This unit applies where a statistical based strategy such as six sigma will be used to establish current quality performance and then to investigate and improve all or part of a process. This will be done with other members of the process team.

This unit requires the application of skills associated with using information, problem solving, initiative, enterprise, planning and organising in order to identify an area requiring improvement and develop a measured process to make improvements.

This unit has prerequisites of MSACMT452A Apply statistics to processes in manufacturing

Depending on the scale of six sigma implementation in the enterprise the following units may also be relevant:

MSACMT450A Undertake process capability improvements

MSACMS401A Ensure process improvements are sustained

MSACMC410A Lead change in a manufacturing environment

MSAPMSUP390A Use structured problem solving tools

MSACMT452A

Apply statistics to processes in manufacturing

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Identify an area requiring improvement

1.1. Identify customer needs from process

1.2. Identify customer benefits delivered by process

1.3. Identify areas requiring improvement

2. Apply DMAIC process

2.1. Define improvement project

2.2. Acquire required measurements/data

2.3. Analyse data and determine possible process improvements

2.4. Develop and test improvement solutions

2.5. Control and standardise the improvement

3. Review and confirm improvement.

3.1. Determine and document benefits

3.2. Ensure procedures and other relevant documentation is updated for improved procedure

3.3. Review process data after an appropriate period and confirm the improvement

Required skills:

analysis

problem solving

communication

documenting

calculations

use of statistics

Required knowledge:

Charting such as Pareto Charts, fish bone diagrams

Statistical principles

Acceptance criteria/confidence levels

Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control (DMAIC) methods

Six sigma principles.

The Evidence Guide describes the underpinning knowledge and skills that must be demonstrated to prove competence. It is essential for assessment and must be read conjunction with the performance criteria, the range statement and the assessment guidelines of the relevant Training Package.

Overview of assessment requirements

Assessment should confirm the ability to apply simple six sigma techniques in a manufacturing environment.

What critical aspects of evidence is required to demonstrate competency in this unit?

Evidence of applying all of the DMAIC stages to a manufacturing improvement project simple six sigma undertaken should be available.

In what context should assessment occur?

Assessment will need to occur in an organisation implementing six sigma or by project. The project should be clearly defined. Work on the project can be undertaken as part of a team. However the individual skills and knowledge of the person undertaking the unit must be able to be separately assessed.

Are there any other units which could or should be assessed with this unit or which relate directly to this unit?

This unit could be assessed concurrently with other units dealing with six sigma type work and/or change management. Depending on the project and the nature of the manufacturing operation the following units may be able to be assessed with this unit:

MSACMT450A Undertake process capability improvements

MSACMS401A Ensure process improvements are sustained

MSACMC410 Lead change in a manufacturing environment

MSAPM290A Use structured problem solving tools

What method of assessment should apply?

Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the elements, performance criteria, skills and knowledge. A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.

Assessors should gather sufficient, fair, valid, reliable, authentic and current evidence from a range of sources. Sources of evidence may include direct observation, reports from supervisors, peers and colleagues, project work, samples, organisation records and questioning. Assessment should not require language, literacy or numeracy skills beyond those required for the unit.

The assessee will have access to all techniques, procedures, information, resources and aids which would normally be available in the workplace.

The method of assessment should be discussed and agreed with the assessee prior to the commencement of the assessment.

What evidence is required for demonstration of consistent performance?

Generally a number of small six sigma projects undertaken or active involvement in some larger six sigma projects would be required to generate sufficient evidence.

What are the specific resource requirements for this unit?

Access to an organisation using six sigma.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

DMAIC

DMAIC is a structured improvement process involving the following stages:

define

measure

analyse

improve

control and standardise

Define

Definition of the project to include:

'as is' process map

defining benefits from the project

problem statement

goal statement

project scope

Measurements

Measurements may include:

identification of key measures/attributes

sampling schedule for project

Analyse

Analyse may include:

statistical analysis of data

root cause analysis

use of various problem solving/analysis tools

Improvement

Improvement may include:

generation and testing of improvements

selection of appropriate improvements

Control and standardise

Control and standardise may include:

documenting

transferring ownership of improved process

Unit Sector

CM Tools

This unit contains employability skills.