Six Sigma certification seminar offered by the University of Miami
To enable corporates all over the globe to implement Six Sigma principles in their business processes, the University of Miami has a certification program in Six Sigma for all belts. The program is offered twice a year, and its objective is to educate participants on Lean Six Sigma management, methodologies, and tools. EWorldwire reports:
In addition, there are several “Introduction To Lean Six Sigma” workshops that are held throughout the year on university grounds as well as on-site for companies that prefer company specific training.
Six Sigma in the design of new products and services
In the 1980s, Six Sigma started out as a process that could improve quality and save costs. After the success story of Motorola, leading companies like GE and Honeywell adopted Six Sigma principles to good effect. In the 1990s, the Six Sigma was practiced in non-manufacturing applications, such as software development and financial services. The focus now was to use Six Sigma in designing a new product by taking customer CTQs into consideration from the beginning of the process.
In line with this trend, Six Sigma is now being implemented in programs such as Design for Six Sigma (DFSS), Voice of the Customer (VoC), and new methods to compile customer intelligence including market research, focus groups, and ethnographic research. Usability Views reports:
Originally intended for manufacturing processes improvement, Six Sigma concepts have now been adapted to design new products and services.
AMC and Lean Six Sigma
The application of Six Sigma and Lean in the United States Army is only natural, because these processes fit in well with the Army’s well-rooted principles of reducing wasted time, money, and material. The Army Materiel Command (AMC) first applied Lean in 2002 in its fight against global terrorism, and by 2004, this developed to the application of Lean Six Sigma. Army News Service reports:
“Headquarters AMC has trained almost 200 people since it began its Green Belt, Black Belt, and Master Black Belt programs in Lean Six Sigma in November 2004,” said Ron Davis, AMC deputy chief of staff for Industrial Operations.
Does Six Sigma hold back innovation?
According to Mary Brenner, Management professor at the Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania), a total commitment to processes such as Six Sigma and quality management hinders the urge to innovate and explore new programs.
According to the paper titled “TQM, ISO 9000, Six Sigma: Do Process Management Programmes Discourage Innovation?” it is important to apply processes scrupulously and with discrimination, and avoid the percolation of their application in one area into other areas. It is advisable to apply processes where they are needed, and avoid them in business arenas that require innovation. Domain-B.com reports:
Professor Benner urges organisations to become “ambidextrous”, managing process management and innovation simultaneously. Innovation can happen in both the research and development department, where companies generate new ideas or create new products, and in marketing, where companies search for new markets and new customers.
Six Sigma in Design
The acronym DFSS (Design for Six Sigma) is used for the implemenation of Six Sigma in the design of products and their manufacturing processes. DFSS concentrates on research, design, and development. DFSS is similar to DMAIC (Design, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control), and the implementation of DFSS is sometimes known by the abbreviation DMADV (Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, Verify). Daily India reports:
The precise phases or steps of a DFSS methodology are not universally defined. Most organizations will implement DFSS to suit their business, industry, and culture.
Six Sigma trained personnel can lead to higher profits
With the proven results of Six Sigma implementation over decades, companies are now ensuring that they attract employees who are trained in Six Sigma. By doing so, the companies want to be in a better position by having trained personnel to deal with processes that can identity defects in the business process and induct solutions to counter the problem. It can also bring in effectiveness and efficiency in the business unit, leading to a better product or service, and ultimately an increased customer satisfaction.
According to Craig Setter, President of Aveta’s Six Sigma Online, employing Six Sigma trained people can lead to a 20 percent increase in profits. With a sustained effort, companies can climb up the ladder in Six Sigma implementation. PR Leap reports:
It’s no wonder that more and more employers are seeking Six Sigma certified candidates. According to Setter, “Everyday you go to work and have a process of getting your work done. Everyday, chances are, there are better ways of doing it quicker and more efficient. Quickness and efficiency equal a better product or service, a happier customer, and higher profits for your company”.
Six Sigma in pharmaceutical companies
In an effort to counter the challenges of marketability, competition, and time constraints, pharmaceutical companies are now turning to the tenets of Six Sigma. However, to be successful in real terms, organizations must embrace Six Sigma principles and practices in every link of the management chain. Pharma Live reports:
The tools of Six Sigma, Lean, and other continuous improvement methods work to streamline processes and eliminate defects in those processes. In conjunction with those ideals, executives and managers work to find areas throughout the company where continuous improvement can have an impact.
Six Sigma Green Belt certification from CMTC
Starting March 16, 2006, companies will have access to a green belt certification program, which is being offered by California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC) at the Pacific Palms Resort in Industry Hills. Market Wire reports that the training will extend over 12 weeks.
The first ten weeks (up to May 16) will comprise the classroom training, while the remaining two will be dedicated for the submission of project reports. The training will be conducted by black belt exponents. At the end of the training and certification program, participants will be able to deploy a process for isolating defects in the business, implement solutions to remove those defects, and thus contribute to the improvement in quality and customer satisfaction.
Green belt training can be oriented toward each rung in the management, and thus be used effectively by, among others, project managers. While black belt training offers more advanced statistical capabilities, green belt training focuses on using problem-solving tools and techniques. Such training can be productive for companies that have a strong commitment to Six Sigma processes.
Various training programs are being offered, including online courses. The certification offered by CMTC will equip trainees to induct a new approach for lifting the quality of their respective business units. The trainees wil be able to leverage the expertise of CMTC in the arenas of strategic business, lean enterprise, information technology, quality and supply chain management.
ARDEC wins gold for excellence in Lean and Six Sigma
Francis J. Harvey, the Secretary of the United States Army, has identified three commands for distinction in establishing and practicing good business processes. Amoing them is U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC), Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., which won gold for excellence in the practice of Lean and Six Sigma. This command has established a benchmark for other Army commands to adopt.
ARDEC has more than 2,500 employees, and has distinguished itself in the areas of leadership, strategic planning, customer and market focus, measurement analysis, and knowledge management accomplishments during 2004. The silver went to Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield, while Minnesota Guard took the bronze. Army News Service quotes Dr. Joseph A. Lannon, ARDEC director:
“Our objective is to be the best organization possible. Through our dedication to an integrated approach to continuous improvement, we ensure that the real winners in this achievement are the war fighters whose lives depend on the best technical armament solutions and support to develop and field products in the shortest time possible.”
Six Sigma software now available
The Six Sigma business model has found a new impetus in the form of a software which helps the implementation of the process by extending various problem-solving tools to an enterprise. Among the tools are Excel-based applications for applying the Six Sigma quality system, and analytical and statistical tools to maintain the data in clear terms.
By using the software, an organization can keep a watch on the progress made in its various business processes. Openpr.com reports:
Six Sigma software will give you the ultimate control over your bottom line by assisting you in defining and solving road blocks to your success. Numerous analytical and statistical tools, along with the means to present the data clearly can make problem solving easy.