A review of what operational definitions are and how to compile them for a project.

1. Section & Lesson #:
Pre-Requisite Lessons:
Complex Tools + Clear Teaching = Powerful Results
Compiling Operational Definitions
Six Sigma-Define – Lesson 7
A review of what operational definitions are and how to compile them for
a project.
None
Copyright © 2011-2019 by Matthew J. Hansen. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means
(electronic, mechanical, photographic, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without prior permission in writing by the author and/or publisher.

2. Operational Definitions Defined
o What are operational definitions?
• A list of definitions for key terms and acronyms used in a particular business area.
o What is the purpose of tracking operational definitions?
• It unifies the discussion for the team when working through the project.
• It prevents confusion and reveals potential assumptions about the business area & processes.
• It helps people who are new or unfamiliar with the business area to be quickly acclimated.
o How do you build a list of operational definitions?
• Listen for and write down any unique terms, codes or acronyms used by the team.
• Notate the definitions for each or ask a key SME on the team for their definition.
• Compile the definitions in a list and send it to the team for their approval.
• Update the list whenever you encounter new terms throughout the duration of the project.
o Are operational definitions required?
• No, not if there are very few terms or the scale of the project is small.
• It’s especially helpful if you are new to the business area that’s sponsoring the project.
o How do you communicate the operational definitions?
• They can be included as an appendix to the project storyboard.
• They can be tracked in a separate file that is sent to and reviewed by the team members.
Copyright © 2011-2019 by Matthew J. Hansen. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means (electronic, mechanical, photographic,
photocopying, recording or otherwise) without prior permission in writing by the author and/or publisher.

3. Practical Application
o Try writing down at least 20 different operational definitions for your organization.
• Be sure to include all forms of acronyms that may be used to describe metrics, departments,
common phrases in your industry, etc.
• For any metrics, be sure to clearly define the equation and sources of data (if possible) used to
calculate those metrics.
Copyright © 2011-2019 by Matthew J. Hansen. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means (electronic, mechanical, photographic,
photocopying, recording or otherwise) without prior permission in writing by the author and/or publisher.
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