Lean Six Sigma
| Structure Type: | Study unit |
|---|---|
| Code: | TL00BG16 |
| Curriculum: | IBM 2025 |
| Level: | Master of Business Administration |
| Year of Study: | 1 (2025-2026) |
| Semester: | Autumn |
| Credits: | 5 cr |
| Responsible Teacher: | Lotchi, Kodjovi |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
Courses During the Academic Year 2025-2026
| Impl. | Group(s) | Study Time | Teacher(s) | Language | Enrolment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3005 | IBM2025-Y, PM2025-T | 2025-08-25 – 2025-12-19 | Kodjovi Lotchi | English | 2025-08-01 – 2025-09-06 |
Learning Outcomes
The aim of this course is to help students understand the core principles of Lean and Six Sigma and their relevance in driving process improvement. They will be able to apply the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) methodology to solve real-world business and operational challenges. Through this course, they will gain practical experience using essential tools such as SIPOC diagrams, cause-and-effect analysis, control charts, and Pareto analysis to identify root causes and optimize processes. They will also develop the ability to collect and analyze process data, implement sustainable improvements, and work effectively in cross-functional project teams.
This course aligns with the American Society for Quality (ASQ) body of knowledge and prepares students to confidently take the ASQ Six Sigma Green Belt Certification exam, although it does not currently grant an official Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certificate on its own.
Student's Workload
In higher education, 1 ECTS credit corresponds to 27 hours of student work. As a 5-credit course, the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt course requires approximately 135 hours of total student workload. These hours are distributed across various learning activities, including:
Contact Hours (Lectures and Workshops)
Exercises and Group Work (in and outside class)
Independent Study, Readings, and Assignments
This workload includes time spent attending sessions, preparing for and completing assignments, participating in the team project, and studying for the final exam
Contents
By the end of this course, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the key concepts, tools, and practices of Lean Six Sigma through the following modules:
Module 1: Six Sigma and the Organization
Introduction to Lean and Six Sigma principles, history, benefits, and their strategic role in improving organizational performance.
Module 2: Define Phase
Understanding customer needs (VOC), problem definition, project selection, development of project charters, and SIPOC diagrams.
Module 3: Measure Phase
Process mapping, data collection planning, types of data, measurement system analysis (MSA), and baseline performance analysis.
Module 4: Analyze Phase
Identifying root causes using cause-and-effect diagrams, Pareto analysis, process analysis tools, and basic statistical analysis.
Module 5: Improve Phase
Generating and selecting improvement solutions, risk assessment (FMEA), pilot testing, and lean tools for eliminating waste.
Module 6: Control Phase
Developing control plans, using control charts, implementing standard work, and strategies to sustain improvements.
Regional Impact
The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt course supports the Vaasa region's strong focus on innovation, energy efficiency, and industrial excellence. By equipping students with internationally recognized quality improvement tools, the course contributes to the development of a highly skilled workforce that meets the needs of local businesses, particularly in the energy, technology, and service sectors. The course also enhances collaboration between higher education and regional employers, strengthening the ability of organizations in Vaasa to improve productivity, reduce waste, and remain competitive in a globalized economy
Internationality
Offered in English and open to students from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds, this course promotes cross-cultural teamwork and international best practices in process improvement. It provides students with the tools and mindset needed to operate in global business environments, manage multicultural teams, and solve complex quality challenges across borders. Furthermore, by aligning with the American Society for Quality (ASQ) body of knowledge, the course reinforces international certification readiness and enhances graduates’ mobility and employability in global markets
Recommended or Required Reading and Other Learning Resources/Tools
To support both theoretical learning and practical application, the following materials and resources are required or recommended for this course:
- Munro, R.A., Ramu, G., & Zrymiak, D.J. (2015).
The Certified Six Sigma Green Belt Handbook, 2nd Edition.
American Society for Quality.
ISBN-13: 978-0873898911
(This is the primary course textbook and follows the ASQ Body of Knowledge.)
- Scientific Articles
Selected peer-reviewed articles will be provided via Moodle to deepen understanding of Lean Six Sigma applications in various industries.
- Case Studies
Real-world business cases will be analyzed in class and in group assignments to practice applying the DMAIC methodology and Lean Six Sigma tools.
- Course PowerPoint Slides
Slides used during lectures will be made available on Moodle and Microsoft Teams to support note-taking and review.
Mode of Delivery / Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
The course is delivered in a blended format, combining in-person sessions, interactive workshops, and guided online study. This flexible approach supports both full-time Master’s students and working professionals.
Planned activities include lectures, hands-on exercises, case study analysis, group projects, and individual assignments. Students will engage in the practical application of Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques, such as process mapping, root cause analysis, and control charting. A key component of the course is the team-based DMAIC project, where students identify a real or simulated process issue and apply Lean Six Sigma methodology to solve it
.
Assessment Criteria
This course incorporates various assessment and feedback methods to enhance student learning, collaboration, and practical application of internationalization concepts.
Grading Scale
Grade 5
The Student is able to:
- retrieve information systematically from scientific publications in the field
- modify the information for various purposes
- assess the correctness and reliability of the information
- understands the development needs in the field and presents development measures
- analyze and assess professional issues appearing in practical operations
- justify, giving the theoretical base, for the solutions made when acting in tasks of an expert
Grade 3
The Student can:
- modify and apply acquired information, assess the correctness of the information
- justify the solutions made when acting in tasks of an expert
- utilize various problem-solving methods independently
- recognize the development needs in the field
Grade 1
The Student is able to:
- retrieve and utilize information from various sources
- justify the solutions made when acting in tasks of an expert
- utilise problem-solving methods when given guidance
- find development needs in the field
Assessment Methods
Student performance in this course will be assessed through a combination of applied and theoretical components designed to evaluate both conceptual understanding and practical skills.
Assessment is structured as follows:
Case Studies and/or Article Reviews: Students will analyze real-world case studies or scholarly articles related to Lean Six Sigma applications. This component assesses the ability to critically evaluate process improvement efforts and reflect on best practices.
Lean Six Sigma Project: In teams, students will carry out a structured DMAIC project based on a real or simulated business process. This project allows students to demonstrate their ability to apply Lean Six Sigma tools systematically to define a problem, collect and analyze data, propose improvements, and implement control mechanisms.
Final Exam: The course concludes with an exam focused on the DMAIC methodology, Lean Six Sigma tools, and their practical application. The exam is designed to test individual understanding and readiness to apply key concepts under time-constrained conditions.