Lean Six Sigma is a management strategy focused on enhancing team performance by minimizing waste and optimizing resources, talent and time investments, according to Investopedia. The University of Texas at Tyler (UT Tyler) offers an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification program which combines a top-tier business education with a highly regarded industry certification. This skill set is in particularly high demand by employers across many industries.
What Is Lean Six Sigma?
Lean Six Sigma combines the principles of Lean methodology and Six Sigma techniques to enhance efficiency and quality in business processes. The Lean approach, developed by Toyota in the 1940s, focuses on identifying and eliminating waste. Some examples of types of waste or areas with waste include the following:
- Defects
- Overproduction
- Waiting
- Non-utilized talent
- Transportation
- Inventory
- Motion
- Extra-processing
Lean methods, measures and tools aim to streamline operations by removing activities that do not add customer value.
Established by Motorola in the 1980s, Six Sigma focuses on improving manufacturing processes by identifying and reducing the causes of defects and variations, according to Investopedia. It employs a systematic approach to enhance process quality and consistency. By trademarking Six Sigma in 1993, Motorola set a new standard for process improvement that has since been adopted across various industries.
The integration of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies resulted in a team-focused approach that aims to eliminate waste while maintaining high-quality standards. This combined strategy leverages the strengths of both methodologies to optimize performance and achieve significant improvements in operational efficiency.
Implementing Lean Six Sigma offers benefits such as improved quality, increased efficiency, cost reduction, enhanced customer satisfaction, cultural change and competitive advantages. By adopting this holistic approach, organizations can streamline their processes and reduce variability.
Lean Six Sigma Belts and Levels
Lean Six Sigma certification levels are structured similarly to martial arts belts, with each level signifying a higher degree of expertise and responsibility. The White Belt provides a basic understanding of Lean Six Sigma principles and terminology. White Belts support project teams, typically in a part-time capacity. Yellow Belts bring a more in-depth understanding and participate in problem-solving projects.
Green Belts are knowledgeable in the DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve and control) methodology and play a crucial role in process improvement projects. They typically work under the guidance of Black Belts, leading smaller-scale projects or assisting with larger ones. Green Belts focus on data collection and analysis, identifying root causes of issues and implementing solutions to enhance processes and reduce waste. Their training equips them with the skills to utilize various Lean and Six Sigma tools.
Black Belts and Master Black Belts hold advanced expertise, leading complex projects and driving strategic initiatives across the organization. Black Belts manage project teams and mentor Green Belts, while Master Black Belts focus on overarching program development, training and organizational leadership.
Understanding the Five-phase DMAIC Process
The Lean Six Sigma methodology revolves around five phases known as DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve and control). The DMAIC process is a systematic, data-focused improvement cycle used to identify and address inefficiencies in business processes, particularly those causing defects in outputs:
- Define: A project team is formed to set clear goals and objectives for the project. The team identifies the process needing improvement, outlines the problem and establishes the requirements of the customer.
- Measure: The team gathers data to assess the current performance of the process. They create a process map or flowchart to visualize the steps and highlight areas needing improvement.
- Analyze: The team examines the data to find the root causes of problems and process variations. They use statistical tools and analysis methods to determine the most significant issues affecting the process.
- Improve: The team develops and implements solutions based on the insights gained from the previous phases. They apply Lean tools to reduce waste and enhance process flow, while Six Sigma techniques help decrease variation and improve quality.
- Control: The team focuses on maintaining and monitoring the improvements over time. They create a control plan to keep the process improvements in place and establish corrective actions to ensure the sustained success of the process enhancements.
Earn Your Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Online in UT Tyler’s MBA Program
Earning your MBA with Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification equips you with essential tools, techniques and methodologies to manage and direct cost-efficient projects that enhance global competitiveness for companies and organizations. The UT Tyler program curriculum includes practical training in Minitab, Microsoft Project and process flow. Graduates are well prepared to meet the high demand for professionals with expertise in Lean Six Sigma, making them a valuable asset to any organization focused on process improvement and operational excellence.
Learn more about UT Tyler’s online MBA with Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification program.