Six Sigma

What is Six Sigma?

“Six Sigma is a disciplined, data-driven approach and methodology for eliminating defects (driving towards six standard deviations between the mean and the nearest specification limit) in any process -- from manufacturing to transactional and from product to service.”   (iSixSigma website, 2007)

It is basically controlled by the  DMAIC process:

• Define – what needs to be improved
• Measure – what you are currently doing
• Analyze – the data and develop an improvement plan
• Improve – your current process and measure success
• Control – the gains and repeat the process

Certifications

The two main certifications are the Green Belts and the Black Belts. Certifications are issued through the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

What does a green belt do?

A Green Belt is  an employee of an organization who has been trained on the improvement methodology of Six Sigma and will lead a process improvement or quality improvement team as *part* of their full time job.

Requirements

3 year's work experince in Six Sigma Body of Knowledge
and
passing grade on exam

What does a black belt do?

A Black Belt is a Six Sigma team leader responsible for implementing process improvement projects within the business to increase customer satisfaction levels and business productivity.

Requirements

3 year's work experience in Body of Knowledge and complete a six sigma project
or
complete two six sigma projects
and
passing grade on exam

 

Where do I find a project?

Everyone loves free labor!

•  
  • Ask family, friends, etc.
  • Thesis
  • Capstone project
  • Use your workplace!
  • Six Sigma applies to all processes!

Helpful Courses

• OM 525 Effective Quality Management
• ST 260 Statistical Data Analysis
• ST 475 Statistical Quality Control
• ST 560 Statistical Methods in Research I
• ST 561 Applied Design of Experiments

Where can you find more info?

• www.isixsigma.com/
• www.asq.org/
• brunolib.cba.ua.edu/
• Ask your favorite black belt!