Define
The Define phase frames the improvement project: what problem is being solved, for whom, within what boundaries, and why it matters to the business. Green Belts translate the Voice of the Customer into measurable requirements and secure agreement on scope and goals before any data is collected.
Project charter and business case
The charter authorizes the project and records the problem statement, goal statement, scope, business case, team, and timeline. It keeps the team aligned and gives the sponsor a basis to approve resources. A vague or shifting charter is a common cause of project failure.
Voice of the Customer and CTQs
Voice of the Customer (VOC) data is gathered from surveys, interviews, complaints, and observation. Critical-to-Quality characteristics (CTQs) translate those needs into specific, measurable requirements the process must satisfy, forming the yardstick for later phases.
SIPOC and scoping
A SIPOC diagram maps Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, and Customers at a high level to set the boundaries of the process under study. Clear scoping prevents scope creep and focuses the team on a manageable slice of the value stream.