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According to the Global Project Management Survey Pulse, 12 percent of global organisations were categorised as under-performers in 2017. The list included organisations from a wide range of industries, including the government, information technology, and financial firms.

The survey provided a summary of project management. It demonstrated how 60% of the organization's projects were completed on time and within budget. And, for the rest of the projects, a common feature was discovered — a lack of defined and achievable milestones and objectives to measure progress.

Any project manager's primary goal is to increase productivity. As a result, they must be aware of the wide range of tools, techniques, and methodologies that can influence best practises for project delivery.

Despite the fact that PMI has shown a positive upward trend in project delivery using modern technology and techniques, there is still a growth gap that can be filled by incorporating Lean Six Sigma into business processes.

Throughout the framework, the goal is to follow a repeatable process that results in a successful outcome and a better understanding of how integration is possible.

Read Seamless Project Management with Lean Six Sigma on 6Sigma.com

What is project management?

Lean Six Sigma is a method for improving performance by systematically removing waste and reducing variation that relies on a collaborative team effort.

It improves customer satisfaction and outcomes by reducing variability, waste, and cycle time while encouraging work standardisation and flow.

The DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control) methodology is commonly used to execute projects when utilising Lean Six Sigma.

Lean Six Sigma Integration in Projects

The Six Sigma methodology — DMAIC — provides a structured approach and a disciplined process for solving business problems. It identifies the root causes of defects in the business process, allowing for consistent quality throughout the project lifecycle. Cross-functional teams are commonly used in Lean Six Sigma work. However, the methodology does not directly address project management.

Throughout the project management process, a variety of Lean Six Sigma methodologies are used. Project managers commonly use work breakdown analysis, schedule development, risk analysis, scope definition, status reporting, and cost budgeting to plan, execute, control, and close projects.

Throughout the project lifecycle, these methodologies enable managers to make sound and informed decisions that allow them to move from phase to phase with ease. Project management and Six Sigma tools can be used in the lifecycle of a process improvement project to plan, act, do, and check. Additionally, the techniques and methodologies can be combined to improve the process.