Lean Six Sigma Training and Certification

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is a methodology that provides the strategy, tools and techniques to significantly improve the performance of an organization relative to processes, services, employees, customer satisfaction and the business bottom line. It combines the concept of Lean, which focuses on the elimination of waste and non-value added activities, with the structured, data-driven analytical tools of Six Sigma.

In today’s global economy, Lean Six Sigma has become the standard of excellence as companies strive to be competitive and successful. Leading companies understand that the key to this success is performance excellence and continual improvement, both of which can be achieved through the successful implementation of Lean Six Sigma. Today, 84 percent of Fortune companies and 34 percent of small businesses utilize LSS or its tools (Source: Department of Commerce per RIT).

The key principles behind Lean Six Sigma include:

• Continual Improvement in Processes, People and Results • Customer Focus and Satisfaction • Identify, Improve and Control the Process Flow • Remove Non-Value Added Steps and Waste • Manage by Fact and Reduce Variation • Teamwork – Involve and Equip the People • Undertake Improvement Activity in a Systematic Way

The different levels of training in Lean Six Sigma are often referred to in terms of the colored belts acquired in martial arts. The Lean Six Sigma knowledge hierarchy consists of:

• Yellow Belt o Introductory level with focus on the awareness of the LSS techniques and tools. o Appropriate for team members

• Green Belt o Intermediate level, trained and skilled to resolve the majority of process problems o Trains and coaches team members to apply LSS strategies and tools o Identifies new opportunities for improvement projects o Appropriate for project team leaders

• Black Belt o Expert level, highly trained in the complete set of LSS techniques and tools o Internal consultants for LSS strategy implementation and training o Coaches and mentors in LSS techniques and tools (typically up to 10 Green Belts) o Identifies new opportunities for improvement projects o Appropriate for team leader for complex projects or projects that require advanced

analytical skills

IU Northwest School of Business and Economics offers training at both the Green Belt and Black Belt levels. Contact us at (219) 980-6910 for more information.

Lean 6 Sigma Certification Program

Green Belt Black Belt Dates • Start date: March 7, 2018

• End date: April 28, 2018 • Start date: September 12, 2018 • End date: November 17, 2018

Schedule • Wednesdays 6 pm to 9 pm • Saturdays 8 am to 3 pm • No class on: 3/28 and 3/31

• Wednesdays 6 pm to 9 pm • Saturdays 8 am to 3 pm • No class on: 9/22, 10/6, 10/20

Registration deadline • February 25, 2018 • September 2, 2018

Price $3,500 $5,000*

Price includes

• 72 hours of classroom instruction • 1-year license for Minitab Statistical

Software • Access to Minitab Quality Trainer

(online training by Minitab) • Statistical concepts taught via in-class

Minitab workshops • Textbooks • Standard LSS Forms • Custom reference materials written

by your instructor • Refreshments • Parking

• 80 hours of classroom instruction • 1-year license for Minitab Statistical

Software • Access to Minitab Quality Trainer

(online training by Minitab) • Statistical concepts taught via in-class

Minitab workshops • Textbooks • Standard LSS Forms • Custom reference materials written

by your instructor • Refreshments • Parking

Certification Requirements

• Exam: Pass a written exam with a score of 75 percent or better

• Project: Optional; assistance will be provided while the course is in progress

• Exam: Pass a written exam with a score of 75 percent or better

• Project: Mandatory; Complete an approved project within 6 months of completing the Black Belt program

* Black Belt program participants must have earned their Green Belt from an IU Northwest School of Business approved institution within the last three years. Otherwise, the Green Belt program must be completed prior to taking the Black Belt program.

Group discounts are available.

Registration instructions • Price includes a $150 non-refundable registration fee. • Cancellations received at least two weeks prior to the beginning of the program will receive a refund

minus the non-refundable registration fee of $150. Cancellations received less than two weeks prior to the beginning of the program will receive a refund minus a program fee of $500. No refunds will be given after the program start date.