Lean Sigma Six: How does it work?

2014-12-13T23:31:17-05:00

I just found this when reviewing the list of approved correspondence courses. It looks like a quality program that has value inside and outside the military.

I've read over some of the previous posts on this course. Trying to figure out if it is all online learning? Where is it accessed? And which courses and certifications are needed if I wanted it to be included on my ERB.

Looking to improve myself in my spare time and show on my ERB that I am doing my best to advance my skill set.

Any info would be appreciated.

Response by SGT Eric Spitz made Dec 13 at 2014 11:42 PM

2014-12-13T23:42:28-05:00

My wife is a consultant for the Government, primarily focused on organizational improvement and/or performance transformation (feel free to look up either term). And in her field, at least, it's a highly valued skill set. A word of warning, though: you'll probably want to get your black belt or master black belt in six sigma. That's where the real value lies, and I don't think a correspondence course or two will get you there.

To be clear: I can't speak to the correspondence courses, specifically. But I did quite a few of them in my time in the service, and I can honestly say that they didn't transfer well to the civilian world. At best, they gave me some knowledge of a particular subject, so I could speak to it intelligently in an interview. But they were not worth much more more than that for me.

I don't mean to deter you. Being able to speak intelligently on any subject is a huge advantage assuming you intend to pursue a particular field. It can literally make the difference between employed and unemployed. But don't hang any hopes on those correspondence courses being worth much in the civilian world - it's the knowledge that you can take away from them that really matters.

As an amusing anecdote: I work for a huge defense contractor now with 16,000+ employees (after a few acquisitions and mergers). My correspondence courses in the military were worth jack squat, if I'm being brutally honest. But they offer the equivalent of correspondence courses through an internal "Learning Management System". I imagine it's also worth very little outside of this organization. But I do them, nonetheless. I believe the old adage is at least somewhat correct: Knowledge IS power - if you know how (and when) to apply it.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 18 at 2015 9:46 PM

2015-03-18T21:46:39-04:00

I was an Army Lean Six Sigma Program Director when I retired18 months ago. The online courses are great intro. Army offered green belt and black belt training classes a year ago. May still be available. Look for continuous process improvement on your MACOM web site or on Army web site. Should at least give you a POC.

Army belt certification required completion of training class and completion of one project. Certification may have been delegated to MACOM now.

LSS training and certification are good for resume but learning the methodology is more valuable.

There's no national standards forLSS certification like there are for project management, which has an ANSI standard. The ASQ certification is recognized. Army certification requirement is easier than some industry programs that require multiple projects with hard dollar savings.

Overall, I say go for it!

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 18 at 2015 9:53 PM

2015-03-18T21:53:50-04:00

One more thing--
If you don't find info right away, e-mail [login to see] . Rick is the command Master Black Belt at SDDC. Tell Rick I sent you

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2015 8:42 AM

2015-03-19T08:42:32-04:00

Good post I agree with all that has been said and the value of any certifications especially Six Sigma. At the time I got it I needed it as a pre-requisite to run the Longbow line at CCAD. My retirement was canceled under the stop loss order that time so I was never able to take the position. Now that I am not in the manufacturing industry it is not as valuable a certification as the ones I currently maintain.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 8:23 PM

2015-04-15T20:23:39-04:00

This is something I am just finding out about. Have you found out the process in which once can start training and get a belt. Can it be done online?

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Apr 15 at 2015 9:42 PM

2015-04-15T21:42:59-04:00

You said you saw this as an approved correspondence course? Was this through a military supported site? Any links you could provide?

I know that Six Sigma is in the realm of Project Management and is great for utilization in many manufacturing type industries.

Response by SSG Billy Wilkerson made Apr 29 at 2015 4:51 PM

2015-04-29T16:51:21-04:00

http://www.sckans.edu/ have it on line.

Home - Southwestern College

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2016 10:33 PM

2016-08-23T22:33:59-04:00

Methodology can be utilized to solve any problem. If you have a mess in your closet or utility draw refer to 5S. If you have a complex problem at work that produces defects or long lead time to deliver refer to DMAIC or PDCA. In reality focus on Voice of Customer and you will be fine!

Learn the basics and utilize to solve your problems and you have a great skill. There is nothing like experience when it comes to LSS.

If you want to learn the basics I'm going to host a free online Lean 101 course that will probably lead into Green Belt.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2016 10:50 PM

2016-08-23T22:50:27-04:00

Lean = waste removal from a value stream and any process.
Six Sigma = 3 defects per million. Reduce variation from a process.
They were separate and old school would tell you why one is better then the other. I tend to solve problems utilizing tools from both ideologies.

Both have certifications and fall under continuous improvement. When utilized you can improve any process from your home utility drawer to why customers are not happy with your service at work. Extremely powerful skillset. Practice makes perfect we utilize these skills every day to make dinner and help our kids to their homework.

Define the problem, measure current state (can we do it), analyze potential solutions (wikipedia), Implement improvement or countermeasure and sustain...