The Gemba Academy Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Capstone Project is an in-depth, interactive simulation designed to immerse participants in a real-world manufacturing process improvement scenario. The simulation requires participants to apply Lean Six Sigma principles and tools to make informed decisions throughout a project lifecycle. Each decision impacts the project\'s success in terms of points earned, cost incurred, and time spent, emphasizing the balance between achieving optimal results and managing resources effectively.
The goal of this Capstone Project is to navigate either a manufacturing or administrative process improvement project with the highest possible score while minimizing costs and time. The Capstone Project will simulate the challenges and decisions faced in real-world projects. Participants will choose from multiple paths, making key decisions that determine the effectiveness and efficiency of their project.
Participants are tasked with improving a process experiencing significant inefficiencies, leading to high costs and reduced quality. The Capstone Project will guide them through the phases of Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC), with each phase featuring key decision points.
Capstone Project Scenario
You work for Treetop, which is a family-owned manufacturing company that produces a wide variety of birdhouses. Founded several years ago, Treetop has established itself as a niche provider of high-quality, customizable birdhouses designed to meet the specific needs of bird enthusiasts, nature lovers, and homeowners across the country. Their products range from simple, rustic birdhouses to more elaborate, ornate designs that serve as both functional shelters for birds and decorative pieces for gardens and yards.
As the company has grown, it has expanded its production facility to accommodate increasing customer demand. However, with rapid growth and an expanding product line, the company is now facing operational challenges that are impacting productivity, quality, and profitability. With no previous experience in structured process improvement, Treetop is at the beginning stages of adopting Lean Six Sigma methodologies to streamline its operations and build a culture of continuous improvement.
- Teacher: Ricky Banks
- Teacher: John Knotts