Lean and Six Sigma

Six Sigma is a data-driven improvement philosophy that views all activities within an organization as processes whose inputs can be controlled 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 for driving process, product, and service improvements aimed at reducing defects and variation. Lean is also an improvement methodology, but with a different focus, aiming 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 rather than mutually exclusive alternatives. Companies 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 explores the relationship between the Lean and Six Sigma approaches and their integrated application 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 SkillSoft ASQ-aligned Green Belt curriculum.

• 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.
• Classify a business process as a core process or support process and identify what makes it so.
• Recognize the characteristics of the Process Enterprise approach.
• 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.