Development of Lean Six Sigma Competencies through Guided Learning Sequences Academic Article in Scopus uri icon

abstract

  • Engineering students approaching Lean Six Sigma methodology often fail to develop analytical and statistical competencies, which negatively impacts the adequate development of DMAIC cycle, which stands for the 5 phases of the methodology: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control. This problem creates the necessity of improving the efficiency of theoretical - practical content delivery strategies and techniques in the academic formation such that students can be prepared for successful implementation of Lean Six Sigma projects. This evidence-based paper explores the implementation of Guided Learning Sequences, a content delivery technique that combines instruction, practice, and application into real-life inspired problems, to develop data analysis competencies related to the statistical analysis of Measure Phase in Six Sigma. The study involves 458 engineering students among two years of data collection. Their studying preferences, competencies development, and the effect of the proposed methodology were recorded. Results show a significant effect on the development of Measure phase's data analysis competencies due to exposure to Guided Learning Sequences, with 84% of students achieving a solid or exceptional competence level. Moreover, the study shows that students have preference for learning techniques which combine demonstrative videos and practical problems of real or simulated problems, within individually short time sessions framework. Obtained results contribute to instructional design of new Guided Learning Sequences for developing further Lean Six Sigma related competencies. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2023.

publication date

  • June 25, 2023