Lean Six Sigma Refresher
Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Project Charter
A Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Project Charter is the foundational document that launches and guides an improvement project. Think of it as the contract and compass for the team—it defines the problem, sets boundaries, and aligns everyone on the goals.
📄 Purpose of an LSS Project Charter
Authorization: Officially gives the project team permission to use organizational resources.
Clarity: Clearly states the problem, objectives, and scope so everyone understands the mission.
Alignment: Ensures stakeholders, sponsors, and team members are on the same page.
Focus: Prevents scope creep by setting boundaries on what’s included/excluded.
Accountability: Assigns roles and responsibilities to team members.
🧩 Typical Components
Project Title & Sponsor – Identifies the initiative and leadership support.
Problem Statement – Concise description of the issue (e.g., “Cycle time for order processing is 10 days, causing customer dissatisfaction”).
Business Case – Why the project matters; expected benefits like cost savings, quality improvements, or customer satisfaction.
Goal Statement – SMART objectives (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
Scope – Defines boundaries (what’s in, what’s out).
Timeline/Milestones – High-level schedule, often aligned with DMAIC phases.
Team Members & Roles – Champion, Black Belt/Green Belt, Process Owner, SMEs.
Metrics/Success Criteria – Baseline vs. target KPIs (e.g., defect rate, cycle time, cost reduction).
Constraints & Risks – Known limitations or potential challenges.
✅ Value in Practice
Provides a roadmap for the DMAIC journey.
Builds stakeholder confidence by showing structured planning.
Serves as a reference point throughout the project lifecycle.
Ensures improvements are measurable and sustainable.
Takeaway: The LSS Project Charter is the anchor document that transforms an idea into a disciplined improvement initiative. Without it, projects risk drifting, losing focus, or failing to deliver measurable results.