Black Belt Blended Course

   Module Duration: 50 min

Appropriate for all levels of the organization, this introductory course provides a high-level overview of the fundamental concepts of Lean Six Sigma. It describes the Lean Six Sigma methodology, the role of a Lean Six Sigma Belt, and what it takes to create a successful Lean Six Sigma culture.

   Module Duration: 41 min

This introductory course provides a high-level, interactive overview of the fundamental concepts of Lean, including the elimination of organizational waste and the identification of value add activities.

   Module Duration: 38 min

This module explores the five Principles of Lean: Value, Value Stream, Flow, Pull and Strive for Perfection.

   Module Duration: 82 min

In order to be successful, projects must be properly scoped to the right level of complexity before being handed over to a Lean Six Sigma team.

   Module Duration: 24 min

In this module, students are introduced to high-level process maps, specifically Macro Maps and SIPOC Diagrams. Coverage includes the purpose of each map, the steps necessary to create each map, and a demonstration of how to apply each map.

   Module Duration: 72 min

This module describes the key concepts and metrics used when defining a Six Sigma project.

   Module Duration: 21 min

This introductory course on surveys provides insights into their use in the context of process improvement and provides some examples to demonstrate a typical structure along with a discussion of common survey problems. Different types of questions such as structured or open ended are explained, as are their challenges. In addition data categories are defined, including the benefits of each one, to gain the most relevant information in the specific circumstances. The course also introduces the elements of Service Quality Dimensions.

   Module Duration: 90 min

This course explains the metrics necessary to create well-defined projects, including primary and consequential metrics, baselines, entitlements, and targets.

   Module Duration: 17 min

This module introduces the Pareto Principle, which suggests that a large majority of problems (80%) are produced by a few key causes (20%). It also demonstrates how to construct and analyze a Pareto Chart.

   Module Duration: 19 min

The human aspect of leading a project is often much more challenging than the technical aspect. This course discusses how to manage the human aspect of change, the role of the project leader in leading change, and how to identify and manage stakeholders.

   Module Duration: 45 min

This course is an introduction to Minitab, the statistical software utilized by Lean Six Sigma practitioners, quality leaders and statisticians to help them analyze data.

   Module Duration: 97 min

The ability to understand and use statistical data is crucial to the success of any Lean Six Sigma project. This module introduces basic statistical concepts including populations and sampling, measures of central tendency, and measures of variation.

   Module Duration: 24 min

Focused on team building and managing teams, this module includes the following topics: stages of team development, using the appropriate tools to build a team, managing meetings effectively, and basic facilitation techniques.

   Module Duration: 50 min

Designed for executives and managers, this course describes the key roles individuals play during the phases of the Six Sigma process. Every individual responsible for deploying Six Sigma within an organization should view this course.

   Module Duration: 46 min

This course explores the meaning behind the phrase “Six Sigma.”

   Module Duration: 9 min

This module outlines the purpose of the Kano model and how it links customer requirements to customer satisfaction in products or services. In addition this module outlines how the Kano model helps create differentiation and a competitive advantage.

   Module Duration: 20 min

The innovation “job to be done” is the key to fulfilling client needs. In this course, students will learn how to identify and understand the jobs their customers want done, as well as a process to articulate those desires.

   Module Duration: 15 min

“Outcome expectations” are the expectations that surround an innovation “job to be done.” In this course, students will learn how to identify the outcome expectations for a specific job to be done, how to measure importance and satisfaction for outcome expectations and how to calculate and prioritize new opportunities that are the result of understanding outcome expectations.

   Module Duration: 11 min

In this course on Job Scoping, the student will learn how to use the Job Scoping template to either broaden or narrow the focus of their innovation effort.

   Module Duration: 9 min

This module introduces change management tools that can aid project leaders in leading and communicating change. Some of the topics include the Change Process Model and how the Change Process relates to a project.

   Module Duration: 8 min

In this module you will learn how you can create awareness for the change you want to implement, the dynamics of change, and some typical change patterns.

   Module Duration: 14 min

Desire for change needs to be shared by the team and key stakeholders. This course teaches project leaders how to identify a need, utilize the threats and opportunity matrix, build a case for change, and overcome resistance.

   Module Duration: 39 min

Proper data collection is critical to the correct analysis and reporting of key business metrics. The fundamental topics covered in this module include discrete vs. continuous data types, scales of measurement, specific data collection principles, converting attribute data to variable data, sample size considerations, sampling strategies and data gathering strategies.

   Module Duration: 43 min

This module demonstrates Attribute Repeatability & Reproducibility by looking at the different types of measurement systems available, by illustrating how to execute an Attribute R&R, and by actually applying an Attribute R&R to a process.

   Module Duration: 82 min

This module provides an overview of Variable Repeatability & Reproducibility concepts. The Variable R&R tool is used when operators are measuring continuous or variable data such as time, height, weight, and pressure.

   Module Duration: 31 min

Mid-level process maps provide a clear and in-depth understanding of a process in order to improve it. In this module, students learn how to create a Process Flow Diagram that leverages Value Add/Non-Value Add analysis, and also how to create a Swimlane Map that correlates process steps with accountability.

   Module Duration: 41 min

This course explains a primary Lean concept, value stream mapping, and its role in identifying waste in and between processes. The course reviews an 8-step process for creating a value stream map and discusses the analysis techniques used to interpret the data.

   Module Duration: 43 min

This course teaches how to identify eight types of waste (non-value-added activities) and how to define value from the customer’s perspective.

   Module Duration: 20 min

A probability distribution is a statistical concept that enables us to estimate the chance of a particular value occurring over a range of values. This module introduces this topic, using Minitab software to help visualize the normal distribution and some common patterns associated with non-normal data such as natural limits, artificial limits, multiple modes and mixtures. For practitioners, a working knowledge of probability distributions helps guide your day-to-day process improvement. (This is the first in a set of three lectures on Common Probability Distributions.)

   Module Duration: 12 min

A probability distribution is a statistical concept that enables us to estimate the chance of a particular value occurring over a range of values. This module uses Minitab software to help visualize three commonly encountered non-normal continuous distributions – exponential, F and Chi-Square – and provides process examples of each distribution. For practitioners, a working knowledge of probability distributions helps guide your day-to-day process improvement. (This is the second in a set of three lectures on Common Probability Distributions.)

   Module Duration: 23 min

A probability distribution is a statistical concept that enables us to estimate the chance of a particular value occurring over a range of values. This module uses Minitab software to help visualize two frequently utilized discrete distributions – binomial and Poisson – and provides process examples of each distribution. For practitioners, a working knowledge of probability distributions helps guide your day-to-day process improvement. (This is the third in a set of three lectures on Common Probability Distributions.)

   Module Duration: 38 min

When trying to understand our process more thoroughly we often think in terms of the central tendency, spread and shape of the output. These are helpful and allow us to deepen our understanding of our process. However, we also need to consider how the process output varies over time. This module shows how to assess the stability of our process output thus allowing us to determine the predictability of our process. A stability analysis can provide valuable insights into potential improvement areas. It is also an important forerunner to conducting a capability analysis. This module provides a focus on control charts.

   Module Duration: 17 min

Capability analysis allows Lean Six Sigma practitioners and teams to assess how well their process delivers to their customer’s requirement. This introductory module defines capability analysis and presents some fundamental concepts such as long term and short term variation. It also introduces Sigma Level and DPMO, two common capability metrics that can be used on all projects regardless of whether the process output is collected as attribute or continuous data.

   Module Duration: 46 min

Capability analysis enables Lean Six Sigma practitioners and teams to assess the current performance of their process with respect to the customer needs. This module focuses on techniques that can be applied to processes that have an output that is attribute in nature. It introduces a four step method for capability analysis as well as routines in Minitab to conduct this analysis on data that fits a Binomial or Poisson distribution.

   Module Duration: 33 min

Capability analysis enables Lean Six Sigma practitioners and teams to assess the current performance of their process with respect to the customer needs. This module details a four step method for conducting capability analysis and discusses the usage of a 1.5 sigma shift when moving between long and short term data. It also provides step by step analysis of summary data, with Minitab, to provide capability metrics for normal, continuous data.

   Module Duration: 40 min

Capability analysis enables Lean Six Sigma practitioners and teams to assess the current performance of their process with respect to the customer needs. This module uses Minitab to conduct capability analysis on raw process data. It also discusses the impact of using subgroups to provide further insights into the underlying process. More advanced techniques for identifying a common probability distribution and analyzing data, when the assumption of normality is not appropriate, are also introduced.

   Module Duration: 31 min

This module focuses on two tools that can be used to analyze a specific step in a process: Detailed Process Maps and Standard Work Combination Sheets. Students will learn the purpose of each tool and when they should be used, as well as how to construct each tool.

   Module Duration: 14 min

The course explores how to create a vision that inspires stakeholders to implement change and the tools and techniques that can help a project leader define their vision clearly.

   Module Duration: 32 min

This course focuses on the “people” challenges project leaders face when implementing a change initiative. The course includes tools and techniques to address these challenges and explores the different types of resistance to change.

   Module Duration: 14 min

This module introduces the Fishbone Diagram, its purpose, and its application. It also explains how to construct a Fishbone Diagram.

   Module Duration: 15 min

This course describes how to build and analyze a cause and effect matrix, or “C&E Matrix.” The C&E matrix is a tool used for prioritizing the factors that have the highest impact on customer satisfaction, and choosing the correct factors that require further measurement.

   Module Duration: 30 min

This module explains the Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) risk assessment tool, which identifies key errors, assigns severity, determines occurrence, and identifies the ease of detection of those errors.

   Module Duration: 70 min

This course teaches the 5S method of eliminating waste: Sort, Store, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain.

   Module Duration: 39 min

This module introduces the concept of Flow, which is the balancing of internal resources to meet external demand. Topics include Takt Time, Cycle Time, Lead Time, Work Flow Balance, Standard Work and Cellular Design.

   Module Duration: 17 min

This module explains how to create a Spaghetti Diagram, as well as how to analyze the results to reduce wasted movement.

   Module Duration: 146 min

Understanding and graphing data is the best way to communicate information to a project team.

   Module Duration: 52 min

This course reviews the ways of quantifying the statistical uncertainty of sampling. It explains how to use sample statistics to calculate and interpret confidence intervals for the population mean, the population standard deviation, and the population proportion.

   Module Duration: 44 min

Using Hypothesis Testing, practitioners learn how to prove and disprove theories, leading to more sound and statistically based decisions.

   Module Duration: 48 min

In this module you will learn how to use Simple Linear Regression to study the relationship between a continuous Y and continuous X variable.

   Module Duration: 91 min

This course introduces the concept of statistical hypothesis testing, defines the null and alternate hypotheses, provides a method for constructing a hypothesis test and demonstrates how to use Minitab.

   Module Duration: 18 min

This module presents the concept of sample size for estimation for discrete and variable data.  The course demonstrates how to calculate sample sizes for estimation purposed both manually and via Minitab.

   Module Duration: 19 min

This module introduces the concept of sample size for hypothesis testing.  The course reviews the types of hypothesis testing errors, and alpha and beta risk.  It also defines sample size terminology, including Power, Critical Difference, Delta, and Specific Hypothesis.

   Module Duration: 21 min

Hypothesis testing is an important process improvement tool.  This course demonstrates how to calculate the appropriate sample size for 1-Sample t-Tests, 1 Proportion Tests, and 1 Variance Tests.  The concepts presented in this module can be applied to other statistical tests including 2-sample T-tests, 2-proportion tests, 2-variance tests, and Oneway ANOVA tests.

   Module Duration: 60 min

Concepts covered in this course include ANOVA, or Analysis of Variance, sum of squares and mean square error. A detailed process for executing a successful ANOVA is demonstrated and calculations are practiced using Minitab.

   Module Duration: 32 min

Chi-Square Analysis is a key tool to help us analyze discrete or attribute data from our processes. This module will walk you through how to use Chi-Square Analysis in your improvement project for assessing the independence of two discrete sets of data. It will also demonstrate how to conduct a Chi-Square Goodness-of-Fit Analysis for determining if your discrete data deviates from a specified distribution. A manual method for completing the analysis will be explained, before step by step instructions are provided for the analysis in Minitab.

   Module Duration: 9 min

In this module, project leaders learn how to keep change momentum going. Learners are introduced to the Force Field Analysis tool which helps to assess the introduced changes and helps the project leader to implement the correct processes to make sure your overall change is sustained.

   Module Duration: 29 min

This module explains the concept of a “future state” value stream map. It discusses how to design the future, or ideal, state of a process take time. It also describes methods to achieve the future state, including spaghetti diagrams, cellular layout, 5S, and visual controls.

   Module Duration: 37 min

Brainstorming is one of the key tools used to generate ideas and solutions. In this course, students will learn about six types of brainstorming techniques: Imaginary Brainstorming, HIT Matrix, Concept Tree, SCAMPER, Brainwriting 6-3-5 and Random Stimulus.

   Module Duration: 25 min

Mistake proofing is based on the concept that errors can be avoided if the appropriate mistake proofing techniques are used. This module reviews the techniques that can be used to mistake proof a process as well as the eight behaviors that lead to mistakes.

   Module Duration: 50 min

This course explains how human factors result in errors. It presents the work of two behavioral scientists, which describes how humans behave in three different modes and the methods that can be used in each to prevent human error.

   Module Duration: 32 min

This module defines the Lean concept of Pull, and how to build a Pull system to regulate the flow of production. As part of the discussion, it covers how to calculate lead time and work-in-process, Little’s Law, and Kanban.

   Module Duration: 27 min

This course discusses the concept of “Kanban” which simply means “visual signal.” It introduces how to use Kanban to control the movement and production of new inventory.

   Module Duration: 49 min

This module introduces the basic concepts behind Design of Experiments (DOE). It covers strategies for determining the critical inputs to drive the important outputs, the DOE method, and possible barriers to applying DOE in the real world.

   Module Duration: 96 min

This course covers Full Factorials and introduces 2K Factorials. General factorial experiment design and analysis are demonstrated and several concepts are introduced, including main effects and interactions as well as key DOE terms.

   Module Duration: 23 min

This course introduces the concept of fractional factorial designs and defines the terminology associated with these designs.  The concepts of aliasing, design resolution and sparsity of effects are discussed.

   Module Duration: 28 min

In this module, the practical analysis of fractional factorial experiments is presented.  In addition, the course demonstrates the Response Optimizer and how to determine sample size for DOE.

   Module Duration: 15 min

Multiple Linear Regression is an advanced tool that can be used to build a robust prediction model. In this first of two modules on the topic, the focus is on using a single continuous predictor to build a multi term, or higher order model, such as a quadratic and cubic model. Minitab is used to conduct the analysis as well as providing support for verifying the validity of the model through Residual Analysis.

   Module Duration: 35 min

This course on multiple linear regression discusses how to use continuous and discrete predictors to build a robust regression model. It presents a general method for conducting the multiple regression analysis beginning with the practical problem and ending with the practical solution. It also discusses multicollinearity and residual analysis, two key elements for assessing the validity of the regression model. Minitab is used to generate the models through a manual iteration method and best subsets.

   Module Duration: 26 min

Binary Logistic Regression is a powerful technique that is used with binomial response data in order to identify which Xs are driving it. In this module we provide a general method for conducting Binary Logistic Regression with multiple predictors. Focus is also given to the impact of multicollinearity and how the presence of this can be identified through Minitab. We then walk through an example using continuous and categorical predictors, including how to verify assumptions using goodness of Fits tests.

   Module Duration: 26 min

This module includes a review of the solution selection process and discusses tools to prioritize and evaluate ideas. It also addresses ways to gain agreement within an organization.

   Module Duration: 18 min

A pilot allows teams to test and revise solutions before deploying them across an organization. The focus of this module is the 8-step roadmap recommended for piloting solutions.

   Module Duration: 24 min

In this course, students will learn a variety of tools used to produce solutions aimed at reducing the effects of root cause issues. Techniques explored include brainstorming, benchmarking, open innovation, and biomimicry. Students will also learn how to group and clarify ideas in preparation for evaluating solutions.

   Module Duration: 23 min

In this introductory course, students will learn why innovation is critical to the long-term success of their business. They will also learn the key principles of innovation and how it works with existing process improvement programs.

   Module Duration: 26 min

Provocation and Movement is designed to shock people out of their standard pattern of thinking. This course will demonstrate the Provocation and Movement technique and provide the steps necessary to conduct it within a team.

   Module Duration: 31 min

Reducing the time it takes to move from one process to another is critical to improving productivity, quality and customer satisfaction. In this module, students will learn the best method to document long setups, as well as the 5-step process for reducing setup time.

   Module Duration: 7 min

In this course project leaders learn the key to making change last is continuous measurement and review. This course also discusses stakeholder management and how it can help to reduce risk.

   Module Duration: 25 min

The control plan is one an essential tool in process excellence. It allows practitioners to gain buy-in for the solution, establish sustainable improvements, and transition ownership of the process back to the team.

   Module Duration: 18 min

The purpose of control methods is to reduce the potential for any defect to occur. This module will review Countermeasures, Flags, SPC, Inspection, SOPs and Warning Signals and rate their ability to detect and prevent defects.

   Module Duration: 59 min

From the history of Statistical Process Control (SPC) to the difference between common cause and special cause variation, this course describes how to use SPC to measure and control process variation.

   Module Duration: 99 min

This module is appropriate for team leaders who are using Control Charts to examine and improve their processes. This module describes the types of Control Charts used in monitoring and controlling a process.

   Module Duration: 20 min

Surveys are an extremely useful tool to capture voice of the customer, whether that customer is external in the sense of a client or is internal as in an employee. This lecture, the second in the series, focuses on how to design a survey to ensure that results can be generalized beyond the sample. Critical elements discussed are adopting random selection, while capturing a representative sample, and statistically determine our sample size. Three types of sampling plans are discussed and guidance is provided on calculating sample size, both through manual calculations and with Minitab, for continuous, binomial and multinomial data.

   Module Duration: 21 min

Surveys are an extremely useful tool to capture voice of the customer, whether that customer is external in the sense of a client or is internal as in an employee. This lecture, the third in the series, focuses on allowing us to evaluate and analyze the data collected through surveys using several Minitab routines: descriptive statistics, proportion testing, contingency tables, analysis of means (ANOM) and correlation.

   Module Duration: 38 min

Effectively driving projects to closure is critical to sustaining long-term Lean Six Sigma gains. This course details the key steps to successful project closure.

   Module Duration: 33 min

This module discusses how visual management techniques can be used to enable process control. It provides examples of visual signals used across a variety of industries, as well as discusses a plan that can be used to implement visual management within a company.