In the DMAIC process, what does the 'Define' phase focus on?

The 'Define' phase of the DMAIC process is primarily focused on identifying the issues that negatively impact customer satisfaction. This phase sets the foundation for the entire improvement project by clarifying the problem that needs to be addressed and aligning the team's understanding with the customer's needs. During this phase, project goals are established, the scope is defined, and a clear problem statement is articulated, which helps in guiding the subsequent phases of Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control.

Understanding the customer's perspective is crucial, as it ensures that any future improvements are aimed at enhancing customer satisfaction and meeting their expectations. The Define phase also emphasizes gathering relevant information about the process and the voice of the customer (VOC) to understand what aspects require attention. This focus on the customer ensures that the project outcomes are relevant and valuable, making it a key part of the Lean Six Sigma methodology.

In contrast, the other choices relate to subsequent phases of DMAIC: data collection happens in the Measure phase, analyzing process data takes place during the Analyze phase, and improving performance is addressed in the Improve phase. Each of these actions builds upon the information and direction established in the Define phase.