Scoping a Lean Six Sigma project effectively is a critical step that lays the foundation for success. A well-defined project scope ensures clarity, alignment, and focus throughout the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) cycle. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to scope your project effectively:
🔍 Why Project Scoping Matters
Without a clear scope, projects can spiral out of control—leading to missed deadlines, bloated objectives, and stakeholder frustration. Effective scoping defines the boundaries of the project, what’s in and what’s out, and aligns the team on measurable outcomes.
✅ 1. Start with the Business Case
Begin by understanding why the project matters. What pain point are you addressing? How does this issue tie back to business goals like cost savings, customer satisfaction, compliance, or growth?
Tip: Use this format:
“From [start time] to [end time], we experienced [problem metric]. With a target of [goal metric], this gap of [value] leads to a cost of [$$].”
✅ 2. Define the Problem Statement
Be specific, measurable, and avoid assigning blame. A strong problem statement highlights what is wrong, to what extent, and why it matters.
Example:
“In Q2 2025, 18% of customer support tickets remained unresolved beyond 48 hours, exceeding the SLA target of 5%, leading to a customer churn increase of 6%.”
✅ 3. Establish Clear Goals
Craft a SMART goal (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound). Ensure the goal does not presume a solution, but focuses on performance improvement.
Example:
“Reduce unresolved support tickets beyond 48 hours from 18% to under 5% by September 2025.”
✅ 4. Identify the Scope Boundaries
Clarify what the project will include and what it won’t. Think in terms of:
Processes
Geographies
Product lines
Departments
Timeframes
Example:
In Scope: Inbound ticket handling process for U.S. customers. Out of Scope: Outbound calls, international markets, billing-related tickets
✅ 5. Define Start and End Points of the Process
Mapping your process start and stop points prevents “scope creep.” Be explicit.
Example:
Start Point: Ticket is received in the system. End Point: Ticket is resolved and closed
✅ 6. Stakeholder and Team Alignment
Identify who owns the process and who needs to be on the team. Ensure all stakeholders agree on the scope and support the project.
Include:
Project Sponsor
Process Owner
Subject Matter Experts
Data Analysts
Frontline Staff (if applicable)
✅ 7. Use a SIPOC Diagram
Create a SIPOC (Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, Customers) to visualize the project’s ecosystem and refine your scope.
✅ 8. Assess Feasibility and Risk
Before finalizing the scope, ask:
Is the data available?
Are the resources committed?
Are there competing priorities?
Tip: Start small—narrow scope often leads to faster wins and stronger momentum.
✅ 9. Document the Scope in the Project Charter
Your scope should be clearly outlined in the Project Charter, along with:
Business case
Problem and goal statements
Timeline
Team members
✅ 10. Revalidate During DMAIC
As you move through DMAIC, revisit the scope. New data may require refinement—but avoid changing it frequently unless justified by analysis.
Final Thought:
“A project without boundaries is a wandering idea.”Effective scoping ensures your Lean Six Sigma project stays focused, aligned, and impactful—making it far more likely to deliver measurable results.
