Lean Six Sigma in Project Management: Beyond the Gantt Chart

Classical Project Management provides powerful structures for planning, governance, scheduling, risk management, and stakeholder coordination. However, many projects still struggle with delays, rework, poor flow of information, silo behaviour, unclear customer requirements, and inefficient processes hidden beneath the project plan itself.

On June 30 in Geneva, in this thought-provoking session, John Dennis — Chairman of the International Lean Six Sigma Institute (ILSSI) — will explore how Lean and Six Sigma principles can significantly strengthen modern project management environments by improving flow, reducing waste, enhancing collaboration, and embedding structured problem-solving into project delivery.

While most project professionals are already familiar with Lean and Agile concepts and tools such as Kanban boards, visualization and PERT this session goes much deeper into the wider Lean mindset and its application within complex projects and programmes.

The session will explore applications of Quality Circles, Kaizen continuous improvement, Standardised Work, Kano Analysis, Theory of Constraints, Value Stream Mapping, and Gemba Management.

John will also explain why every Project Manager can benefit from understanding the DMAIC problem-solving framework used within Lean Six Sigma and how its structured analytical approach can dramatically improve root cause analysis, decision-making, stakeholder alignment, and sustainable project outcomes.

The presentation will include demonstrations of modern digital tools, including DMAIC.app and EngageProcess.com, which can significantly improve visibility, process understanding, collaboration, and efficiency within Lean Six Sigma and Operational Excellence programmes.

This session is designed for Project Managers, Business Leaders and anyone interested in combining structured project delivery with Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand how Lean and Six Sigma complement classical Project Management methodologies.
• Learn how Lean tools such as Value Stream Mapping, Kanban, Kaizen, and Gemba Management can improve project delivery.
• Gain insight into the DMAIC problem-solving framework and its application within projects and programmes.
• See demonstrations of modern digital Operational Excellence tools including DMAIC.app and EngageProcess.com.
• Develop a broader systems-thinking perspective on project efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable delivery.

Agenda:

18:00  – Check-in
18:30  – PMI Introduction
18:35  – Main Presentation
19:45  – Q&A and Closing
20:00  – Apéro & Networking
21:00  – Event Closing