A prerequisite of any successful 6-Sigma DMAIC project is that the project be aligned with the strategic vision, goals and objectives of the organization.
What comes before the 'Define' phase is the selection of the most appropriate project to take the organization along that road.
Project proposals will define the problems at a high level: why is this a problem?
If your organization does not have explicitly formulated goals and objectives aligned with a strategic vision, then you do not have the maturity to run a 6-Sigma project.
