1. Define Phase

In the Define phase, we identify and get approval for six sigma projects. i.e. identify potential projects, shortlist them based on risk / effort / impact, and create a charter for the selected project.

So, the steps involved in the Define phase are:

1. Identify potential projects
2. Define the problem and objective
3. Shortlist projects based on risk, effort, impact
4. Create process overview maps (bird's eye view of the process)
5. Define project scope using SIPOC (Supplier, Input, Process, Output, and Customer)

When identifying projects for six sigma green belt, you should take into account not only the voice of business, but also voice of customer, cost of poor quality, and service quality gaps. This would lead to identification of factors critical to quality for your company. Against each project, list the related VOC, VOB, COPQ, and service quality gaps.

The ideal project will have the following characteristics:

a. Chronic problem (problem keeps recurring)
b. Huge impact on business (the problem should have direct benefits in terms of impact on the company's business)
c. Low risk (the project should carry low risk)
d. Less effort (you should be able to finish the project within a given timeframe)

The above combination is not realistic in the sense that it is difficult to find projects that have all these characteristics. A more realistic approach would be checking each project's Risk vs. Effort vs. Impact. Choose projects that have high impact, less effort and run low risk.