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Six Sigma is a data-driven improvement strategy that views all activities within an organization as processes. Process inputs can be controlled and adjusted to effect significant improvements in process outputs. Six Sigma uses a rigorous and systematic methodology known as DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve, and control) and a number of qualitative and quantitative tools. Its goal is to drive process, product, and service improvements for reducing variation and defects. Lean is also an improvement methodology, but with a different focus. It aims to enhance process flow, reduce cycle time, and eliminate waste.
Though Lean and Six Sigma originated in different places and under different circumstances, they are now largely seen as complementary methodologies. Organizations across various industries are striving to become faster and more responsive to customers, achieve near-perfect quality, and operate using world-class cost structures. You need both Lean and Six Sigma to achieve these goals. This course introduces Six Sigma and Lean methodologies and looks at the relationship between them. It also explores relationships among business systems and processes using some practical examples of Lean Six Sigma applications in both manufacturing and service industries. This course is aligned with the ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belt certification exam and is designed to assist learners as part of their exam preparation. It builds on foundational knowledge that is taught in ’s ASQ-aligned Green Belt curriculum.

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Objectives

Fundamentals of Six Sigma and Lean Methodologies sequence key developments in the evolution of continuous improvement methodologies recognize the impact of other continuous improvement methodologies on Six Sigma and Lean distinguish between the Lean and Six Sigma improvement methodologies recognize the best approach for integrating Lean and Six Sigma initiatives, given basic organizational conditions match Lean tools with the Six Sigma stages they align to Business Systems, Processes, and Applications classify a business process as a core process or support process and identify what makes it so categorize examples of stakeholders recognize how Lean Six Sigma was applied to a manufacturing process in a given scenario recognize characteristics and quality considerations that are unique to service organizations categorize examples of the three key aspects of service quality recognize examples of service industry activities that would be good candidates for a Lean Six Sigma initiative