• To identify process problems and perform a root cause analysis using cause and effect diagrams and regression analysis.
• To analyze data using inferential statistical techniques, including confidence intervals and hypothesis testing.
• To test and quantitatively assess the impact of different improvement options using the design of an experiment.
• To test for the significance of effects using an Analysis of Variance.
• To implement control mechanisms for long-term monitoring using control charts for both quantitative and qualitative measurements.
• To apply the Six Sigma methodology for the Analyze, Improve and Control phases in your work or research.

Week 1: ANALYZE - Root Cause Analysis
Introduction to methods for root cause analysis, including Cause and Effect (Fishbone diagrams) and Pareto Charts. We learn how to perform statistical correlations and regression analyses.

Week 2: ANALYZE - Inferential Statistics
Learn the inferential statistics techniques of confidence intervals and hypothesis testing in order to use sample data and draw conclusions about or process centering.

Week 3: IMPROVE - Design of Experiments
Plan designed experiments and calculate the main and interaction effects.

Week 4: MEASURE - Analysis of Variance
Review how to perform a one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for comparing the between-factor variation to the within-factor variation for a single factor experiment.
Use a two-way ANOVA for testing the significance of the factor effects for a 2x2 DOE.

Week 5: CONTROL - SPC and Control Charts
Implement Statistical Process Control (SPC) & Control Chart Theory for monitoring process data and distinguishing between common cause variation and assignable cause variation. Construct X-bar and R Charts by calculating the upper and lower control limits and the centerline.

Week 6: CONTROL - Other Control Charts
Understand other control charts, including p-and c-charts and I/MR, and EWMA Charts and review of the Control and Response Plan for Six Sigma projects.

Week 7: Quality Tools: FMEA, 8D, 5 Whys
Use several important tools used in quality management, including the 8 Disciplines (8D) and 5 Whys, and learn the concept behind Design for Six Sigma (DFSS).

Week 8: Six Sigma Scenario and Course Summary
Step through a full Six Sigma scenario, covering all phases of the DMAIC process improvement cycle.

“I did not have any prior knowledge of Quality Management but have always known the value, importance, and job demand related to this topic. I am very glad that i enrolled for this course, although i have to put little extra efforts and time to understand the material but i am very thankful to Dr. Holly Ott for her special teaching skills to explain every topic in a simple way and with practical examples. I also appreciate the guest speakers and their expertise in the subject. I plan to complete all the three courses of this certificate program as soon as i can. I am into my very first course and within couple of weeks i was motivated to look into CSSGB (Certified Six Sigma Green Belt), as I know CSSGB is going to be very useful for professional advancement. I believe if i understand these three Quality Management courses my foundation to study for CSSGB with be solid. My Humble Gratitude to the entire MOOC team and EdX team and many more who are behind the scene to provide us best education from the top most educational institutes.” --Asha Grover

"This is my second time around using statistics. In Define and Measure I was able to learn how to apply statistics to define problems in in factories and industries. And the ability to measure the results to start an improvement process. I love the instructors who lectured the course. They all have such a breadth of knowledge. My goal after completing this series is to get certified through ASQ to get my Green Belt. I feel confident that this series will lead to that goal.” --Previous student

“If you are new to Six Sigma like me, this course will greatly expand your skills and knowledge. The course includes many examples, practical exercises, real life case studies, and guest lecturers. These help to reinforce concepts, apply the math, and master the topics.” --David Rozene

“One of the best online course for 6 sigma. This course has helped me professionally as well as personally, whether taking a decision or solving a problem raised. Very well-articulated, elaborately explained with proper usage of tools and most importantly usage of formulae & examples for numerical problem solving. Discussion forum to share and learn from your peers and getting your doubts clearly by the staff, who promptly reply to every query posted. Thank you everyone who structured this course as is and my best wishes for your future endeavors.” --Murali Dhepalli