Through its Continuing and Professional Education (CAPE) division, Southern Methodist University (SMU) offers professionals the opportunity to develop expertise in the use of Lean Six Sigma strategies and techniques that allow organizations to reap the benefits of continuous process improvement.
SMU offers four certificate programs that engage students at different levels of Lean Six Sigma expertise, allowing them to evolve their skills and knowledge in the process improvement methodology.
The Benefits of Lean Six Sigma
Six Sigma, which focuses on reducing variations that lead to defects in operations, started in the 1980s at Motorola. Lean, which focuses on eliminating waste and considering customer needs in every phase of an operation, has its roots in the Toyota Production System developed in mid-20th century Japan. Combining the two has become increasingly popular in recent years, allowing professionals to leverage tools and techniques from both.
Combined, the two methodologies address the most significant challenges faced by businesses in all industries.
- Identifying the root causes of process variations that led to errors, defects, and inadequate products.
- Establishing continuous processes that build upon previous successes, evolving and expanding them to create more improvements
- Involving people at all levels in decisions that impact business outcomes
- Finding and eliminating wasteful aspects of a process that add no value to customers
- Using end user feedback to improve products and services
Accomplishing these goals requires an understanding of how Lean Six Sigma works and the best practices for implementing it to improve organizational operations. Qualified certificate programs play a key role in achieving this goal.
Examples of Companies That Use Lean Six Sigma
In the last few decades, Lean Six Sigma has become increasingly popular at companies in the United States and around the world. Some companies turn to the most popular feature of Six Sigma, DMAIC, to improve the efficiency of existing operations. Others focus on eliminating the Eight Wastes of Lean, using the 5 Whys concept to identify root causes of operational challenges or setting up workstations using the principles of the 5S strategy.
Some of the biggest companies in the world turn to Lean Six Sigma. Amazon used Lean Six Sigma principles to improve customer satisfaction. Piedmont Healthcare in Georgia redesigned patient scheduling by adopting Lean Six Sigma. 3M did so well developing programs that focused Lean Six Sigma on sustainability that the EPA created an entire web page about it.
SMU’s Suite of Lean Six Sigma Programs
SMU CAPE offers online Lean Six Sigma programs that can help professionals learn the skills they need to apply continuous process improvement to their business.
Principles of Lean Certificate
Professionals who enroll in the Principles of Lean Certificate program learn methods that result in higher levels of customer satisfaction, improved product and service quality, and more engaged and productive employees. Those who complete the program are prepared to become Lean practitioners who understand how to identify and eliminate areas of waste in an operation. Students validate their knowledge by earning a certificate and digital badge.
Learning outcomes from the six-week program include:
- Defining Lean principles and philosophy
- Describing the value stream mapping technique
- Planning and participating in a Kaizen event
- Identifying the eight types of waste in a process
- Spotting value vs. non-value-added activities
Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
At the Yellow Belt level, professionals prepare themselves to assist higher level belts on process improvement projects. The Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certificate focuses on teaching foundational Lean Six Sigma knowledge for those starting on their educational journey into the methodology. Learning outcomes from the Yellow Belt program include:
- Defining common Lean and Six Sigma terminology, tools and concepts
- Identifying process improvement opportunities in daily tasks
- Understanding the purpose and process of a Kaizen event
- Participating in quality improvement discussions
- Recognizing the differences between Lean and Six Sigma
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
A Green Belt develops more extensive knowledge in the use of Lean Six Sigma tools in a way that furthers business strategy by achieving operational goals. Those goals include eliminating wasteful tasks in a process and getting higher product ratings from customers. The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt program prepares students to better identify the root causes of problems and develop solutions. Learning outcomes from the Green Belt program include:
- Identifying process improvement opportunities
- Leading Lean Six Sigma Green Belt projects through the five phases of DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve, control)
- Applying core Lean Six Sigma tools and concepts
- Assisting with data collection and analysis for Lean Six Sigma Black Belt projects
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
A Black Belt has the skills and knowledge in Lean Six Sigma to lead projects teams with the biggest, most important process improvement projects. Students in the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt program not only understand how to apply the right Lean Six Sigma tools to solve a problem, but also have the skills to lead project teams.
Learning outcomes from the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt program include:
- Learning methods to assemble effective Black Belt project teams
- Managing a portfolio of Lean Six Sigma projects that align with business strategy
- Applying best practices in mentoring and coaching Green Belts
- Understanding advanced tools and techniques and when and how to apply them
- Using software platforms (such as Minitab and MS Excel) to analyze data to verify and validate root causes and associated solutions
*Completing the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt program through SMU CAPE is a prerequisite to register for SMU’s Lean Six Sigma Black Belt program. However, if an individual has earned a Green Belt credential from another institution or organization and can provide proof of completion, the prerequisite requirement may be waived, upon university approval.
Prospective students should contact a representative at 469-619-9940 for more program information or complete the request for information form at the top of the page.
