3: Process Improvement Basics, Part 1
In this episode you will learn the core concepts of process improvement as well as identifying other process improvement programs. In addition to distinguishing between real vs projected return on investment, you will also discover Lean Six Sigma ROI and why ROI is so important to the Process Improvement Effort.
4: Process Improvement Basics, Part 2
In this episode you will continue to learn about project charters and project planning. Dr. Terra Vanzant Stern and Cherokee discuss the key differences of a project charter versus a process improvement charter. You will also learn how to generate a LSS project report. Lastly, you will be presented with examples of an extremely popular project planning tool Work Breakdown Structure (WBS ) .
6: Core Concepts and Terms
This episode defines and compares key terminology. Dr. Terra Vanzant Stern and Cherokee first speak on the distinctions between methodologies versus tools as well as Waterfall versus Circular Thinking. You also discover proper brainstorming techniques using tools such as the Affinity diagram. Other topics covered are six core principles and popular concepts in Lean Six Sigma.
7: Models/Methodologies
This show focuses on five important methodologies. Particularly you will see the TYPICAL or STANDARD, DMAIC, PDCA, DFSS and KAIZEN models broken down. Dr. Terra Vanzant Stern emphasizes the significance of the DMAIC model, in which will be covered in depth in future shows within this series.
8: Seven Tools of Quality, Part 1
In this episode Dr. Terra Vanzant Stern and Cherokee Boose begin to speak about seven different tools of quality. First, you will see the Fishbone Diagram, also called a Cause and Effect Diagram or Ishikawa Diagram. Second, you will examine several different styles of flowcharts how to effectively use them.
9: Seven Tools of Quality, Part 2
This episode is a continuation of the seven tools of quality. Dr. Terra Vanzant Stern and Cherokee Boose examine ways to use tools such as check sheets as to do lists, tollgates, as a list before an activity starts or even as a way a way to gather information for charts like histograms or Pareto Charts.
10: Seven Tools of Quality, Part 3
This episode is a continuation of the seven tools of quality. Dr. Terra Vanzant Stern and Cherokee Boose identify practical applications for Scatter Diagrams to help identify correlations or the absence of a correlation. They also examine line charts, run charts, and control charts.
12: Waste, Voices, and CTQs, Part 2
Being able to shift your thinking and see thru the lens of others or even inanimate objects may offer insight you otherwise may never of considered. In this episode you learn how to gain perspective from the voice of the customer (VOC), voice of the employee (VOE), voice of the process (VOP), and the voice of the business (VOB). You also learn how to identify critical to quality (CTQ) components.
13: Suppliers, Inputs, Processes, Outputs, and Customers
In this episode you understand how being cognizant and thinking of your suppliers, inputs, processes, outputs and customers can make you a stronger Project Manager. SIPOC is another example of the many flexible tools you learn in this series. We can use SIPOC to do things like perform stakeholders' Analysis to comparisons.
15: DMAIC Model: Define Phase, Part 1
The DMAIC model is a very popular mythology that should be fully understood. In this episode Dr. Terra Vanzant Stern and Cherokee Boose introduce the Define phase. The key aspects of the design phase are to make sure you are working on the right problem and to make sure the people involved understand what you are working on.
16: DMAIC Model: Define Phase, Part 2
In this episode Dr. Terra Vanzant Stern and Cherokee Boose spend extra time discussing the define phase to make sure you deeply understand this phase. In addition to using tools you have learned in previous shows you will also learn new tools such as House of Quality, QFD, and Kano Analysis.
17: DMAIC Model: Measure Phase
The second phase of the DMAIC model is Measure. In this show you will see how Measure ties into the model. Dr. Terra Vanzant Stern and Cherokee Boose explain why it is so important to obtain an “as is” picture of the current process. You also look at what to measure, how to measure, and how to articulate the measurement with tools such as Fishbone, Balanced Scorecard, benchmarking and observation.
18: DMAIC Model: Analyze Phase
The third phase of the DMAIC model is Analyze. In this show you will see how Analyze ties into the model. Dr. Terra Vanzant Stern and Cherokee Boose explain how tools from previous shows tie into this phase. You will also see additional tools such as the 6 hats, critical thinking wheel, critical thinking levels, critical thinking chart and 6 critical questions.
19: DMAIC Model: Improve Phase
The fourth phase of the DMAIC model is Improve. In this show you will see how Improve ties into the model. Dr. Terra Vanzant Stern and Cherokee Boose describe the steps one should take in this phase such as listing three to five Solutions from analyze, gaining Consensus on which one to try, trying it out first (Pilot, Focus Group, Simulation), creating your Project Plan and rolling it out.
20: DMAIC Model: Control Phase
In this show Dr. Terra Vanzant Stern and Cherokee Boose designate three important tasks and how to implement them. One should convey what they did and why people should care, what you saved, made or avoiding spending in dollars, as well as providing history if necessary.
ALMA MATER
INSTITUTION
About Terra Vanzant-Stern
Terra Vanzant-Stern, PhD., PMP, SPHR/GPHR. is a Six Sigma Master Black Belt and CEO of SSD Global Solutions, Inc. (Smart Simple Decision Making). She currently serves on two non-profit boards: Project Management Institute (PMI) and the Colorado Lean Network (CLN). She holds a PMP, SPHR, GPHR, Quality Engineer and Facilitator certifications. Dr. Stern is a USAF veteran who has written several books and articles on problem solving, process improvement and leadership. Her most well-known book is Lean Six Sigma: International Standards and Global Guideline (Routledge). Her latest book by the same publisher is currently being used at Metropolitan State University: Leaner Six Sigma - Making Lean Six Sigma Easier and Adaptable to Current Workplaces. Dr. Stern's latest work has been with Design Thinking: A Model for Process Improvement, Innovation and Invention. Additionally, Dr. Stern has published two Kindle books: LEANER Six Sigma and A Leaner Approach to Government and Public Utilities. Her book Lean and Agile Project Management went into 2nd Edition May 2020. Dr. Stern's latest work is on Employee Engagement, She is offering training and certification as an Employee Engagement Coach. Dr. Stern has worked with George Washington University, Baker University and CSU developing programs in the areas of practical statistics, leadership and critical thinking. Dr. Stern has performed executive coaching, facilitation and Kaizen sessions (rapid improvement events) for companies such as Tennessee Valley Authority, Southern California Edison, South Texas Project, Ahold Holding, County of Jefferson Colorado and the Denver Federal Center. Dr. Stern's past board positions include: Chair, ASQ Lean Enterprise Division, Strategy Chair Colorado Human Resource Association, Member at Large, Colorado Ethics Committee and Curriculum Chair for Projects with Industry (who worked placing developmentally disabled adults in the workforce community).
