Archive for the ‘Six Sigma’ category

Exploring Options for Six Sigma Training

December 26th, 2011

Some people choose to simply purchase a Six Sigma Certification book or manual, and study the text on their own time, while others find it helpful to have some form of additional resources. It is up to each individual to determine the best option.

Many providers offer hands-on, instructor led courses held in a classroom setting. With this option, students have the additional benefit of having a live instructor available to answer questions. It also allows individuals to communicate with other professionals, as they progress through the courses. This can open the doors for powerful brainstorming sessions, and possibly lead to valuable business relationships through networking.

However, not everyone has time to attend instructor led courses. For individuals who may have greater time restraints, there are very effective online delivery methods that offer the same type of structure that is found in a classroom. Some providers may also offer instructor assistance through live chat; as well as, forums that can encourage more collaboration among students.

There are also online options that are self-paced, meaning that the student can start and stop sessions as needed. This is often the best solution for individuals that have busy schedules, or simply enjoy learning at their own pace. This can be done from any location, which is very convenient if an employer is sponsoring the training and allowing it’s completion during work hours. Typically, students will have a full year to complete the certification process, and will have the added benefit of reviewing the material as many times as necessary before taking the exam.

When choosing a training provider, it is important to find one that fits within a budget. Some providers may offer complete packages that include the courseware required for the class as well as certification examination. There are also training providers that separate these costs to make the cost of the training itself seem more appealing. Prospective students should ask about the total cost for courses, materials, and exams when speaking with a potential provider; it is important to do thorough research. » Read more: Exploring Options for Six Sigma Training

Explaining Six Sigma Statistics and Methodologies

December 25th, 2011

The statistical approach of Six Sigma shows how a process happens in data. In order to achieve the Six Sigma state, the defects cannot be more than 3.4 DMPO (defects per million opportunities). A defect can represent anything that is not corresponding to the specifications of a client.

Six Sigma is a strategy of business management that has become widely used since its discovery in the mid-1980s, in multiple industry areas. The main purpose is to find and remove any type of cause for the defects in a process, in order to improve the quality of the operation. The strategy uses a set of methods that are good for management and which also include statistics.

The term itself means something specific, as it comes from the idea that there must be as few deviations from the process mean to the nearest limit. If the deviation level rises, the process goes away from the center of tolerance, lowering the sigma value and increasing the number of items that will not be made according to specifications.

In order to explain these things better and in a more simplistic way, a company that has better processes makes more money. For example, a worker goes every day to a company and tries to get the work done in the best way possible. Each day that passes can be an opportunity to make things even better than on the previous day.

If a product is made more rapidly and in a more efficient way, the product will be surely improved, the customers will be happy with their purchase and the company can make more money. The concept sounds well in theory, but in practice there are more factors to consider. For example, in a big company, from the starting point to the end point where the product is finished could include many steps and each one can be enhanced. The Six Sigma methodology states that only the projects with the most potential for success should be chosen to implement, and to focus on those. » Read more: Explaining Six Sigma Statistics and Methodologies