Q - What is Six Sigma?
A – Sigma is the Greek letter used by statisticians to identify a measure of variability. Six Sigma is the rigorous, structured and highly effective implementation of proven quality principles, tools and techniques. Six Sigma is accomplished by planning and executing projects that align resources with strategically important projects to bring tangible results to the bottom line. Six Sigma professionals use a well-defined problem-solving model to improve the performance of processes to a virtually error-free level that results in increased customer satisfaction, higher quality and lower costs. The tools and techniques of Six Sigma are integrated into an intensive training regimen that focuses on practical application and measurable results.
Q - Why should I choose Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and Key Performance for Green Belt or Black Belt certification?
A - Six Sigma is implemented by planning and executing projects. Key Performance is first and foremost a project management training organization, and you will learn from highly qualified instructors who are Project Management Professionals (PMP’s) as well as Six Sigma Master Black Belts. Our programs offer open enrollment, are available to individuals who are not currently employed in an organization that is involved with Six Sigma, and feature small class sizes. We offer classroom and online options for both the Green Belt and Black Belt certifications.
Our Green Belt program focuses on real-world application as opposed to mathematical and statistical theory. Completing the Green Belt will help you decide if you have the desire and the math skills to subsequently pursue Black Belt certification, which involves more advanced statistical analysis as well as the use of MINITAB statistical software.
Our Black Belt program will teach you advanced skills as well as how to effectively utilize Minitab 15 and Minitab Quality Companion 2 software to analyze data and manage Black Belt level projects. Our Black Belt program focuses on real-world application. We focus on how to use statistics and software to solve real business problems.
If you are already certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP) by the Project Management Institute (PMI), you will earn Professional Development Units (PDU’s) for these courses. Key Performance is a Registered Education Provider (REP) with PMI and our Green Belt courses have been approved for PDU’s. In addition, you will receive Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) from FAU.
Finally, your Green Belt or Black Belt Certification is granted jointly by FAU and Key Performance, so it carries the full weight of both organizations.
Q – What is involved in earning my Green Belt certificate?
A –You must attend either a five-day classroom training program that focuses on experiential learning, or an online training course. After completing one of these two courses, you must pass a comprehensive 100-question final exam. Completion of a project is not required for the Green Belt certification.
Q – What is involved in earning my Black Belt certificate?
A – You must first be certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt. Then, you must complete either a 13-day classroom training session or three online course sessions. During and subsequent to the training, you must complete a project that demonstrates your ability to apply the tools and techniques that you learned to a real-world project and achieve measurable results. Details of what is required for the project and how the project will be evaluated are covered during the course. You are required to report out on your project subsequent to the end of the training classes (classroom option) or to submit a formal written project report (online option).
Q - If I am not currently employed, or for any other reason not able to complete a project, what are the alternatives to a management approved project?
A -
- Conduct a project on behalf of a non-profit entity such as a youth league, house of worship, favorite charity, etc.
- Team up with another student who has a very large project and co-write a report
- Do a post-mortem review of a project that you worked on previously.
Discuss what was done using Six Sigma tools and techniques and what should have been done differently/better.
- Write an in-depth research paper on the application of some aspect(s) of Six Sigma
- Do a project for Key Performance
Q - How will the Green Belt or Black Belt help me to manage projects better?
A - The skills and knowledge that you gain will help you to do a better job of defining customer needs in measurable terms, linking your projects to business strategy, quantifying the bottom-line benefits of your project, and sustaining the gains after your project is turned over to ongoing operations.
Q - What do the different “belts” signify?
A – The role of the Green Belt is to form and facilitate Six Sigma teams and manage basic Six Sigma projects. Green Belts typically work on improvement projects part-time and assist Black Belts in data collection, data analysis and process mapping. They implement tools, techniques and practices to achieve cost reduction and quality improvement while extending the “reach” of Black Belts.
The role of the Black Belt is to define projects for Green Belts, and to mentor and guide Green Belts in the completion of their projects. The Black Belt utilizes statistical analysis software to draw valid statistical conclusions, depict relationships, analyze measurement systems, test hypotheses, design experiments, apply statistical process control, and more.
Black Belts manage more advanced Six Sigma projects, and serve as leaders and change agents for projects that span the enterprise.
Q - How was the curriculum developed?
A – Our curriculum was developed after a great deal of thought and study, and is based on a benchmarking study conducted by Key Performance of a number of leading programs worldwide. Our curriculum is aligned with the recommendations of both the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and the International Society of Six Sigma Professionals (ISSSP).
Q - What’s in it for me to get certified?
A – Six Sigma certification is a widely recognized and highly prized credential in the marketplace. In addition, you can expect to be more successful in your current position by achieving better results personally, and by calling attention to ways in which your organization can improve in a broader sense. The knowledge that you gain will increase your expert power in any organization and make you a more valuable employee.
Q - What if I am not part of an organization that currently uses Six Sigma?
A – You are welcome to enter our open enrollment program. We will make sure that you have an opportunity to develop your skills and earn your certificate.
Q - How can I get more information?
A – Please contact Barbara Tie at Key Performance at 877-633-2103 or Florida Atlantic University Executive Programs at 561-297-2709.
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