What is a Six Sigma Project Charter?
The project charter is a Two-page document in 6 Sigma that uses a process improvement project. The charter provides data-driven information that explains the necessity of the project. The Six Sigma project charter example’s team will refer to the charter once it is approved.
A Six Sigma Charter, like traditional project charts, uses the first document that defines the purpose of a project. The charter is also an ongoing document that the team can update and revise throughout the project’s lifecycle.
These key elements are shared by both Six Sigma and traditional project charters:
- Agreement: This document is an agreement between project management and the team.
- Alignment : Align the project goals with those of the whole organization.
- Business Case Present the case to the project.
- Outline Provide a general overview of the project.
- Overview: Define the project’s goals, resources and timeline.
- Project Scope Define your project scope.
- Reference Point Use this point as a guideline throughout your project.
A Six Sigma charter is not like a traditional project charter. It requires a Six Sigma certified team to prepare and execute it.
The Six Sigma project charter will include:
- Six Sigma Certifications & Roles: Designate team members responsible for the project and include their Six Sigma certifications and role.
- Six Sigma Methodology Identify the Six Sigma tools you intend to use to improve your business processes.
- Six Sigma Statements Identify process improvements that the project will achieve, and discuss any possible implementation issues.
What is a Lean Six Sigma Project Charter and How Does It Work?
A Six Sigma project charter, for example, is the same as a Six Sigma charter. Experts believe there is no difference. Others argue that Lean charters are more focused on preventing problems than incremental improvements.
They are subtle differences. Similar to Six Sigma charters, Six Sigma tools and methods help teams eliminate waste from a process. This approach is reflected in the Lean charter.
Who prepares the Six Sigma Project Charter
The 6 Sigma project charter is prepared by the Six Sigma project champion. This person coordinates Six Sigma Green and Black Belts and oversees the entire process. They also rely upon subject matter experts (SMEs), who provide pertinent project information.
Except for the SMEs, all charter team members must hold a Six-Sigma certification.
These are the roles of different teams, according to Eckes
- Project Champion The project champion acts as a liaison between the management and the project team. The charter creation is the primary responsibility of the assigned champion. Eckes proposes calling the charter the preliminary Charter to emphasize the fact that the charter is a living document, and can be amended by the champion as necessary with new data.
- Green Belt or Black Belt: A project champion designates one Black Belt/Green Belt to be the team leader. A Black Belt oversees projects full-time while a Green Belt manages projects part-time. Eckes explained that companies need more resources to be able to employ Black Belts. These resources are not available to most teams so Green Belts are used. Green Belts have regular jobs, but they become Green Belts for the duration of the project.
- Team members:Many Six Sigma team members don’t have Six Sigma training. These team members are SMEs, and they do most of the project work. They are closely connected to the project champion and team leader.
- MasterBlack Belt: The Master Black Belt provides advice to the organization regarding Six Sigma practices. Eckes says that most organizations have a few Master Black Belts who are able to assist each member of the team, Black Belt or Green Belt with the more complex Six Sigma tools.
- Possible: Items that are easy and low-payoff.
- Implementation:High-payoff, low-difficulty items that are essential to the project.
- Challenge High-payoff, difficult items that can be challenging but may be worth it.
- Kill High-payoff, difficult items that make no sense and should be avoided.
