Six Sigma
Black Belt
Course Code TGS005
Thornley Group Black Belt training is carried out by professional trainers who are experienced as senior management practitioners in both Six-Sigma and Lean Operations. After 4 weeks of training, a written examination and satisfactory review of project material you will receive certification as a Six Sigma Black Belt. Course details are as follows:
Course Duration
- 16 days - 4 x 4 days over 3 to 4 months
Entry Requirements
- Candidates must have a basic working knowledge of algebra and be used to working with numerical data. A familiarity with Computer Spreadsheets is also required.
- Candidates must have prior authorisation to work on a high value/impact project from their parent organisation and bring details of that project at the beginning of the course. This should be a cost saving, defect reduction or other customer impacting project.
Equipment Needed by Candidates
- A lap-top computer loaded with Minitab software will be required during the course.
- Scientific Calculator.
Course Contents
Our Black Belt training provides all that is required for Six Sigma implementation and project leadership. Whilst building on the central DMAIC principles, the focus is on team and project management along with advanced statistical tools and data management. Thornley Group Black Belt training is targeted at people who run business improvement projects and have responsibility for managing improvement teams. Building business cases and understanding cost management are covered along with the presentation of cases to management. After attending the course and passing the written examinations a project of significant size is undertaken and delivered within a 4 month period. At this stage the project is assessed and, subject to acceptance, a Black Belt certificate is issued.
Using their practical experience of improvement programmes, along with our simulation exercises, our trainers can take candidates through the process of applying the tools and techniques that they learn.
Week 1
Introduction to Six Sigma
Introduction to the Project Process
Six Sigma Roles and Responsibilities
The DMAIC Improvement Cycle Overview
Team Formation
Team Charter
Establishing Customer Requirements
The Measure Phase
Stakeholder Analysis
Variation and the Normal Distribution
Data Collection
7 Quality Tools
Gauge R&R
Graphical Analysis
Process Capability
Minitab Tutorial
The Analyse Phase
Problem Statements
Identifying Causes
Process Analysis
Data Analysis Overview
Organisation of Causes
Verification of Causes
Week 2
Hypothesis Testing
Components Search
Regression Analysis and Other Techniqes
Design of Experiments (DOE)
The Improve Phase
Generating Solutions
Selecting Solutions
Promoting Solutions
Piloting Solutions
Implementing Solutions
The Control Phase
Monitoring Processes
Mistake Proofing (Poka Yoke)
Control Charts
Sustaining Improvements
Sharing the Knowledge
Projects
After Completion of Week 2, candidates will sit a written examination. As part of the assessment process, a small scale project will be undertaken prior to starting week 3. This will be presented to the rest of the group on return.
Week 3
Presentation of Week 2 Projects
Project Management
Six Sigma Roles and Responsibilities
The DMAIC Cycle Revisited
Managing Teams
Business Improvement Case Preparation
Quality Function Deployment
Process Mapping
The Value Stream
Advanced Control Charting
Measurement System Effectiveness
Defining Appropriate Measures
Advanced Statistical Tools
Capability Indicies
Minitab Tutorial
Data Analysis Tools
Problem Definition
Effective Investigation of Special Cause Variation
Week 4
Statistical Analysis
Regression Analysis
Design for Process
Control Strategies
Generating Solutions
Design for Six Sigma
Design Tools
FMECA
Lean Enterprise
Six-Sigma Enterprise
Cost Management
TPM
Team Charters
Keeping and Building the Gains
Sharing the Success
Project Preparation
After Completion of Week 4, candidates will sit a written examination. After successful completion of a high value/high impact project that delivers significant cost savings, defect reduction or other customer impact, Black Belt certification will be awarded. Projects must be submitted within 4 months of course completion.
100% attendance at the course is required to gain certification.