Online certifications are making new inroads. For decades, it has been an accepted principle that if you want a solid professional career, you must obtain a four year degree. This has been a minimum requirement […]

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As far as approaches management can take to improve performance and guarantee quality go, Six Sigma can be considered to be a huge success. Many professionals across various industries, from manufacturing to hospitality to marketing, are getting Six Sigma certified. And an increasing number of organizations are sponsoring their employees to get the certification.

What is a Six Sigma Certification?

A Six Sigma certification is a professional certificate that shows that you have grasped the concepts of Six Sigma at some level. The levels in Six Sigma are known as Belts. These classify professionals into the following categories:

• White Belt: This is the basic level of Six Sigma understanding. White Belts are given a general overview of Six Sigma tools and techniques. Their job is to assist Six Sigma project teams in coming up with solutions to a problem during brainstorming sessions.
• Yellow Belt: A Six Sigma Yellow Belt has foundational knowledge of Six Sigma concepts. Yellow Belts are part of the Six Sigma project team, usually working in a limited capacity – as part-timers. They cannot work on a project without the supervision of a Green or Black Belt.
• Green Belt: A Green Belt is a Six Sigma professional who has understood the advanced concepts of the methodology, such as DMAIC. They can be leaders of a team if the improvement project is not complex. If it is, they will be part of the team and work under the supervision of a Black Belt.
• Black Belt: A Six Sigma Black Belt has advanced proficiency in implementing Six Sigma. On top of that, they can explain concepts and techniques to others and often serve as coaches to Green Belts. They also have a demonstrable capacity to take on leadership roles and drive projects to success.
• Master Black Belt: This is the highest Belt in Six Sigma. A Black Belt is someone who has worked on the strategic deployment of multiple Six Sigma projects (even complex ones). They are responsible for the development and promotion of Six Sigma curriculums within the organization. Also, they teach Six Sigma to all the other Belts.

Benefits of Getting a Six Sigma Certification

It takes time and money to become Six Sigma certified. Many people often wonder why they should do it. Here are a few reasons why a Six Sigma certification is important:

• Improve performance: When trained in Six Sigma, you will be able to identify the root causes of problems and eliminate them so they never happen again. You will also be able to identify the organization’s main KPIs and metrics, as well as measure and improve them. This is because the tools and techniques you’ll learn will allow you to gain and understand valuable business insights from analyzing the KPIs and metrics and use those insights to make data-driven decisions.
• Leadership roles: During Six Sigma training, you will learn core managerial competencies that will allow you to undertake leadership roles.
• Job satisfaction: A Six Sigma certification offers a self-esteem boost. The training prepares you to think of out-the-box solutions that improve your organization’s efficiency. This means you will experience greater job satisfaction knowing that your contributions are making a huge difference.
• Customer satisfaction and loyalty: With a Six Sigma certification, you can help your organization improve its customer experience. This means customers will be more satisfied and can even become loyalists.
• Best candidate: If you have worked on improvement projects that have helped organizations reduce costs, improve customer satisfaction and increase their bottom lines, you will become more hireable.
• Better salary: Six Sigma certifications allow you to demand better salaries from employers. On average, certified Six Sigma experts are making upwards of $100,000 a year.

Conclusion

By getting a Six Sigma certification, you are ready to apply its tools and techniques to benefit your organization. This is the case no matter the Belt you aim for. Furthermore, you are ensuring that you propel your career forward by possessing skills and knowledge that your peers don’t have. 

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]]> https://6sigma.com/six-sigma-certification-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-important/feed/ 0 https://6sigma.com/understanding-lean-vs-six-sigma-when-to-choose-which-one/ https://6sigma.com/understanding-lean-vs-six-sigma-when-to-choose-which-one/#respond Sun, 06 Jan 2019 15:30:09 +0000 https://opexlearning.com/resources/?p=27622

Six Sigma and the Lean approach both have essentially the same goals. While lean experts attribute the waste to the unnecessary steps in the production phases that do not significantly add value to the products and services offered, Six Sigma practitioners attribute the same wastes […]

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Six Sigma and the Lean approach both have essentially the same goals. While lean experts attribute the waste to the unnecessary steps in the production phases that do not significantly add value to the products and services offered, Six Sigma practitioners attribute the same wastes to variation within the processes.

Lean, Six Sigma, or Lean Six Sigma: Is it Either/Or or And?

This is a very commonly asked question that still arises in Six Sigma circles. Experts believe that both Lean and Six Sigma have their own place in any given performance improvement program. It is not really a question of which approach to use, but which approach to use when. The nature of the processes and the target objectives will ultimately have a bearing on the right strategy to use.

Furthermore, increasingly more Green Belt, Black Belt, and Master Black Belt training programs include both of these approaches rather than focusing on just one.

Many businesses today have integrated both methodologies, using a Lean Six Sigma implementation. Used together, the techniques help overcome the individual shortcomings of each approach.

Overcoming Individual Challenges

Lean focuses on cutting the unnecessary steps that do not add any value to product creation. The process of ascertaining whether a process adds value or not is to see if a customer is willing to pay for the same. Lean leaves a streamlined process in place while minimizing all wastes. However, a major challenge is the lack of quality.

This is where Six Sigma steps in and contributes to efficient business process management. The methodology helps reduce the number of defects and is associated with organizational leadership. Ultimately, the implementation of the approach helps to attain results that are real and measurable.

While Lean practitioners simply work on a project and often leave it suboptimally improved without emphasis on reducing variability, Six Sigma methodology takes in a large amount of data and uses statistical analysis.

Most experts, therefore, recommend an integrated approach that uses both Six Sigma and Lean principles. While little effort must be made by an organization to catalyze a combined training of both these approaches for its employees, the benefits are many.

Furthermore, having an understanding of different approaches rather than expertise in just one is likely to be helpful in dealing with the day-to-day challenges in a more efficient way instead of force-fitting one approach to solve all problems.

The Integrated LSS Approach

The Lean Six Sigma (LSS) approach is a powerful methodology that combines the best of both worlds. Instead of comparing the Lean and Six Sigma techniques, businesses must realize that they can, in fact, work wonders when used together. The following are the main highlights of the integrated LSS approach:

• Businesses must realize the importance of visualizing the value stream
• It is the customer who creates value and it is thus important to consider his needs and requirements
• Elimination of the steps that add no value to the process
• Use of data to trace the sources of variation which cause defects
• Aiming for perfection in operations while also realizing that no process can actually be perfect but there is scope for continuous improvement

LSS emphasizes value creation for the customer. Value is traditionally defined as the right products and services delivered at the right quality and at the right price and time, which makes them worth the money for the customer.

Conclusion

While most businesses compare Six Sigma and Lean approaches, it is important to realize that both work towards the same end goal, i.e., to remove waste and improve quality. Both approaches take different routes to the same effect. However, there’s no denying the fact that when used together, they take on a different and more powerful form.

 

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]]> https://6sigma.com/understanding-lean-vs-six-sigma-when-to-choose-which-one/feed/ 0 https://6sigma.com/due-diligence-save-time-money/ https://6sigma.com/due-diligence-save-time-money/#respond Tue, 15 Aug 2017 22:12:49 +0000 https://6sigma.com/?p=21520 When searching for a great Six Sigma practitioner or training organization, it pays to be diligent. Or rather, it saves money. We want the best for your business like all reputable Six Sigma organizations, which is why we’re here to help. Ask yourself: Are you trying to decide between multiple practitioners? Uncertain about spending the […]

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]]> When searching for a great Six Sigma practitioner or training organization, it pays to be diligent. Or rather, it saves money. We want the best for your business like all reputable Six Sigma organizations, which is why we’re here to help. Ask yourself: Are you trying to decide between multiple practitioners? Uncertain about spending the extra cash for quality training? Don’t set yourself up for loss. Instead, pay attention as we offer our advice on how you can save yourself time and money.

 

Don’t Pay for What You Don’t Need

It’s important always to know your needs. Especially if you’re searching through numerous Six Sigma practitioners. As such, if you want someone to come and clean up your business, it’s likely you’ll want to hire them on an ongoing basis. But this shouldn’t be any costlier than it needs to be. Our advice? Don’t fork out for Master Black Belt when all you need is Green. It may seem beneficial to have the extra skills on hand, but if you don’t need them, then what are they for? Remember the ancient phrase: It’s only a bargain if you want it. Or, in this case, need it.

After all, do you need a Master Black Belt with Lean Six Sigma know-how? Someone who can conduct highly complex data analysis and design experiments to predict future customer demand? Or is a Green Belt, someone who can run Six Sigma improvement projects to streamline your production processes, all you need? Know the answer, and you can save yourself a lot of money. This even qualifies as a waste-reduction measure, as you’re reducing costs by not overspending. Well done, you!

 

You Get What You Pay For

On the other hand, when searching for a Six Sigma training provider, you tend to get what you pay for. The higher the belt level, the better the training experience for you and your employees. So don’t be afraid to pay more for better service. In fact, you’re more likely to lose money by going with sub-par providers who will only disappoint you. Do you want to waste time and money on one or more cheap providers when you can save both by making a beeline for the best? Of course, you don’t. So be sure to take some time to think before making any rash decisions. That way, you can save time and money, while making a great investment for the future of your company.

 

Research Beforehand

Keep your wallets closed for now. A little research before making a decision can help you avoid disappointment later. Research also helps to put things in perspective. If you’re uncertain, researching different organizations can help you settle on your ideal price. It can also help you decide what you want from your potential practitioners. Moreover, there are plenty of testimonials and reviews out there, so make use of them. See what other clients have to say. Read about their experiences with certain practitioners or organizations. This information is highly valuable, and you can use it to justify your final decision. Furthermore, Six Sigma’s lack of any central governing body spells bad news for unwary customers. We’ve heard many unhappy stories of people who thought they were in for a win, when, sadly, they ended up being cheated. Take our advice, and do your research!

 

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]]> https://6sigma.com/due-diligence-save-time-money/feed/ 0 https://6sigma.com/top-six-sigma-projects-green-belts/ https://6sigma.com/top-six-sigma-projects-green-belts/#respond Mon, 07 Aug 2017 20:21:00 +0000 https://6sigma.com/?p=21480 Green Belts are in many ways the worker ants of the Six Sigma colony. You can use them for just about anything, including Six Sigma project work. Just received your Six Sigma Green Belt certificate? Well, remember, not all projects turn out to be good ideas when in practice. Do yourself a favor and […]

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]]> Green Belts are in many ways the worker ants of the Six Sigma colony. You can use them for just about anything, including Six Sigma project work. Just received your Six Sigma Green Belt certificate? Well, remember, not all projects turn out to be good ideas when in practice. Do yourself a favor and follow our advice as we look at our top Green Belt projects ideas.

What Makes a Green Belt Project?

Many people ask us what goes into a great Green Belt project, and it’s important to know the answer. Before selecting your next Six Sigma project, Green Belts should know what makes their work unique. So how do we recognize a great Green Belt project? Well, first of all, ensure your project is feasible for at least three months. It’s no good starting a project only for it to fall apart soon after. By targeting the issues that are just right, i.e. not too complex, nor too minor, your project has the best chance of success. Your project needs to be able to sustain you for a do-able period. Otherwise, productivity will start to lag. Below are some of our top Green Belt project ideas.

Learn more about our Six Sigma Green Belt training

Process Improvement Projects

Green Belts often deal with data to predict customer demand and identify process issues. Process improvement or problem-solving projects allow Green Belts to flex their analytical skills. Imagine you have an inefficient production system that you want to improve, but can’t find the root cause. A Green Belt project could target this issue to identify the underlying problem. By analyzing the process to see how it works, Green Belts can quickly identify causes of concern, such as redundant process stages.

Quality Improvement Projects

Quality is everything in Six Sigma. By reducing variation, Green Belt projects can make dramatic changes to your business success. Six Sigma’s aim is to achieve only 3.4 defects per million, which equates to a higher than 99% quality. You could find yourself with a substandard batch of phones fresh off the manufacturing floor. One batch could soon turn into several without proper attention. Green Belt project teams use techniques like root cause analysis and affinity diagrams to trace one issue to the next. This allows them to determine the root cause of the issue so you can act on it. You can then either change suppliers or source better quality parts, which means greater overall product quality. Greater quality leads to positive customer satisfaction which also ensures continued loyalty and profit.

Innovation Projects

Leveraging data to predict customer demand forms one of many Green Belt responsibilities. You can direct your Green Belt projects toward changing existing products to suit customer needs or starting from scratch. Green Belts regularly incorporate Lean principles into their work, allowing them to monitor and manipulate supply chains. This allows you to predict future demand and satisfy customer needs before the customer even knows what those needs are. You could base your Green Belt project around the creation of innovative new products that will extend your market reach. Using Six Sigma and Lean techniques, Green Belts can help your company attract customers who were previously out of reach.

Global Six Sigma offers both Live Virtual classes as well as Online Self-Paced training. Most option includes access to the same great Master Black Belt instructors that teach our World Class in-person sessions. Sign-up today!

Checkout Virtual Classroom Training Programs

Self-Paced Online Training Programs

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Read More on Six Sigma Green Belt:

Career Opportunities for Six Sigma Green Belts

The Six Sigma Green Belt Makes You Rich in Knowledge

The Most Complete Six Sigma Green Belt Virtual Training Ever Taught

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]]> https://6sigma.com/top-six-sigma-projects-green-belts/feed/ 0 https://6sigma.com/top-10-reasons-for-six-sigma-master-black-belt-training/ https://6sigma.com/top-10-reasons-for-six-sigma-master-black-belt-training/#respond Tue, 25 Jul 2017 20:48:04 +0000 https://6sigma.com/?p=21445 Master Black Belts are apex predators. Sitting at the top of the pyramid, they act as mentors and teachers, as well as consultants and project leaders. In this article, we look at the top 10 reasons for Six Sigma Master Black Belt training.

1. A Mentor for Lower Class Six Sigma Belts

 One […]

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]]> Master Black Belts are apex predators. Sitting at the top of the pyramid, they act as mentors and teachers, as well as consultants and project leaders. In this article, we look at the top 10 reasons for Six Sigma Master Black Belt training.

1. A Mentor for Lower Class Six Sigma Belts

 One of the most rewarding and engaging benefits of achieving Master Black Belt certification is that you can help those below you in their progression. Equally, through mentoring Six Sigma Green Belts, Six Sigma Black Belt, and more, you can mold potential future MBBs like yourself.

2. Develop and Maintain a Strong Six Sigma Curriculum

 MBBs are heavily involved in developing and maintaining Six Sigma curriculums for training centers. You will also ensure your organization delivers the best possible training, spanning techniques like DMAIC and Design of Experiments, to related concepts like Lean and Kaizen.

3. Deliver Six Sigma Classroom Training for Employees

Some Master Black Belts also deliver training at a classroom level. You will lead them through each concept and technique, teaching them to apply their knowledge in a practical context. Passing on your skills and expertise ensures Six Sigma’s future as the pinnacle of process improvement work.

4. Help Implement Six Sigma Methodology in the Workplace

As a Master Black Belt, it is your responsibility to direct and monitor Six Sigma improvement projects, seeing them to fruition. Additionally, by liaising with business executives, Black Belts, and Project Champions, you act as a Six Sigma figurehead in the workplace.

5. New Career Opportunities

While some Six Sigma MBBs choose to remain with the businesses they work for, this level of training opens a lot of doors for the career-minded. Ever thought about consulting? With Master Black Belt certification, you can earn a handsome living for yourself while benefiting Six Sigma’s reputation in the process.

6. The Top of Your Game

 MBBs are at the top of their game, and also the top of the Six Sigma hierarchy. Are you ambitious and committed to your work? Do you want to reach the top? Master Black Belt training can get you there.

7. Develop an Expert Knowledge of Six Sigma Ideas

Master Black Belts are among the most talented and sought-after Six Sigma candidates by businesses all over the world. Furthermore, along with the title comes a wide-ranging knowledge of Six Sigma methodology. To hone your skills to the max and become a Six Sigma expert, MBB training is for you.

8. Help Your Business Achieve Success in the Market

 Six Sigma MBBs help their businesses drive for success in the market. They do this by increasing productivity and improving processes so customer satisfaction can improve. The more you benefit your business, the more it benefits you.

9. The Big Picture

Master Black Belt training can help those who see the big picture meet their potential. Why allow yourself to languish doing menial work when you could be the company’s shining star instead? Under-utilization of talented staff is a major cause of waste. Don’t let yourself be wasted.

10. Spread the Six Sigma Gospel

Six Sigma Master Black Belts are by far the most qualified to preach Six Sigma ideas to businesses everywhere. Moreover, by pursuing Master Black Belt training, you are making a commitment to it, which creates a strong case for Six Sigma skeptics.

For more information on our Six Sigma Master Black Belt courses or services, please visit 6sigma.com.

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]]> https://6sigma.com/top-10-reasons-for-six-sigma-master-black-belt-training/feed/ 0 https://6sigma.com/21410-2/ https://6sigma.com/21410-2/#respond Tue, 18 Jul 2017 14:25:03 +0000 https://6sigma.com/?p=21410 How energy efficient is your organization? Learn how you can improve it with Six Sigma. By making some targeted and effective changes, you can dramatically improve your energy efficiency. This is good for the planet, yes, but it’s also good for you and your business. With improved energy efficiency, as with all efficiency improvements, come […]

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]]> How energy efficient is your organization? Learn how you can improve it with Six Sigma. By making some targeted and effective changes, you can dramatically improve your energy efficiency. This is good for the planet, yes, but it’s also good for you and your business. With improved energy efficiency, as with all efficiency improvements, come a great many benefits. Increased savings, improved revenue and cash flow, and greater sustainability are just some of the advantages you will enjoy. Everything from global companies to local businesses can benefit from Six Sigma. Increase your energy and organizational efficiency to drive improvement and set your success in stone.

Drive Energy Efficiency with Six Sigma Projects

When it comes to running a business, electricity is an essential resource. It powers the lights, computers, machinery, and allows production lines to keep running. Some companies produce energy, but all of them use it. As such, it’s important for us to conserve electricity wherever we can. Through error or inefficiency, we often end up wasting vast amounts of power performing everyday actions. Furthermore, big businesses and small have a responsibility to monitor and control their energy usage. Six Sigma projects are a valuable tool if you wish to increase your energy efficiency.

Streamlining Your Processes to Reduce Energy Usage

Without a streamlined organizational system, you are likely to waste energy where it need not be wasted. Poor energy efficiency tends to take on a snowball effect. Once it starts rolling, it will increase with time. Without safeguards in place to monitor your systems and cash flow, you will suffer significant losses through insufficient maintenance. Six Sigma projects can target problems and eliminate them. Using Six Sigma, you can replace inefficiencies with more practical solutions or excise the issue altogether. None-value-adding processes contribute to over-processing waste, which drains power and bloats your energy usage. It also saps your funds, minimizing cash flow.

Creating a Six Sigma Project to Target Energy Efficiency

When creating a Six Sigma project, ensure you have multiple Yellow, Green, and Black Belts on your team. Additional team members such as White or Orange Belts will complement the project, but this powerful trio provides all you need to make effective process changes. When drafting your project charter, ensure your team is fully aware of all the implications. Use techniques like DMAIC to define, measure, analyze, improve and control your energy efficiency problems. It’s always helpful to identify the origins of certain issues. Root Cause Analysis is a critical tool in Six Sigma work as it allows you to locate the underlying source of your process issues.

Where Does Poor Energy Efficiency Come From?

Poor energy efficiency may be the result of many problems, such as faulty machinery, over-processing, or human error. Applying Six Sigma tools to this problem allows you access to a different perspective, which makes correcting your inefficiencies much simpler. Similarly, affinity diagrams will help you identify connections between issues, allowing you to trace one problem back to another. Moreover, Design of Experiments enables you to create effective testing parameters so you can design more energy efficient operations. Energy efficiency is critical to modern business operations. Don’t hold back progress, and don’t hinder your own. Use Six Sigma to make lasting and needed changes for your business and the planet.

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]]> https://6sigma.com/21410-2/feed/ 0 https://6sigma.com/overview-timeline-six-sigma-journey/ https://6sigma.com/overview-timeline-six-sigma-journey/#respond Thu, 13 Jul 2017 20:26:55 +0000 https://6sigma.com/?p=21396 Before starting on your Six Sigma journey, it’s best to prepare yourself for the road ahead. Employers expect the best of the best when hiring Six Sigma practitioners, so fortify your knowledge from the get-go. In this article, we will provide you with an essential roadmap to your Six Sigma journey and all it entails. […]

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]]> Before starting on your Six Sigma journey, it’s best to prepare yourself for the road ahead. Employers expect the best of the best when hiring Six Sigma practitioners, so fortify your knowledge from the get-go. In this article, we will provide you with an essential roadmap to your Six Sigma journey and all it entails. Learn what belts and skills you will achieve, when, and more!

White Belt

The White Belt is the beginning of your Six Sigma journey. The shallow end of the pool. You study a basic overview of Six Sigma knowledge and teamworking skills here. White Belts will track Six Sigma’s evolution from its earliest beginnings to present day. Key Six Sigma skills like DMAIC and value-stream-mapping provide the foundation for further belt progression.

Yellow Belt

Once you have earned your White Belt, you can take the step up to Yellow. This signifies the inciting moment on your journey. From here, it’s either give up or full steam ahead. While White Belts are foundation level, Yellow Belts are the first rung on the ladder. Equally, you will learn how to utilize basic measuring and analytical tools so you can understand and leverage data. Key problem-solving and process improvement skills allow you to perform novice Six Sigma project work while preparing you for further study.

Orange Belt

Often forgotten about, the Orange Belt is as important as Yellow or Green. Yellow Belts must earn their Orange before they can move up to Green. Highly effective team members, it is here you learn how to hone your leadership and team-building abilities. Orange Belts, like Green, are also potential management material. Furthermore, management strategies like PDCA and the A-3 report, alongside practical project work will allow you to handle a team effectively.

Green Belt

Highly flexible, Green Belts can take on the management responsibilities of a Black Belt, while performing advanced data analysis. Combining all heretofore acquired knowledge from White, Yellow and Orange Belt education, you will put complex Six Sigma concepts into practice. Green Belt study is both comprehensive and intensive. Here, you will take concepts like Lean and Kaizen and incorporate them into your process improvement work. Moreover, Green Belts work alongside Black Belts to cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, while aiding your team in identifying and eliminating problems as they occur. You will also implement preventative measures to ensure these same problems do not recur.

Black Belt / Master Black Belt

If you’ve made it this far, you’re a born leader. Black Belts are primarily responsible for coaching and directing Green, Orange, Yellow and White Belts. You will also liaise with Master Black Belts to encourage and support improvement goals at all levels of your Six Sigma journey. Black Belt training is the penultimate stop on your journey. Taking all your prior education, from DMAIC to complex data analysis, you will combine your expertise with advanced team dynamics management. Moreover, you will acquire an extensive range of process improvement techniques like

Black Belt training is the penultimate stop on your journey. Taking all your prior education, from DMAIC to complex data analysis, you will combine your expertise with advanced team dynamics management. Moreover, you will acquire an extensive range of process improvement techniques like design of experiments, process mapping, and root cause analysis. Similarly, with Green Belts to support you, Black Belts learn how to implement Lean and Kaizen to enhance and bolster your Six Sigma work. Furthermore, from here you can progress to Master Black Belt level, in which you further enrich your leadership skills. You will also learn how to design your own Six Sigma curriculums, and implement both classical and advanced Six Sigma metrics.

Furthermore, from here you can progress to Master Black Belt level, in which you further enrich your leadership skills. You will also learn how to design your own Six Sigma curriculums, and implement both classical and advanced Six Sigma metrics.

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]]> https://6sigma.com/overview-timeline-six-sigma-journey/feed/ 0 https://6sigma.com/21391-2/ https://6sigma.com/21391-2/#respond Tue, 11 Jul 2017 17:37:41 +0000 https://6sigma.com/?p=21391 Six Sigma is well-known within countless businesses and corporations for its effective process improvement capabilities. Using Six Sigma, you can isolate problems and correct them with ease, streamlining your operations to make them more efficient and profitable. Moreover, Six Sigma relies on a belt-based hierarchy, and one of the most integral of all practitioners is […]

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]]> Six Sigma is well-known within countless businesses and corporations for its effective process improvement capabilities. Using Six Sigma, you can isolate problems and correct them with ease, streamlining your operations to make them more efficient and profitable. Moreover, Six Sigma relies on a belt-based hierarchy, and one of the most integral of all practitioners is the Six Sigma Green Belt.

But why invest the time and money in Green Belt training? How will it benefit you in the long- and short-term? Today, we shed light on how Green Belt training can be highly advantageous for individuals or corporations. Here are our top 10 reasons why you should sign up for a Six Sigma Green Belt training course.

 

Top 10 Reasons for Six Sigma Green Belt Training

 

• 1. Positive Change.

  By training employees to become Six Sigma Green Belts, they will master Six Sigma methods in the workplace. This can only be a benefit for your organization, as they can then make positive changes from within.

 

• 2. Time-Effective Training.

  Green Belt training provides a wide-ranging, intensive study of Six Sigma methodology in an accelerated timeframe. Green Belts aren’t required to take on the same level of management responsibility as Black Belts, so training requires significantly less time investment.

 

• 3. Incentive for Promotion.

  With promotion comes new responsibilities and required skills as well as numerous benefits. As an employer, you can use Six Sigma Green Belt training as an incentive for promotion. Moreover, as an employee, Green Belt training will grant you additional knowledge and skills to help bolster your job progression.

 

• 4. Impress Employers.

  Companies all over the world use Six Sigma, and job candidates with Six Sigma certification are in high demand. Equally, Green Belts are one of the most versatile and effective Six Sigma practitioners. Show employers why they should hire you through your resumé.

 

• 5. Pathway to Black Belt Training.

  Six Sigma doesn’t end with the color Green, and Green Belt training can also open doors for Black Belt progression. With the combined knowledge and capabilities of Green and Black Belts on your staff, you will reach optimum efficiency in no time.

 

• 6. Teambuilding.

  Don’t just train one Green Belt. Train a whole group of them. Green Belts typically train in groups, and by investing in multiple employees, their training also builds team spirit and group work skills.

 

• 7. Flexible Training Plans.

  Your Six Sigma Green Belt training, when given in-company, is flexible enough that you can adjust it to suit your needs. It can focus on the most pressing areas affecting your company so that you can get the most benefit.

 

• 8. Easy to Evaluate.

  You can evaluate the success of your Six Sigma Green Belts’ work based on their awarded certification, completed project work, and demonstration of Six Sigma knowledge. This also makes it easy to measure the success and capabilities of your Green Belts for specific tasks.

 

• 9. Productivity Prevents Problems.

  Green Belt training encourages high productivity and continuous improvement culture. Six Sigma Green Belts can implement preventative measures to ensure problems do not continue to recur. Moreover, this helps you reach a state of near-complete operational excellence.

 

• 10. Hone Your Analytical Skills.

  Much of Six Sigma involves varying levels of data analysis. Especially for techniques like DMAIC and Analysis of Variance. Furthermore, Six Sigma Green Belt training allows you to develop these key analytical skills. From basic comparisons to quantifying profits. With their range of skills, Green Belts are also prime management material.

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]]> https://6sigma.com/21391-2/feed/ 0 https://6sigma.com/21202-2/ https://6sigma.com/21202-2/#respond Sat, 03 Jun 2017 22:38:33 +0000 https://6sigma.com/?p=21202 What do we know about Six Sigma? Well, first of all, we know that it is a quality and process improvement tool which many companies employ to achieve success. It allows you to improve and develop your company’s processes and services to be faster and more cost-effective for consumers, without sacrificing quality. However, there is […]

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]]> What do we know about Six Sigma? Well, first of all, we know that it is a quality and process improvement tool which many companies employ to achieve success. It allows you to improve and develop your company’s processes and services to be faster and more cost-effective for consumers, without sacrificing quality. However, there is a lack of industry governance in the Six Sigma world right now, something we aim to correct. Due to this lack of guidance and regulation from a central governing body, a lot of so-called Six Sigma providers are offering substandard certification.

These course programs often do not reflect the required level of detail that ours do. Our Six Sigma courses offer a fully comprehensive training program to suit your needs. Whereas, other providers may fall short of the high bar Six Sigma demands. They may even miss out many of the core concepts that form the crux of all Six Sigma work. Beware of swindlers, as some providers will pass off their substandard program as the real deal just to take your money.

Six Sigma enables companies to eliminate errors in their organizational processes, ranging from production to administration. Industries such as software development, manufacturing, customer service, and so on have all benefited from Six Sigma methodology. It works by identifying and devising solutions to process problems, using data to locate opportunities for cost reduction and waste elimination. Six Sigma deals with scientific results based on hard facts, especially for data-handling exercises.  If you want to learn what goes into true Six Sigma certification, then read on.

 

How Does Six Sigma Belt Certification Work

 

To become a fully qualified Six Sigma practitioner, you must receive certification. This is only possible if you receive training, just like any qualification. We just so happen to offer a wide variety of excellent Six Sigma training courses to suit all your needs. From as low as White Belt up to Master Black Belt and beyond. Today, we look at how certification works for Six Sigma Belts. But are all Six Sigma courses created equal? Unfortunately, however, other Six Sigma training providers cannot boast our same level of quality.

 

Implementing Six Sigma demands that practitioners have received comprehensive training in their area of expertise. Yellow Belts differ from Black Belts, for example, just as housecats differ from lions. They are both parts of the same family but are radically different in various ways. Six Sigma certification should provide trainees with adequate exposure to practical elements of Six Sigma work. Concepts such as project work and continuous improvement. As well as how to apply Six Sigma tools and techniques in a practical setting. It’s one thing just to theorize a solution to a problem, but it’s another to put it into action!

 

Depending on the backgrounds of each of the trainees, you should also introduce them to the myriad ways of applying Six Sigma in their industries. All of this, in addition to intensive theoretical study of Six Sigma and related methodologies, is necessary for a worthwhile certification. If you are to acquire the knowledge required to drive lasting changes in your organization, Six Sigma training is a must. The better your certification, the greater your chances of success with Six Sigma. You’ll also have a more reputable qualification.

 

How Should Six Sigma Belts Be Certified? (And How Not)

 

Six Sigma certification courses are also similar to other professional courses, such as MBAs, both requiring very cleared, highly specific guidelines for them to be successful. Certification providers must teach trainee Six Sigma practitioners to follow standardized procedures and use a range of process improvement strategies and quality measurement tools. In addition to cultivating an expert-level body of knowledge of Six Sigma practices and theory. Following certification, your trainees should be able to employ their knowledge in real world situations. If this is not the case after completing your Six Sigma certification program, you may have been deceived by false advertizing.

Bad Six Sigma certification courses are everywhere, and it can difficult to tell the difference. Good courses are always classroom-based and taught by a qualified practitioner. Watch out for too-good-to-be-true online courses that promise quick results. The ideal program for Six Sigma certification should provide multiple study stages for each qualifying level, with a variety of theoretical and practical tests to clear. These may include mock Six Sigma project as well as theoretical multiple-choice tests for candidates to complete under examination conditions. There are multiple belt types, based on the color-based hierarchy found in martial arts. Two of the most prominent Six Sigma Belt levels include Green Belt and Black Belt, each coming with its own requirements.

 

Green Belt Certification Requirements

 

Green Belts appear early in the Six Sigma hierarchy. Trainees can usually only complete Green Belt certification once they have completed a prerequisite two weeks of training and qualifying exam. Green Belt training teaches students all the core ideas and methodologies in Six Sigma. One of the core components of Green Belt curricula is DMAIC. Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control. DMAIC enables Six Sigma practitioners to define customer needs, plus potential future demand. Green Belts learn how to define process limitations, as well as to track process flow to develop improvements.

Certification at the Green Belt level should teach how to measure performance through data collection via numerous sources. Six Sigma’s fact-oriented nature also demands Green Belts scrutinize data for flaws. They should also learn how to analyze processes to get to the root cause of problems. Green Belt training also requires trainees learn how to devise adequate improvements to the problems they face. Certification should teach them to redefine earlier processes and deploy implementation plans effectively. Finally, it’s essential for Green Belts to learn how to control and maintain the changes they implement.

Black Belt Certification Requirements

 

Professionals with four weeks of prerequisite training behind them will receive Six Sigma Black Belt certification. Quality providers build their training programs on top of each other. Black Belt training, for example, should encompass and build upon trainees’ existing Green Belt certifications. Black Belt certified professionals are leaders on Six Sigma projects and must learn to train others. Certification should include appropriate training as well as testing to assess Black Belt capabilities. This level of training will allow them to develop their skills as a project leader, mastering Six Sigma roadmaps, extensive arithmetical methodologies, plus cross-functional process improvements.

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]]> https://6sigma.com/21202-2/feed/ 0 https://6sigma.com/green-and-black-belt-certification-salaries/ https://6sigma.com/green-and-black-belt-certification-salaries/#respond Wed, 31 May 2017 03:39:14 +0000 https://opexlearning.com/resources/?p=23229

Green and Black Belt Certification Salaries

Progressing in the Six Sigma hierarchy carries many benefits, and it’s a good idea to familiarize oneself with the requirements behind each level. A common question that arises among beginners concerns the viability of those higher levels:

• Are […]
  

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  ]]>

  Green and Black Belt Certification Salaries

  Progressing in the Six Sigma hierarchy carries many benefits, and it’s a good idea to familiarize oneself with the requirements behind each level. A common question that arises among beginners concerns the viability of those higher levels:

  • Are there reasons to obtain a Black Belt (BB) level, after getting to the Green Belt (GB) level?
  • What will it do for my career, my job skills and my salary?

  The question most people want to know is how it will impact their salary. That is not completely affected by certification level, as it will depend on education level, industry, years of experience, and professional qualifications of the job as well. However, there are some average numbers we can provide, to give you a sense of value for the training and certification.

  According to the 2016 Quality Progress Salary Survey,

  …U.S. respondents who’ve completed any level of Six Sigma training earned $17,357 (17,357 USD) more on average than those without Six Sigma training. For Canadian respondents, that difference is $12,475.

  If we look at average salaries by specific belt level, we can see the impact each level adds to the salary

  • None = $83,000
  • Green Belt = $93,500 (+$10,500)
  • Black Belt = $105,000 (+$11,500)
  • Master Black Belt = $129,000 (+$24,000)

  Let’s look a little closer at Green, Black Belts and Master Black Belts (MBB), since they are the most common ones.

  Green Belt

  The place to start with Six Sigma certification is the Green Belt. It requires 1-2 weeks of training, and completion of at least one project. You will learn many of the core improvement tools, that can help you address 80-90% of the problems you will face in your job. This is often a part-time role, focused in the area you are currently working, and you keep your current job title.

  On average Green Belts will see a $10,000 (USD) increase in salary compared to those without a certification.

  Obtaining a GB is just the beginning, as it can take years for a Green Belt to truly understand the tools and methodologies to be most effective on their own (without Black Belt oversight). Since everything is new, there is a lot of information being provided to the Green Belt that may or may not be used in their job and project work. Sorting out what is most relevant can be frustrating for some, and discourage them from moving to the next level (Black Belt).

  However, once the Green Belt has completed 2-3 projects, their confidence will increase, the tools and methodology will make more sense, and they will know whether pursuing Black Belt is worthwhile. Not everyone will proceed past Green Belt. It is challenging, and it separates those only interested in a salary increase from those interested in becoming an improvement expert and helping others.

  Black Belt

  A Black Belt in Six Sigma is the target for many people. It increases your visibility to many external companies, which can bring some very attractive salary figures.  It is quite common to see people leave their current company after the achieve a BB certification, as they realize that other companies value it more than their current company.

  Again, we reference the salary survey:

  The BB itself is a high-value investment, adding $21,970 for those U.S. respondents with that level of training versus U.S. respondents without Six Sigma training ($104,974 vs. $83,004). In Canada, the largest premium comes for those with BB training”who earn $17,894 more than those with Green Belt training ($104,710 vs. $86,816).

  BB’s are expected to stay up to date with the latest Six Sigma concepts and approaches, making it even more important to carry a good portfolio, and keep it developed and updated as best as possible. They are also expected to expand into different parts of the organization, such as finance, sales/marketing, information technology, human resources, etc. They are also expected to teach classes, and mentor Green Belts through their initial projects, which could be a new skill set they will need to develop.

  Recertification is also required, to prove that the knowledge hasn’t been lost over time, and they are continually growing their skills, which can happen to those not in a full-time improvement role.

  Master Black Belts

  Moving up in the hierarchy to MBB comes with even more benefits (both financial and non-financial), prompting others to keep evolving their skills and knowledge about Six Sigma practices to get to this level.

  The Master Black Belt level is the highest of all, as it comes with the most challenging requirements. They are expected to be able to teach and mentor Black Belts, successfully run large/complex projects across the organization, implement a successful improvement program, and speak to all levels of the organization, from the value-added worker to the CEO.

  On average Master Black Belts will see a $46,000 (USD) increase in salary compared to those without a certification.

  MBB’s are often passionate about Six Sigma, as they really see the value through a deep knowledge of the tools and approach. This intrinsic motivation is what drives them to put in the extra practice and education.

  MBB certification is no easy feat, as it can take 5-10 years to achieve in a full-time improvement role, or 10-20 years in a part-time improvement role. MBB certification requires 10+ documented successful projects, teaching of GB and BB level classes, and proof of coaching and mentoring GB’s and BB’s to help them achieve certification.

  Conclusion

  It’s important to stay sharp and advance up in the ranks as quickly as possible, if one is motivated by compensation, as the different belts can change the situation in terms of finances significantly (as we showed above).

  There is a hefty investment behind reaching the higher ranks of Six Sigma. However, the potential for salary increase becomes less important as one progresses up the hierarchy of belt levels. The desire to help others solve problems, and the opportunities that can open up outside of your current role end up becoming even more important motivators.

  When one considers all the benefits that come with Six Sigma certification, there’s really no doubt whether it’s worth pursuing it! We recommend reaching out to a Black Belt or Master Black Belt, if you are interested in learning more about the job and expectations.

  Ready to obtain a Six Sigma certification, or advance to the next belt level?

  Check out online and classroom training near you >>>

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  ]]> https://6sigma.com/green-and-black-belt-certification-salaries/feed/ 0 https://6sigma.com/20845-2/ https://6sigma.com/20845-2/#respond Wed, 29 Mar 2017 16:30:30 +0000 https://6sigma.com/?p=20845 Green Belts hold a unique position in Six Sigma, taking on responsibilities of belts above and below them. However, Green Belt training has also been the source of much debate. Our Six Sigma Green Belt curriculum takes place over two weeks of intensive study, but just what should you cover in Six Sigma […]

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  ]]> Green Belts hold a unique position in Six Sigma, taking on responsibilities of belts above and below them. However, Green Belt training has also been the source of much debate. Our Six Sigma Green Belt curriculum takes place over two weeks of intensive study, but just what should you cover in Six Sigma Green Belt curricula? Furthermore, in Green Belt training, what information and skills should be taught? Today, we answer these questions. Let’s find out.

   

  Green Belt Training: Week 1

   

  Six Sigma Introduction: Week 1 begins with an intro to Six Sigma theory and methodology. Project-based work and theory-based study will also take place.   Six Sigma Project Definition: How to recognize and define a great project. We also find that the most successful practitioners in training, achieve more in the real world.   Project Selection Process: Learning how to select the right project will lead towards success and also teach you which projects to avoid.   Six Sigma Deployment: How to use Six Sigma to make effective process changes.   Process Mapping: Process mapping is a powerful tool for understanding production processes.   Input Prioritization Tools: Learning to prioritize inputs is essential to Six Sigma.   Failure Mode Effect Analysis: FMEA is one of Six Sigma’s systematic techniques for analyzing causes/effects of project and process failure.   Minitab software Introduction: Software like Minitab software is incredibly useful to Green Belts.

  Measurement Systems: A run-through on measurement systems and analysis techniques.   Capability Analysis: A crash course on analyzing and calculating capability based on given data.   Sample Size Selection: Sample size, especially in Six Sigma experiments, should be selected accordingly. However, the key to selecting the ideal sample size comes from looking at your data.   Statistical Process Control: Everything SPC and how it applies to Six Sigma.   Process Control Plan: If you don’t plan, then how can you expect to control processes?   Integration of Lean: Did you know that Lean can be integrated with Six Sigma? It can make for improved results.   Project Plan & Deliverable: Planning is everything, but must be in line with agreed deliverables.   Project Reviews: Learning to review projects will teach objectivity.

   

  Green Belt Training: Week 2

   

  Week 1 Review In-Class Project: Week 2 Begins with an in-class practical/theory project based on week 1’s study.   Advanced Graphical Analysis: Once you know how to use AGA to detect trends, then you can identify process issues in production.   Multi-Vari Planning and Analysis: Multi-vari planning/analysis allows you to highlight variation and core process features.   Variation Trees and Funneling: How to use variation trees and funneling to chart how problems like defect arise.   Hypothesis Testing: Here we teach you how to perfect and test sound hypotheses. Additionally, we find that a combination of practical and written work is most helpful.   Central Limit Theorem: CLT allows you to identify similarities between means in large samples.   Statistical Analysis Roadmap: A crash course in statistical analysis. Using SAR, you can make the most of data and deliver great results.

  One Way ANOVA: Analysis of Variance aids Green Belts to identify statistically significant differences.   Non-manufacturing Applications: Six Sigma is useful for software development, call centers, and more!   Correlation and Regression: We teach the differences and similarities between correlation and regression.   Process Control Plan: PCPs help Green Belts learn how to control product characteristics.   Project Plan & Deliverable: Planning is everything, but it must be in line with agreed deliverables.   Project Reviews: Learning to review projects will teach objectivity.   Test for Mean with t-test: Understanding how to use Mean is important, and this t-test will assess what you’ve learned.

  Exclusive Benefits of Our Six Sigma Green Belt Training

   

  • Green Belt students benefit from our Master Black Belt instructors whose extensive knowledge and experience enable them to offer support and project consultation. We also offer project review and certification.

   

  • Furthermore, 6Sigma.us provides invaluable data files and templates you can use for future certification and professional projects. We also provide samples of basic projects and generic Project Charters, and up to 3 hours of remote support. (For up to 6 months after training or project completion.)

   

  • Additionally, on-site Consulting services are available at a special rate for our Green Belt students. These services are also available for other Belt levels.

   

  • Moreover, as an IACETand PMI®* accredited provider, there are CEUs and PDUs available for each Belt level, including Green Belt.

   

  • Our aim is to include more Green Belt-appropriate Lean tools and techniques as time passes. That way, you’ll get the best of both worlds!

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  ]]> https://6sigma.com/20845-2/feed/ 0 https://6sigma.com/the-roles-of-different-belt-colors-in-six-sigma/ https://6sigma.com/the-roles-of-different-belt-colors-in-six-sigma/#respond Thu, 09 Mar 2017 07:44:53 +0000 https://opexlearning.com/resources/?p=22314 The Roles of Different Belt Colors in Six Sigma

Six Sigma is a complex process improvement methodology developed by Motorola. Due to its complexity, it requires the presence and participation of certified professionals for it to be implemented properly and successfully. Similar to martial […]

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What is Six Sigma?

It is an often asked question, but providing a short, concise answer can be difficult. Here are some key points to help you understand.

Six Sigma is an approach to quality control and improving businesses processes that was developed by Motorola […]

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