Sigmabrew: A Lean Six Sigma Project Simulation
Empower Students to "Put it all Together" With A Simulated Lean Six Sigma Project Experience
Focused on Driving Team Dynamics and Developing the Thinking Needed to Complete an Improvement Project
SigmaBrew® DMAIC is an instructional simulation for teaching Lean Six Sigma. Led by a facilitator, teams of 2-3 participants work together on a Green or Black Belt project for SigmaBrew, a specialty coffee retailer. As a realistic Lean Six Sigma DMAIC project environment that provides a series of critical questions requiring analytical thinking, rather than a prescriptive walk through of Lean Six Sigma tools. SigmaBrew is the best way to provide new Green and Black Belts with a rich project experience where they can practice process improvement tools and techniques in a safe, constructive environment.
Time To Complete
16-24 hours
Participants
Teams of 2-3 People
Key Concepts
Process Mapping, CTQCs, XmR Chart, Measurement System Analysis (MSA), Process Capability, Sigma Level, VSM, Hypothesis Testing, Multiple Regression, Root Cause Analysis, Solution Selection, Piloting, Error-Proofing, Control Plan
Transform Your Current Training With A Rich Virtual Lean Six Sigma Project Experience
The simulation is based on SigmaBrew, a thorough case study of a large coffee retailer struggling with quality and customer service issues. In SigmaBrew, students are drawn into a compelling story of economic pressures and inefficient processes. Online movies, survey results, process maps and scorecards all work to shape a world that engages their interest and propels their desire to successfully complete the project.
- Low-cost training solution for initiatives of all sizes
- Students can complete an entire project in 2-3 days
- Designed to drive critical thinking over rote learning
- Students learn teamwork and practice project management and tool skills
- Online simulation means no new hardware or software
Designed to Drive Critical Thinking Over Rote Learning
Unlike lecture or even online learning, a simulated experience is effective because it affords participants the chance to put together everything they’ve learned in an environment of uncertainty. Participants have to make sense of “what to do next”. Although SigmaBrew can be completely alone, the game is even more powerful as a team exercise, where participants must agree on actions to take and learn to cooperatively solve a complex problem.
Working in small teams, participants learn how to lead a project and manage group dynamics. Teams must learn to prioritize and build consensus on which actions to take. Tollgate reviews assess student comprehension, and on-demand scorecards track the metrics of success. Teams can compete for better scores, which further drives the learning experience.
The Project Experience
Participants begin the simulation with the organization's case history, including background data highlighting the need to undertake an improvement project. After working through balanced scorecard and project selection exercises, participants begin the DMAIC process, working through the tools and techniques of Lean Six Sigma. In each phase of the project, there are multiple decisions to be made around collecting data and implementing improvement actions - with varying degrees of benefit. Many "wrong" choices are also available that offer no benefit at all!
Like the real world, all choices to collect data or implement improvement actions have associated costs of time and money, tracked as project metrics on a project scorecard. Teams compete to complete the project on time and within budget.
Instructor Materials
The instructor version of SigmaBrew offers an annotated set of solutions for every activity as well as a “real-time” scoreboard of project metrics as teams progress through the simulation. Teaching tips and coaching suggestions are also included to help adapt each lesson in a variety of ways.
Get Started
What's Included
- Facilitator account access
- Facilitation materials
- Simulation access and accounts for players
- MoreSteam customer service & support
What's Included
- Facilitator account access
- Facilitation materials
- Simulation access and accounts for players
- 1-on-1 facilitation support
- MoreSteam customer service & support
What's Included
- Simulation access
- Facilitation provided by MoreSteam
- Facilitation materials provided on request
- Simulation access and accounts for players
- MoreSteam customer service & support
*One hour of personalized support is included; additional guidance starts at $250 per hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
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