What is the DMAIC sequence in Six Sigma?

• A. Define, Build, Measure, Close
• B. Plan, Do, Check, Act
• C. Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control
• D. Analyze, Define, Verify, Implement

Answer: (C)

The sequence used in Six Sigma to guide improvement projects is a structured problem‑solving path: Define what the problem is and what a successful outcome looks like, Measure how the process currently performs, Analyze the data to find root causes, Improve the process by implementing effective solutions, and finally Control the new process to keep the gains over time. This order ensures you start with a clear problem and goal, quantify the current state, uncover the real causes, apply targeted changes, and put in place monitoring to prevent backsliding.

Defining sets the scope, goals, and customer impact so everyone agrees on what needs to be improved. Measuring builds a factual baseline with reliable data, so you know where you stand and what to improve. Analyzing digs into the data to identify root causes, not just symptoms, so changes address the real problems. Improving focuses on developing and testing solutions that will have the biggest impact, then implementing them. Controlling establishes standardization, monitoring, and response plans to sustain the improvements.

The other options don’t reflect this exact flow. The PDCA cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act) is a related continuous-imimprovement loop but not the DMAIC path used in Six Sigma. The first option uses terms like Build and Close which don’t align with the DMAIC steps. The last option rearranges the order and introduces Verify/Implement in places that don’t match the DMAIC sequence.