

Finally you will learn how to test a relationship between a Y and a X variable whenever your Y variable (the CTQ) is a categorical variable.