In which phase would you establish control plans?

Establishing control plans occurs in the Control phase of the Six Sigma methodology. This phase is crucial because it focuses on maintaining the improvements made during a project and ensuring that the changes are sustained over time. By developing control plans, teams can monitor the processes and implement measures to maintain quality levels. Control plans include detailed instructions for process steps, important metrics to track, and strategies for responding to deviations.

In the control phase, the emphasis is on institutionalizing the gains made during the project and preventing regression to previous, less effective practices. This proactive approach not only helps sustain improvements but also empowers teams to identify areas for continuous improvement, ensuring long-term success of the Six Sigma initiatives.

The other phases—Define, Measure, and Analyze—primarily involve identifying the problem, collecting and analyzing data, and determining root causes, respectively. While these phases are critical for understanding and addressing quality issues, the creation of control plans specifically takes place after solutions have been identified and implemented, marking the transition to a focus on sustaining improvements.