In Lean Six Sigma projects, deliverables are the tangible outputs and documentation produced throughout the project lifecycle. During the Define Phase, several critical deliverables establish the foundation for project success. The Project Charter serves as the primary deliverable, containing the p…In Lean Six Sigma projects, deliverables are the tangible outputs and documentation produced throughout the project lifecycle. During the Define Phase, several critical deliverables establish the foundation for project success. The Project Charter serves as the primary deliverable, containing the problem statement, business case, project scope, goals, timeline, and team member roles. This document acts as a contract between the project team and organizational leadership. The SIPOC diagram (Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, Customers) provides a high-level view of the process being improved, helping stakeholders understand the boundaries and key elements involved. Voice of the Customer (VOC) documentation captures customer requirements, expectations, and feedback through surveys, interviews, and data analysis. This information translates into Critical to Quality (CTQ) requirements that define measurable characteristics essential for customer satisfaction. The stakeholder analysis identifies all parties affected by the project and their influence levels, enabling effective communication strategies. A preliminary project plan outlines milestones, resource requirements, and potential risks. The Define Phase also produces a communication plan detailing how information will flow among team members and stakeholders throughout the project. Financial documentation estimates potential savings and return on investment, justifying resource allocation. The tollgate review presentation summarizes all Define Phase work, allowing leadership to approve progression to the Measure Phase. These deliverables ensure alignment between organizational objectives and project goals while establishing clear expectations. They provide a roadmap for the team and create accountability through documented commitments. Proper completion of Define Phase deliverables reduces scope creep, minimizes misunderstandings, and increases the probability of achieving meaningful process improvements that deliver measurable business results and enhanced customer satisfaction.
Deliverables of a Lean Six Sigma Project - Complete Guide
Why Are Deliverables Important?
Deliverables in a Lean Six Sigma project serve as tangible evidence of progress and ensure accountability throughout the DMAIC process. They provide documentation that validates each phase has been completed properly, enable stakeholder communication, and create a foundation for future improvement projects. Understanding deliverables is essential for Green Belt certification as they demonstrate mastery of the methodology.
What Are Lean Six Sigma Project Deliverables?
Deliverables are the specific outputs, documents, and outcomes produced at each phase of a Lean Six Sigma project. In the Define Phase, key deliverables include:
• Project Charter - A document outlining the problem statement, goals, scope, timeline, and team members • SIPOC Diagram - A high-level process map showing Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, and Customers • Voice of the Customer (VOC) - Documented customer requirements and expectations • Critical to Quality (CTQ) Tree - Translation of customer needs into measurable requirements • Stakeholder Analysis - Identification of all parties affected by the project • Business Case - Justification for the project including potential financial impact
How Do Deliverables Work?
Each deliverable builds upon previous ones to create a comprehensive project foundation. The Project Charter establishes the framework, while the SIPOC provides process context. VOC data feeds into the CTQ Tree, which then informs measurement strategies in later phases. Together, these deliverables create a roadmap that guides the entire project and ensures alignment with business objectives.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Deliverables
1. Know the sequence - Understand which deliverables come first and how they connect. Questions often test whether you know the logical order of creating these documents.
2. Focus on purpose - For each deliverable, memorize its primary function. Exam questions frequently ask why a specific deliverable is needed.
3. Link deliverables to stakeholders - Remember who approves or uses each deliverable. The Project Charter requires sponsor approval, while VOC comes from customers.
4. Understand content requirements - Know what elements belong in each deliverable. A Project Charter must include problem statement, goal statement, scope, and timeline.
5. Practice scenario-based questions - Many exam questions present situations asking which deliverable addresses a specific need.
6. Remember the 'gate review' concept - Deliverables serve as evidence for phase completion before moving to the next phase.
7. Connect to DMAIC - Be clear about which deliverables belong to which phase, as questions may test phase-specific knowledge.
Common Exam Question Types:
• Which deliverable should be completed first in a Lean Six Sigma project? (Answer: Project Charter) • What document translates customer needs into measurable specifications? (Answer: CTQ Tree) • Which tool provides a high-level view of the process? (Answer: SIPOC Diagram)