Each company will have its own set of training needs. However, most training programs will cover a complete training on the DMAIC methodology, key elements of DMAIC and the implementation of this methodology. They are generally planned to lead the team member towards achieving Green Belt and Black Belt certification.
Six Sigma training aims at developing the ability of the members to define and streamline projects and processes. It focuses on the core competencies of the individuals and identifies members who can develop breakthrough processes and products.
Employees are given training on and prepared in root cause analysis tools. Guidance is given on the development of project management and crisis management abilities of key players.
The roles of each individual are then defined. Training focuses on the understanding of the each person's roles and responsibilities. Their communication skills are developed so as to effectively communicate with top management as well other team members.
There are various Six Sigma problem-solving tools that are useful for decision-making. Most of the tools are statistical; an understanding of these tools helps in proper data analysis and decision-making.
Cross training is also relevant. Successful deployment is dependent upon the team. The development of skills in dealing with various situations, knowledge sharing and clarity on content is important from the Six Sigma project implementation point of view.
Last but not least, presentation skills and project transition needs have to be considered. Training on these concepts helps make project transition and closure a smooth one.
Six Sigma Training Objectives
Whenever management plans to bring about a change to the business, it is usually met with resistance by employees. Some employees begin feeling uncomfortable with the proposed changes in existing systems.
Six Sigma training helps bring about an understanding of the overall Six Sigma project. The technicalities of the project may be covered, and employee issues and resistance are tackled. The project implementation will be simpler if employees are aware of the relevance of the Six Sigma project.
There are various technical and statistical tools that are used for Six Sigma projects. An understanding of these helps employees to use them effectively. When the tools are complex, the understanding of its critical usage becomes imperative for precise data collection and analysis.
As the training involves the knowledge of DMAIC, DMADV and so on, employees will be able to implement them properly to the project. The cost of hiring such professionals is also reduced if the company imparts training to its own members. The same members can also assist in training other over a period of time.
Six Sigma training is relevant not just to big organizations, but also small-scale units that plan to carry out Six Sigma projects for product or process improvements. Training programs may be different for every organization.
While the tools and techniques may be old, the approach to deploy them always varies depending upon the situation. So then let's see what exactly Six Sigma Training is:
Nature Of The Training
Six Sigma is a strategic approach that works across for any business processes or company functions, and it has both technical and management components. Management focuses more on obtaining the right process metrics and goals, the right project and the right team for working on these projects to successfully finish the projects and sustain the goals. On the more technical side, the emphasis is on enhancing the process performance by using 6 Sigma concepts like statistical tools, the process data, and a focussed process improvement methodology of MAIC (measure, analyze, improve and control).
This approach concentrates on identifying the key process drivers that will have the largest effect on the process. Software such as Minitab, used for all statistical calculations, are of great help in this area. Along with that, the strategy also provides the user with a process measurement scale. Therefore, it can be easily understood that for successful implementation of Six Sigma it is mandatory that teams of experts who know their job thoroughly manage the plan right from the beginning so that it functions smoothly.
Why Does Six Sigma Training Always Work?
There are in total three approaches that integrate and manage like no other improvement approaches. They are:
*Uniting human and process elements of improvements
*Apparent focus on getting the bottom line results
*A method that classifies and links improvement tools into a collective approach
These three approaches, along with other aspects of Six Sigma, produce a deployment process that is the best in the quality improvement initiatives. The approach is wonderful - but if the implementation team is not talented enough, then it leads to the failure of the project.
Training is successful because it enables rapid project completion by using a disciplined and systematic approach. And in terms of projects spread over a longer duration, success is clearly defined by setting goals for performance such as reducing defects, cycle time, scrap, and reworks.
Importance Of Quality Engineers And Statisticians
Quality engineers and statisticians are the mainstays in a Six Sigma strategy. A quality engineer can double as a Black Belt professional for the organization along with providing quality engineering expertise.
Statisticians should also work on problems that are technical or statistical in nature. Even if they are not part of the Six Sigma team, they should help the team by identifying problems and deploying statistical methods that are user-friendly and robust for those problems. The responsibilities of everyone touched by 6 Sigma will ultimately change. In such a case, quality engineers and statisticians can help management with their new responsibilities.
New Skill Sets And Attitudes Are Needed
After the methodology is adopted, roles change, and along with it a need for acquiring new knowledge and skill set and a change in the attitude is very much needed. Team members must understand the steps that should be taken to create value for customer and the organization along with understanding the gaps between current and desired performance.
Changes On Personal Level Required As Well
Change is one factor that is necessary for the successful implementation, especially on a personal level. Almost everyone who is involved has to change the way they approach a particular improvement procedure. Changing a whole organization at once is not practically possible. Therefore, it should be started on an individual level first.
Six Sigma Training Works And Is Different From The Rest
It works because it is different and is very important for both the success of organization as well as the success of the employees involved. However, a lot of effort is needed to make it add value to a company's bottom line and customer's lives.
Tony Jacowski has sinced written about articles on various topics from University, Six Sigma and Information Technology. Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution's Six Sigma Online offers online and certification classes for six sigma pro. Tony Jacowski's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.