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Six Sigma
Six Sigma
Six Sigma
CERTIFICATION
By:
GHULAM MUHIUDIN
351-MBAIT/S09
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Six Sigma is a business management strategy originally developed by Motorola, USA in 1986. It is
widely used in many sectors of industry, although its use is not without controversy.
WikiPedia.com
Here are some facts about the ripple effects of low-sigma performance:
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Six Sigma Green Belt
A Six Sigma Green Belt serves as a specially trained team member within his or her function-
specific area of an organization. This focus allows a Green Belt to work on small, carefully
defined Six Sigma projects, requiring less time than a Black Belt’s full-time commitment to Six
Sigma throughout an organization. Six Sigma Online’s Green Belt Training provides participants
with enhanced problem-solving skills, including an emphasis on the DMAIC (Define, Measure,
Analyze, Improve and Control) model.
The Green Belt has two primary tasks: first, to help successfully deploy Six Sigma techniques,
and second, to lead small-scale improvement projects within their respective areas.
Six Sigma Black Belt Training & Online Certification provides you with a thorough knowledge
of Six Sigma philosophies and principles (including supporting systems and tools). A certified
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt exhibits team leadership, understands team dynamics, and assigns
their team members with roles and responsibilities.
They have a complete understanding of the DMAIC model in accordance with the Six Sigma
principles, have a basic knowledge of lean enterprise concepts, and they can quickly identify
“non-value-added” activities.
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Programs, but also spans additional subjects
such as:
Lean Six Sigma
Advanced DMAIC and DMADV (DFSS)
- In Depth “Analyze Phase”
- In Depth “Improve/Design Phase”
- In Depth “Control/Verify Phase”
Analyzing the Sources of Variation
Risk Assessment Tools
Business Process Control Planning
Black Belts have typically completed four weeks of Six Sigma training, and have demonstrated
mastery of the subject matter through the completion of project(s) and an exam. Black Belts
coach Green Belts and receive coaching and support from Master Black Belts. It is generally
expected that a Black Belt will move into a Master Black Belt or significant business role after
the Black Belt assignment is completed in 18 months to three years.
Customer Advocacy. Black Belts should readily communicate the understanding that
customers are always the recipients of processes, and that customers (both internal or
external) are always the final judge of product or service quality. Understanding customer
needs ("CTQs," although they may not know the Six Sigma language yet) is the key to
process improvement. Hence, a Black Belt candidate should speak clearly about how
eliminating process variation is a key to business improvement.
Passion. No cold fish are welcomed in Six Sigma. Black Belts must be self-motivated, have
initiative, and have a positive personality. At times they are expected to be a cheerleader, to
pick up the team and help them move forward productively. Passion also gives them
fortitude to persevere, even when the going may get tough on a project.
Change Leadership. Black Belts have demonstrated performance as a change agent in the
past, regardless of their job duties. During the interview, ask them how they challenged the
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status quo in their last role. They didn't?...well, they may not be the right person for your
Black Belt position. Changing the organization and how business is accomplished may upset
employees; change agents and change leaders have a way of accomplishing positive change
while engendering support for the change.
Communication. Black Belts are effective communicators, which is essential for the many
roles they serve: trainers, coaches, and mentors. Black Belts should be able understandably
speak to all audiences (from shop floor employees to executive management).
Understanding the various needs of audience members and tailoring the message to address
their concerns is the mark of an effective communicator. Once a Black Belt has these
qualities, creating Power Point presentation slides (a requirement in corporate America,
right?) is a snap.
Business Acumen. Black Belts are business leaders, not the quality managers of the past. As
such, they should have business knowledge and the ability to display the linkage between
projects and desired business results. How is a project making the company stronger
competitively and financially? You can ask questions during the interview to determine if the
Black Belt candidates have made this connection in their prior roles.
Project Management. Six Sigma is accomplished one project at a time. We should not lose
sight of the fact that the Black Belt must manage projects from scope, requirements,
resources, timeline, and variance perspectives. Knowledge of project management
fundamentals and experience managing projects are essential.
Technical Aptitude. The Black Belt candidate need not be an engineering or statistical
graduate, but in some cases this is beneficial -- provided the other top ten qualities listed are
also present. In all cases, a Black Belt is required to collect and analyze data for determining
an improvement strategy. Without some technical aptitude (computer/software literacy and
analytical skills) the Black Belt will be frustrated in this role.
Team Player and Leader. Black Belts must possess the ability to lead, work with teams, be
part of a team, and understand team dynamics (forming, storming, norming, performing1). In
order to effectively lead a team, a Black Belt must be likeable, get along with people, have
good influencing skills, and motivate others.
Result Oriented. Black Belts are expected to perform and produce tangible financial results
for the business. They must be hard working and quick to demonstrate success.
Fun. Black Belts should enjoy their jobs if they are passionate about them. By having fun, you
encourage others to do the same.
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List of Six Sigma software packages
There are generally four classes of software used to support Six Sigma:
Analysis tools
Actuate
Arena (software)
ARIS Six Sigma
ARM - Strategic Thought Group
@RISK for Six Sigma
CHARTrunner by PQ Systems
DataLyzer Spectrum
DOE Pro XL
EngineRoom by MoreSteam
IBM WebSphere Business Modeler
iGrafx Process for Six Sigma
i-nexus
JMP
Oracle Crystal Ball
Microsoft Visio
Minitab
QI MACROS
QPR ProcessGuide by QPR Software
Quality Companion by Minitab
Quality Tools Charts Generator QTcharts
Quality Window by Busitech
Quantum XL
QWXL 3 by Busitech
Quik Sigma Professional by Promontory Management Group
SigmaFlow
SigmaXL
Software AG webMethods BPM Suite
SPC XL
Statgraphics
STATISTICA
TalkFreely LTD
Telelogic System Architect
The Unscrambler
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Select Architect Business Process Modeling
Six Sigma Certification can be applied to many aspects of business, and therefore can benefit
almost all companies. By enrolling your employees, Six Sigma can drastically improve your
organization's bottom line, and at the same time help your employees climb the corporate ladder.
Six Sigma has become the flagship method for separating your organization from its
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competition.
Six Sigma is a highly disciplined approach that enables us to focus on creating and delivering
nearly-perfect products and services. The underlying idea being that if you can measure how
many "defects" you have in a process, you can systematically figure out a way to eliminate them
and get as close to "zero defects" as possible. This concept is the motivating factor why
employers today are increasingly searching for candidates with this type of certification.
US Residents US Residents
(Textbook Included) (Textbook Not Incl.)
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Green Belt Online $945 USD $845 USD
Certification Limited Time $545 Limited Time $445
Because our certification courses are conducted in a more independent approach, you are able to
save substantial amounts that would have otherwise been allocated for additional full-time
consultants and facilities.
However, if a student is having a serious problem grasping a particular concept, students can
usually receive assistance free of charge by emailing customercare@sixsigmaonline.org for a
follow-up by one of our resident Master Black Belts. But again, the program is designed to be an
independent course.
One thing to keep in mind when comparing Six Sigma online training providers... most providers
charge an extra fee for instructor support (typically about $100USD/hr).
How long will it take me to complete the course / Can I file for an extension?
The required time needed to complete the course is fully dependent upon the individual and how
much time is devoted to the course per week. That being said, generally the average (working
professional) student takes between 3-8 weeks for our Yellow Belt Certification Program, 2-3
months to complete our Green Belt Certification Program, and typically the average student
completes the Black Belt Program in approximately 6-8 months.
Please remember that these are very rough estimates and the time required varies greatly between
individuals. Our students typically only spend a couple hours per week working towards their
certification. We have had many students complete their Green Belt Certification well within 1
month.
Extensions may be requested if more time is needed. However, all requests MUST be submitted
before the 1 year course deadline has passed. Please submit all extensions to Customer Care.
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What are the required course materials for Six Sigma Online Certification?
The required textbook for our Six Sigma Certification Programs is:
"The Six Sigma Handbook, Third Edition" by Thomas Pyzdek and Paul Keller (Publisher
McGraw-Hill; 3rd edition (October 12, 2009))
Book Details:
ISBN-10: 0071623388
ISBN-13: 978-0071623384
Format: Hardcover, 560 pages
Pub. Date: October 12, 2009
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Professional
Edition Number: 3
Although you can purchase the required textbook from us, we encourage you to buy it yourself.
Our students are often able to obtain substantial savings by shopping independently through an
online store such as Amazon.com.
Is the quality of learning the same as "on-site" training & public courses?
Although nothing can compete with personal one-on-one interaction with a master black belt, our
online students tend to become more Six Sigma "savvy" then those in an on-site course. That is
why Six Sigma Online Certification is highly regarded as having one of the best certification
programs available.
Other courses require their students to memorize information for an exam, only later to have the
unused information forgotten. Our approach forces the student to use the textbook as a frequent
reference guide, even after certification.
Additionally, since most on-site & public courses are taught in large groups, most students do
not have a chance to fully absorb the material due to time restrictions.
There are no prerequisites to our Online Certification Programs. For instance, our Black Belt
Program touches upon all of the topics covered in both the yellow and green belt curriculum.
However, we expect our students to have a general understanding of business, Internet access
with a compatible web browser, and a valid email address.
Additionally, you may need to install Adobe Acrobat Reader and a Macromedia Flash plug-in (if
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not already installed) .
Master Black Belt: Successful completion of our Black Belt Program (90% minimum exam
scores) & submission of 2 additional Black Belt Projects.
The final project for our Black Belt Program is a written business plan that utilizes the Six
Sigma method to reflect a cost benefit. The written business plan is a review of your
comprehension of the material and your understanding of project implementation. You are not
required to complete the project in a "live" business environment (i.e. it can be hypothetically
based). Additionally, this project is not required for Yellow Belt, Green Belt, or Lean/DFSS
Certification.
Upon satisfactory completion of your Six Sigma Course, you will receive your stamped Six
Sigma Certificate and a Letter of Acknowledgement. Additionally, Black Belt students will
receive a Certificate of Project Completion.
Does the final certification state that the course was taken "online"?
The Six Sigma Certificate and the Certificate of Project Completion (if applicable) are both
clearly issued by the Aveta Institute. Although the certificate does not state "Six Sigma Online"
or imply that the training program has occurred online, these certificates do footnote a
"verify@sixsigmaonline.org" that is used for employer verification (which can be excluded per
request).
Please keep in mind that in today's business environment online programs are very commonplace
to many organizations. Again, we supply certification to many of the largest companies
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throughout the world.
The most common complaints can be resolved by adjusting your browser's security settings.
Any other technical difficulties experienced while using our service should be directed to
support@sixsigmaonline.org
If I am enrolled in the Black Belt Program can I receive the Yellow Belt,
Green Belt, or Lean/DFSS Certification along the way?
If enrolled in our Black Program, our Black Belt Letter of Acknowledgment will list the skills
that were covered in the Yellow Belt, Green Belt, and Lean/DFSS sections of your program.
However, if you would like, you may request a Yellow Belt, Green Belt, and/or Lean/DFSS
Certificate by emailing Customer Care after meeting the following requirements.
Yellow Belt: Successful 70% passing rate of Black Belt Exams 1-5
Green Belt: Successful 70% passing rate of Black Belt Exams 1-8
Lean/DFSS: Successful 70% passing rate of Black Belt Exams 1-9*
We will provide these additional certificates at no additional charge and the request will not
delay your progress in the Black Belt Program.
*Please note: If using "The Six Sigma Handbook: The Complete Guide for Green Belts, Black
Belts, and Managers at All Levels, Revised and Expanded Edition" by Thomas Pyzdek
(Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 2nd revised edition (March 20, 2003)) the "9th exam" will be "Exam
XVI".
For the online training and certification, the candidates have up to fourteen months to complete
the certification requirements. We have learned that a large benefit of the online training is that
you can study at your own pace. Generally, completion of the certification takes one to four
months on a part time basis.
The Green Belt certification is not a prerequisite for the Black Belt program. The Lean Six
Sigma Black Belt training program fully includes all the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt curriculum.
Based on experience and knowledge, the candidate may choose to start the training at any level
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desired.
To qualify for the online or onsite training and certification, the Master Black Belt candidates
must be Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belts with at least two years experience.
The Lean Six Sigma Canada certification is granted to those individuals who successfully
complete all certification program requirements. There is no continuing education or other
requirements necessary to maintain the certification once obtained.
Usually, the Green Belt is a part time Lean Six Sigma team leader solving problems under the
direction of the Black Belt. Green Belts lead or are team members in smaller-scoped projects in
their local area.
For the onsite training, the Green Belt candidates will receive one week of training in DMAIC,
Lean, and analytical problem solving, including hands-on training with Minitab statistical
software.
For the online training, the Green Belt candidates have up to fourteen months to complete the
certification requirements. No final project is required for the Green Belt certification.
Usually the Black Belt is a full time Lean Six Sigma team leader solving problems under the
direction of the Master Black Belt and Champion.
For the onsite training, the Black Belt candidates will receive two weeks of advanced training in
DMAIC, Lean, Reliability, TOC and analytical problem solving, including hands-on training
with Minitab statistical software.
For the online training, the Black Belt candidates have up to fourteen months to complete the
certification requirements. The Black Belt training program requires the completion of one Lean
Six Sigma project or a research paper on a Lean Six Sigma topic. In case of an alternate research
paper, a waiver of the project requirement must be approved by Lean Six Sigma Canada.
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Onsite Training and Certification
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-Project charter development and prioritization matrix required
-Lean Six Sigma Sponsor training certificate for course completion
This training and certification is designed for Certified Six Sigma and Lean Black Belts who
have completed at least three successful Black Belt projects as project leader and have truly
enjoyed this work, but realize they would like to do more (please note that requirements are
slightly different than online and onsite training). Since this is not the typical industry Lean Six
Sigma Master Black Belt training and certification, a strong statistical and analytical background
is important.
-Coaching (during, between training weeks, and after the course) - Value of $800
To maximize the effectiveness of our training sessions, Lean Six Sigma Canada and Smarter
Solutions (LSSC/SSI) limits the number of attendees per class (min 10 – max 15). Substitution
can be done — please advise three weeks in advance. Registrants who have been confirmed for
specific training sessions may reschedule or cancel reservations without penalty up to 15
business days before the scheduled class start date either by calling Lean Six Sigma Canada or
by email to: customerservice@leansixsigmacanada.
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List of Six Sigma companies
The following companies claim to have successfully implemented Six Sigma in some form or
another:
3M LG Group
Acme Markets Lockheed Martin
Advanced Micro Devices Mando Corporation
Agilent Technologies Maple Leaf Foods
Air Canada McKesson Corporation
ALCAN Merrill Lynch
Amazon.com Microflex Inc.
AXA Motorola
BAE Systems Mumbai's dabbawalas
Bank of America Network Rail
Bank of Montreal NewPage Corporation
BD Medical Nielsen Company
Bechtel Corporation Nortel Networks
Boeing Northrop Grumman
Cabot Microelectronics Ltd Owens-Illinois
CAE Inc Pakistan International Airlines
Canada Post Pakistan State Oil
Caterpillar Inc Patheon
Chartered Quality Institute Penske Truck Leasing
CIGNA PepsiCo
Cintas Uniforms PolyOne Corporation
Cognizant Technology Solutions Precision Castparts Corp.
Computer Sciences Corporation[9] Quest Diagnostics
Cookson Group RaggedCom
Corning Raytheon
CoorsTek ResMed
Cummins Inc. Samsung Group
Deere & Company Sears
Dell SGL Group
Delphi Corporation Shaw Industries
Denso Shinhan Bank
DHL Shinhan Card
Deutsche Telekom Shop Direct Group
Dominion Resources Siemens AG
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Dow Chemical Company SKF
DSB Bank Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
DsignStudio Staples Inc.
DuPont Sterlite Optical Technologies
Eastman Kodak Company Target Corporation
Teradyne
EMC Teraeon Consulting Corporation
Finning Trane
Flextronics Textron
Ford Motor Company The Hertz Corporation
General Electric The McGraw-Hill Companies
General Dynamics The Vanguard Group
Genpact TomoTherapy, Inc.
GlaxoSmithKline TRW
HCL Technologies TSYS (Total System Services)
Heinz Co. Tyco International
Honeywell UMS UNIVERSAL MANAGEMENT
Hertel SERVICES GMBH
HSBC Group Unipart
Idearc Media United States Air Force
Ingram Micro United States Army
Inventec United States Marine Corps
ITC Welcomgroup Hotels, Palaces and United States Navy
Resorts UnitedHealth Group
ITT Corporation Vodafone
JEA Volt Information Sciences
Korea Telecom Whirlpool
KTF Wipro
Xchanging
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SIX SIGMA CERTIFICATION IN PAKISTAN
Suite # 120 Mezzanine Floor, Sabah Palace, Main Iqra University, Islamabad Campus, Plot # 5, Sector
Shahra-e-Faisal, Karachi. H-9, Islamabad.
http://www.timelenders.com/ http://www.iqraisb.edu.pk/
Management House, Shahra-e-Iran, Clifton, Office #: M-001, Mezzanine Floor, Grace Tower,
Karachi 75600 Block 17,
Management House, 70-B/2, Gulberg III, Lahore Gulistan-e-Joher, Karachi.
54600 TEL: 926 3133, 926 3136 Mobile: 03219209001(ali irfan)
http://www.pim.com.pk/ Rs.9000 Average Phone: (021) 34638890-92
Fax: (021) 34638893
training_ideas@yahoo.com
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Lean six sigma Green belt holder at Telenor
Data and LDI specialist at Telenor
data and LDI services at Telenor Pakistan
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