About Lean Six Sigma

Lean Six Sigma is a methodology used to help continuously improve how we work, the processes we follow, and the services we provide. It starts with the customer in mind, and aims at balancing increased efficiency with improved quality. The improvements are systematic and based on well-defined and measured data.

Continuous improvement is a way of life at UC San Diego! We pride ourselves in making small, incremental changes as we grow and expand our student population, partner with industry, and transform healthcare. Visit ci.ucsd.edu to explore our journey, see interesting stats and data points, and get links to training resources and ways to get involved.

Don't Jump to the Solution

When you notice a problem with your service, it's tempting to jump in and "fix" the problem. Resist. Lean Six Sigma is used to fix the right problem. It does so by following 5 steps known as DMAIC:

1. Define. Define the problem and establish the desired project outcome
2. Measure. Identify and collect data that will allow for informed decisions
3. Analyze. Investigate and identify the root cause of the problem
4. Improve. Design and Implement a fix that will solve the problem
5. Control. Sustain the improved results

Resources

• Lean Six Sigma White Belt introduction, courtesy of UC San Diego, OSI
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification courtesy of UC San Diego Extension
• Lean Six Sigma one-day Yellow Belt training, offered by OSI
• Lean Six Sigma Scholarship Opportunities at UC San Diego, courtesy of OSI
• Process Improvement and Lean Six Sigma Toolbox, courtesy of MoreSteam 

Note: this page has a friendly link that's easy to remember: http://leansixsigma.ucsd.edu

Visit the Continuous Improvement Blink Site