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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At 6Sigma, our goal is to stand out from the competition. Specifically, the illegitimate practitioners. The only way to protect yourself from these scammers is to shine a light on the Six Sigma training industry. By comparing multiple Six Sigma programs, you can work out the pros and cons. Not to mention finding the best deal on the market. Here are a few ways you can compare our programs to others you’re considering.

How to Compare Different Six Sigma Programs

Whether you’re a novice Yellow Belt or an experienced Master Black Belt, Six Sigma training of any kind can create great opportunities. But finding the right training program for you can be a nightmare if you don’t know what to look for. The fact is, there are no clear guidelines on what makes the perfect Six Sigma program, although there are plenty of bad ones. Having no governing body to moderate its practices means fake practitioners can use Six Sigma to clean out your wallets. To avoid this, judge programs against the following factors.

Worthwhile Real-World Applications 

Improvement projects play a substantial part in Six Sigma certification. But there’s more to it than just theoretical study and simulated project work. But if your program helps you apply its theoretical content to real-world situations, then you’re onto a winner. With us, Six Sigma isn’t just bland theory. We apply Six Sigma concepts to real-life situations during training to keep our students on their toes.

Communication and Delivery

Communication is key in Six Sigma. This goes for training too. We pride ourselves on excellent training delivery and prompt communication, but that’s just us. How are other programs taught? Online study is certainly useful to those with tight schedules. However, class-based study is always more beneficial. You’ll be sure to get more one-to-one contact with instructors and develop a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of Six Sigma.

Value Over Price

Value is a key concept in Six Sigma and Lean principles. It’s also one of several subjects you’ll study on your program! Therefore, you shouldn’t be quick to judge a Six Sigma program on price alone. You get what you pay for isn’t always applicable, but higher prices generally equate to higher quality. Assess the contents of the course as well as factors like price. This will help you make the best decision. Remember, your training’s value will surely outweigh its cost. With our Six Sigma programs, you can rest knowing you’ve made the best possible decision.

Reviews and Reputability

There’s a reason people tend to prefer Coca Cola over supermarket own-brands. With brand recognition, it’s make or break, and discerning customers almost always go for the safest option. After all, why risk wasting money on what could prove disappointing, when they could have something they know and like? Bad reviews can do permanent damage to a brand’s name, and often for good reason. Pay attention to what other customers have to say. Furthermore, is the program or provider a recognized brand? How long have they been in business? Asking questions like these can provide eye-opening insights. Read our blog and check out our testimonials. You’ll be both pleased and intrigued to learn more.

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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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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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A Six Sigma Master Black Belt is just that, a Black Belt, and a master of their art. But the importance of the MBB certification is that it teaches you to reach beyond mastery. To develop your skills to absolute perfection, seeking out a deeper, more profound knowledge. Our tailored program teaches advanced understandings and approaches to Six Sigma. Project work and statistical methods are essential tools here. Furthermore, students become fully-fledged Six Sigma leaders, learning to apply their skills in any company or sector.

The course goes beyond Black Belt basics, teaching non-parametric analysis, destructive testing, Multi-Vari experiments, practical experimentation, and advanced regression methods. Training comprises deep study of statistical knowledge, enhancing the abilities developed in Black Belt training. Formal examination and practical work provide a comprehensive testing scenario for your advanced skills.

What Does the Course Require?

We require our MBB students to have already achieved Black Belt certification. Additionally, it’s important that you possess experience leading a minimum of ten prior projects, and at least forty hours training. Finally, previous leadership training is essential to much of the MBB course, which requires you to have at least one week’s worth.

What Can Master Black Belt Training Do for Me?

Master Black Belts are experts in their field, and the right training will ensure we fully prepare you for the reality of Six Sigma work. You can expect to develop your leadership and mentoring skills even further, helping to spread the cause of Six Sigma. MBB certification holders can access an array of opportunities within your organization you may not have considered. MBBs are expert problem-solvers as well as strong leaders, valuable traits in any line of work, Six Sigma included. Our comprehensive training program will provide the following:

• A Deep Understanding of DMAIC.

  DMAIC is a core component of Six Sigma work. MBBs should be familiar with its every detail so that they can drive Six Sigma enterprises forward. DMAIC is an essential skill if you want to succeed in process and quality improvement.

• The Ability to Train and Lead Black Belts through Four-week Training Programs.

  Throughout our four-week practical training programs, you will develop your training and mentoring abilities. It’s also important for MBBs to cultivate in themselves a wealth of Six Sigma knowledge. This will aid them in mentoring as they can pass on their knowledge to other Six Sigma Belts.

• An Enhanced Statistical Awareness.

  Six Sigma demands accurate data to make strong decisions. As an MBB, you will learn to improve your statistical awareness and become a data expert. Statistical analysis tools are all key skills for MBBs, even more so than Black Belts.

• A Robust Decision-Making Capacity.

  If you can’t act, then you can’t succeed. MBBs need to develop a robust capacity for decision-making. Otherwise, they will struggle to make lasting changes in an organization. Just as in karate, you are a leader and a master of your art. As such, Master Black Belts must live up to their namesake.

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Master Black Belt Curriculum

We believe Master Black Belt training should build upon already existing Black Belt training, expanding on the concepts delivered in their previous education. Master Black Belts will typically require two or more years of Black Belt experience (plus training), and five or more years of business experience. MBB’s previous work and expertise should inform their MBB training, building on their existing skills and knowledge base. Some areas of responsibility for Master Black Belts are as follows:

• Leadership and people skills. MBBs will typically manage and coach Black Belts, Green Belts, Yellow Belts, and entire Six Sigma teams, while on the project floor. Furthermore, leadership and people skills are essential to building strong teams and professional relationships. Additionally, MBBs teach team members to deploy improvement tools and solutions, as well as identify areas that require attention.
• Developing and implementing organizational metrics. Classical Six Sigma metrics include timeliness, accuracy, efficiency, workability of business and cost, as well as other measures of quality. Moreover, Master Black Belts should know how to select and implement appropriate metrics.
• Creating, maintaining, and reviewing Six Sigma curriculums in classroom-based training. As Master Black Belts, you will be required to assess and deliver Six Sigma training programs, providing coaching and support for other Belts.
• Networking is an essential skill for Master Black Belts to master, as it can open many doors for you when it comes to finding employment. Master Black Belts often work as consultants, an independent role that requires seeking out opportunities. Networking with other MBBs and Six Sigma practitioners will enable you to get the lay of the land. Likewise, MBB training should teach critical networking skills to build your network from the ground up. Maintaining strong professional relationships is important as an MBB, and training should support this.

Essential Master Black Belt Skills

• DMAIC. MBBs should be able to use and teach DMAIC in the classroom and on projects.

• Non-Parametric Analysis. When there are fewer assumptions to deal with, NPA enables MBBs to get a handle on their data.

• Multi-Vari and Practical Experiments. MBBs will be expected to address multiple parameters and sources of process variation at any one time. Similarly, experience with practical experimentation is just as important.

• Handling Attribute Responses and Optimization Experiments. Our MBB curriculum covers how to use Minitab to handle attribute responses and create optimization experiments.

• Advanced Regression and SPC Methods. Regression alone is a difficult tool to use, and SPC can be just as tricky, but advanced methods are often required. Our MBB curriculum teaches several different ARMs and ASPCs.

• Handling Multi-Response Experiments. We believe in going above and beyond Freeman-Tukey when it comes to MREs.

• Distributional Analysis. We teach our MBBs to understand the far-reaching effects of policy programs and funding decisions.

• SIPOC Diagrams. SIPOC diagrams identify key factors of process improvement projects before commencement.

• Identifying CTQ (critical-to-quality) factors. Quality MBB training teaches how to draw CTQ trees. This enables MBBs to measure and display improvement efforts and align them with customer demands.

• Statistical software training. Reliable, statistical data underpins all Six Sigma work. Our trainers teach MBBs how to use statistical software like Statgraphics, SigmaXL, and SPC XL.

• Poka-Yoke. Mistake-proofing improvement measures will ensure the same problems don’t arise in the future. Our course teaches MBBs to recognize opportunities and devise solutions to reoccurring issues.

Contact us if you have additional questions.

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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 in the mid-80s. It strives to virtually remove imperfections and flaws altogether. Its main focus was to reduce manufacturing defects to miniscule proportions by constant evaluation and improvement.

Since then, Six Sigma has evolved into a philosophy that deals with business management of all sorts, not just tied to physical production. In most modern applications, Six Sigma is an approach that strives for near perfection in any type of process (finance, sales, government, and office processes), through the power of data-driven analysis and continual improvement.

The name of Six Sigma comes from the basic statistical principle that underpins the approach the nearest specification limit should be six standard statistical deviations away from the mean in any business process. To achieve this, a defect of any sorts should not appear more often than 3.4 times per 1 million opportunities. Being heavily rooted in statistics, Six Sigma implies constant measurement and analysis of the performance of each process. To put it simply, this methodology puts forward goals that are quite ambitious, but that are measurable and that are subject to detailed analysis.

Of course, Six Sigma wouldn’t be a complete methodology without including the means to make improvements, let alone a methodology with such popularity and acclaim. In order to help businesses reach their lofty goals, it relies on two essential sets of methods DMAIC and DMADV.

DMAIC

DMAIC is an abbreviation that stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control which explain the five phases. This is the approach used when working to improve an existing business process that is performing below the Six Sigma standards. The Define phase is used to set the project’s goals, mainly from the point of view of the customer, while the Measure phase is concerned with gathering the relevant data. The Analyze phase deals with finding cause-and-effect relations between different factors in an attempt to find the root causes or sources of variation of underperformance. The Improve phase deals with optimizing the process, using multiple data-driven techniques, in order to develop a process that would meet the Six Sigma standards. The Control phase looks to implement and sustain the improvements with monitoring charts and reports to ensure that the performance does not degrade over time, and it continues to drive improvements.

DMADV

While the DMAIC focuses on existing processes, the DMADV (Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, Verify) is the methodology that deals with designing new processes specifically to work with the Six Sigma framework, and to produce results that would fit the Six Sigma quality standards. It is also referred to as DFSS, which stands for Design For Six Sigma. Instead of dealing with an existing process with actual data, the DMADV methodology uses historical data to model and simulate how a new product or service will perform, to see if it will achieve Six Sigma performance. Gaps and deficiencies can be addressed while the cost to make the change is minimal. The initial design can be tested and verified in practice, to compare to the simulated results, and any gaps can be improved in the model for next time. The goal is to minimize problems with new products and services. Any remaining problems would be subject to the DMAIC methodology for improvement using actual data.

Roles

Another important aspect of Six Sigma is the roles it defines for the professionals that are in charge of its implementation. Their mastery of the methodology is signified by belt colors, which was adopted from the belt system used in martial arts.

Master Black Belt Develops strategies and metrics for the organization, works on higher level projects (across departments), coaches and teaches lower level belts (Black and Green) and top level leadership

Black Belt Leads Black Belt projects on challenging problems that require the highest level of expertise, teaches and coaches lower level Belts (Green, Yellow and White), and coaches project sponsors and champions

Green Belt Assists Black Belts and/or lead Green Belt projects, teaches lower level belts (Yellow and White), receives mentoring from Black Belt and Master Black Belt

Yellow Belt Participates in projects and takes part in process improvement, learning is primarily hands-on

White Belt Understands the basics of the methodology, but not trained on how to apply specific tools

While the belt roles are concerned with professionally operating Six Sigma projects and are subject to official Six Sigma certification, projects need to interface with the company and its values, goals and management. That’s why Six Sigma also defines Champions and Sponsors as roles that guide and support the whole Six Sigma program and its projects.

Want to learn more? Check out our Six Sigma video series >>>

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The Highest Degree

Six Sigma certification has a ranking system that it borrows from the “belt” system in martial arts. A Six Sigma Master Black Belt or MBB holder is an individual who has completed the highest degree of training within this methodology and has completed six sigma black belt, green belt, yellow belt and white belt programs.

Six Sigma black belt is a process improvement method in which individuals receive instruction and are certified to help companies in analyzing and improving their operations. The end result is the elimination of variance and increased revenue.

What do Six Sigma Master Black Belts Do?

With the popularity of the Six Sigma black belt process, certified Master Black Belts are required in all types of organizations, whether it is a product or service based company. They possess the skills to improve the workflow of any business allowing the company to save millions of dollars every year. This is done by creating a framework within the organization that allows for continuous efficiency.

Six Sigma Master Black Belts can also help businesses improve relations with clients. This is because improvements in the workflow will result in improved product/service quality, reduced cycle times, and low costs/unit (resulting in low prices).

Multinationals also require individuals with Six Sigma Master Black Belt skill levels. This is because in global operations, the core problems of the company are hard to spot. But with the analytic approach taught to Six Sigma black belt trainees, these can be easily spotted and resolved.

More importantly, Master Black Belts can literally rescue companies on the verge of closure or bankruptcy.

What a Certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt Brings to the Organization

It is important to note that hiring a Six Sigma Master Black Belt does not necessarily mean that the company already uses the methodology. The Master Black Belt will be called in to train competent employees and managers, and communicate with them in lucid terms the necessary changes to be implemented in the company.

If an organization has already incorporated Six Sigma in its operations, the Master Black Belt will start by selecting the best Yellow, Green, and six sigma Black Belt professionals to create the most efficient project team.

Next, Master Black Belts will work with six sigma Black Belts in leading Six Sigma projects. One of the most important aspects of the methodology is the gathering of data or statistics that the Six Sigma Master Black Belt will observe and analyze to reach proper conclusions about the business processes.

To sum it up, a Six Sigma Master Black Belt is responsible for:

• Training Green and Black Belts
• Providing innovation tools to Black Belts
• Conducting Workshops
• Designing and implementing Six Sigma projects

Who Can Go for Six Sigma Master Black Belt Training?

Usually companies choose individuals from upper level management to go for Six Sigma Master Black Belt training. These are usually leaders and managers who have already received six sigma Black Belt certificates. In most cases, Master Black Belt trainees will have some level of experience working as a Black Belt or other project management position that has required the completion of 10 projects or more.

Master Black Belts are expected to use Six Sigma tools and management skills with ease and develop customized designs for individual companies or specific projects within a single company.

Who Provides Six Sigma Master Black Belt Level Training?

Various institutes provide Master Black Belt Training. Moreover, this training is also provided by the organization to their upper level employees. There are a limited number of organizations that provide a recognized Master Black Belt training program. A traditional classroom approach is preferred for this level of training and certification compared to other six sigma courses.

Duration of Courses

Finally, a Six Sigma Master Black Belt training course should require at least two weeks of training spread out over one to two months. However, employees receiving onsite six sigma black belt training may complete this program in a shorter time.

Learn more information about 6Sigma.com’s Lean Six Sigma training coursework, available as classroom, onsite, or online options.

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