Lean six Sigma Green Belt

EARN YOUR GREEN BELT FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

Learn how to effectively solve problems by integrating Lean and Six Sigma within the DMAIC approach. Using a blend of examples and case studies drawn from manufacturing, transactional/service, and healthcare environments, this course will set you up with a structure to systematically frame problems, collect data productively, and implement sustainable solutions. Our unique remote delivery format combines convenient self-paced learning with a series of live check-in sessions, enabling you to interact with U-M faculty while completing the course modules on your own time.

BLENDED TRACK

This course focuses on applications drawn from a variety of industries, including manufacturing, transactional/service, and healthcare environments.

REMOTE LEARNING SCHEDULE

This course will be delivered in a hybrid format, including a mix of pre-recorded lecture modules and remote live check-in sessions delivered over several weeks. Designed to reinforce learning, these interactive live sessions give you the opportunity engage with U-M faculty, ask questions, and network with industry professionals.

Program Overview

Continuous Improvement Overview and Define Phase

• Integrating Lean-Six Sigma/DMAIC Process
• Overview of DMAIC Problem Solving Process
• Linking Metrics to VOC (voice of the customer) and VOB (voice of the business)
• Identifying Classic Forms of Waste
• Define Phase and Creating Effective Project Charters
• Process Mapping: SIPOC, Swim lane, Process Mapping Diagram

Measure Phase

• Basic Graphical Tools and Descriptive Statistics
• Measuring Current State: Exploring and Understanding Data Patterns
• Basic Data Collection, Sampling, and Graphical Analysis Tools: Run Chart, Histogram, Box Plot
• Rolled Yield with Hands-on Exercise

Analyze Phase

• Value Stream Mapping
• Qualitative and Quantitative Process Analysis
• Stratification Analysis: Grouping Variables, Bar/Pie Charts Pareto Analysis and Drill Down, Multiple Box Plots, Scatter Plot
• Check Sheets and Pareto Analysis

Improve Phase

• Introduction to Hypothesis Testing
• Lean-Six Sigma Process Improvement Simulation
• Lean-Six Sigma Improvement Countermeasures
• Standardized Work, Mistake Proofing, Visual Aids
• Process Flow Improvement: Little's Law, Batch Reduction/One Piece Flow
• Setup Reduction
• Simple Pull Systems
• Simplified Process/Cell Layout
• Volume/Mix Leveling and Takt Time

Control Phase, DMAIC Review, and Executing a DMAIC Project

• Methods of Control
• Conducting a Kaizen Improvement Event/Project Management
• DMAIC Gate Review Process
• Small Group Case Study Exercise (Applying DMAIC process)

TIME COMMITMENT AND WORK PACE

We estimate approximately 60 hours of self-paced work, in addition to four 2-hour remote live check-in sessions. All requirements — including a self-paced Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Exam — must be completed within 180 days after completion of the live course.

PROJECT INFORMATION

Lean Six Sigma DMAIC analysis may be applied to a vast array of process improvement opportunities. Participants are expected to complete a project to practice and apply course concepts.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Participants pursuing their University of Michigan Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification are required to:

• Complete all required online lecture modules
• Participate in remote live check-in sessions
• Obtain an 80% or above on Green Belt Certification Exam
• Obtain approval of Green Belt Project Proposal by U-M faculty
• Successfully complete a Green Belt Project (reviewed by U-M faculty)

Upon successful completion, you will receive your University of Michigan Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification.

SUPPORT

Following the live course, candidates are welcome to contact the course instructors for content questions and project support. The instructors will provide support via e-mail, phone consultation, and/or online videoconferencing.

Learning Objectives

• Understand variability through the graphical representation of data
• Describe a process visually through process mapping techniques
• Apply DMAIC problem solving process toward process improvement at the Green Belt skill level
• Interpret test results and draw conclusions based on data
• Develop recommendations and control plans to improve processes
• Demonstrate understanding of the DMAIC methodology through the completion of a process improvement project outside of class

ONLINE COURSE ACCESS

Participants receive access to both the online Green Belt course to review for project work and exam preparation. Supplemental modules are available for topics including:

• 5S Process
• Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Measurement Systems Analysis
• Linear Regression
• Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, etc.

COMPLIMENTARY SOFTWARE

U-M's Green Belt Certification courses include a copy of QE Tools statistical analysis software.

QE Tools is a user-friendly Excel add-in tool designed for Lean Six Sigma Green Belts. Students will use QE Tools to apply the various problem solving and statistical analysis methods both within the course and for their Lean Six Sigma project.