Six Sigma is a data driven, customer focused and result oriented methodology which uses statistical tools and techniques to systematically eliminate the defects and inefficiency to improve processes.

Sigma, represented by the Greek alphabet ‘σ’, stands for standard deviation from the ‘mean’.

‘Six Sigma’ represents six standard deviations from the ‘mean.’ This implies that if a company produces 1,000,000 units, and its processes are at Six Sigma level, then less than 3.4 defects only will result.

Six Sigma approach is to find out the root cause of the problem which can be symbolically expressed as Y = F(X). Y represents the problem that occurs due to cause (s) X.

Six Sigma can be applied in any industry, e.g. manufacturing, service, healthcare, etc.

Yes.

DMAIC methodology (To improve an existing process or product)

• D – Define: Define the problem statement and project goal
• M – Measure: Measure the current performance (baseline)
• A – Analyze: Identify the root causes of the defects
• I – Improve: Improve the process by eliminating defects
• C – Control: Control and sustain the performance

DMADV methodology (To design a new process or product)

• D – Define: Define the project goals that are consistent with customer needs
• M – Measure: Measure and determine the customer needs
• A – Analyze: Identify and analyze the root causes of the defects
• D – Design: Design the process by developing it in detail in line with customer needs
• V – Validate or Verify: Validate the performance and ability of the process to meet customer needs

Benefits of Six Sigma:

• Cost reduction
• Productivity improvement
• Market share growth
• Customer satisfaction
• Customer retention
• Cycle time reduction
• Defect reduction
• Work Culture improvement
• Product / service development

While selecting a Six Sigma project, we need to consider whether it is meant for:

1. Improving an existing process or product, or
2. Designing a new process or product

Use DMAIC framework for the first case and DMADV framework for the second one.

It is the responsibility of Six Sigma team to identify the process, define the defects, and measure the defects within the two improvement frameworks cited above.

The following procedure explains how the project selection process runs through various management levels:

• Level 1 – Top management decides to launch Six Sigma to tackle serious business challenges.
• Level 2 –The middle management owns the processes and sponsors the project They look for improvement potential within their own business processes. For this purpose, they need to translate the business goals into process goals and identify those processes whose outputs (the small ‘y’s) are presently falling short of the specified targets / customer requirements.
• Level 3 – The improvement ideas generated at level 2 are passed on to the project leaders – Black Belts / Green Belts – as first draft of project definitions. They then fine-tune the assigned project definitions, gather data, and analyze the root causes of variation in the assigned y variables.

Trained / certified Six Sigma Black Belts / Green Belts lead Six Sigma projects where the project team comprises 4 – 5 other employees who have process expertise in the area.

Six Sigma Green Belt course covers most of the common tools and techniques used in Six Sigma. Black Belt course provides competence in advanced statistical tools and techniques that are used in major and complex projects.

There are no admission criteria for Green Belt. For Black Belt, you need to be Green Belt certified. If you want to take our Black Belt course, you have to send your Green Belt certificate to adminsupport@6sigmastudy.com at the time of enrollment.

Yes; you can opt for Black Belt certification immediately after the completion of Green Belt certification.

Six Sigma is now a widely accepted quality concept in the corporate world. Six Sigma was introduced in USA in the 1980s as a statistics-based method to reduce variation in electronic manufacturing processes at Motorola Inc. Today, twenty and odd years on, Six Sigma is being used as an all-encompassing business performance improvement methodology across the globe.

No, it is not necessary to do a project for the Six Sigma certification. But we recommend that you take up projects and apply Six Sigma principles to gain practical knowledge.

Optional project – There is no project requirement for Green Belt. For Black Belt, you can, optionally, work on any project while studying for the course. The project report should be submitted within 6 months of completing the course.

• 100% online and can be accessed from anywhere and at any time.
• Comprehensive study guides for all phases of the course with illustrative examples (optional Minitab section for statistical problems).
• Probing chapter tests to test the understanding of the concept of the particular chapter.
• Evaluation tests for all the chapters (each having 25 questions). They help you to understand the concepts better.
• Aligned with concepts taught by ASQ (American Society for Quality). 6sigmastudy.com courses are a great way to prepare for ASQ Six Sigma Black Belt and other advanced quality certifications.
• PMI Approved Registered Education Provider We provide you 25 PDUs on completion of our course - these are valid PDUs for Continuing Education Requirements of PMPs to maintain the PMP Certification status.
• Most economical We charge $ 250 for Six Sigma Green Belt course and $ 550 for Six Sigma Black Belt course – these prices are much less than what other similar education providers charge.
• Globally accepted We have students in 63 countries
• Trusted by 1175+ companies

Generally, Microsoft Excel is used for all numerical Six Sigma problems. In the Black Belt course we provide screen shots of Minitab (Minitab 15) applications (as optional) that will help student to understand the Six Sigma problems.

Minitab is a statistical software used in the Six Sigma and Quality improvement projects. For more details please log on to www.minitab.com.

We do not offer access to the Minitab software. This course is meant for the Six Sigma Black Belt professionals who need to understand the application of Minitab in Six Sigma projects. The course instructs on how to solve problems using Minitab. Students can find details of the procedure to be followed while using the software in the respective study guides.

The Minitab software (Trial Version) is available free of cost for 30 days. For more details please click here: www.minitab.com.

Methodology (Model):

• Study the chapters from 6sigmastudy.com study guides
• Practice the solved problems using Minitab
• Take chapter test on each chapter
• Take evaluation test on each chapter
• Study and complete evaluation of case study
• Get Understanding Minitab for use in Six Sigma certified