Author Archives: Six Sigma Expert

Six Sigma Hypothesis

What is six sigma hypothesis?

Six Sigma HypothesisIn an organization, at the time of production of a product six sigma methodology is implemented in order to avoid defects and wastes and make sure that the product meets the customer satisfaction. At the time of six sigma quality improvement, a lot of money is at the risk point and if unproductive changes are taken or made, it leads to lot of loss to the company in both the finance and productive aspects. In order to avoid such a loss, it is that important in a business to test the efficacy of the changes made. This test can be done with the help of hypothesis tools and testing.

HYPOTHESIS TESTING:

Hypothesis testing is a process using statistical analysis to determine whether the observed differences between two or more sample is due to null hypothesis or due to alternate hypothesis.

Hypothesis testing is a process of testing using a variety of statistical tools to analyze the data and to reject the null hypothesis and to accept the alternate hypothesis. A null hypothesis is a stated assumption about the differences in the parameters for two or more populations and the result of the difference is nil. Where as in alternate hypothesis, it is a statement of observed differences and relationship between two or more populations. the result thus obtained is real and the is not a chance or an error in the sampling. Hypothesis testing is used for defining test parameters, and authenticating data.

Defining test parameters:

Six Sigma HypothesisThe main aim of the implementation of six sigma in to a project team is to define the correct testing parameter. The faults in defining the objectives and the testing parameters, results in difficulty to ensure the success of the proposed changes. Even a small fault in the proposed change can result severely in the business process where it is being implemented. So it is better to use the hypothesis testing for attaining the accurate results of the testing.

Authenticating data:

Hypothesis testing cannot ensure the project team the effectiveness only with through defining the correct parameters, though it is certainly a necessary. In order to make the hypothesis testing correct, it is important to classify the collected data as soon as the parameters have been defined. It should be made sure that the collected data should be free from errors and inaccuracies. Once these steps are not cleared, it is difficult to get a better result, because the test will not reflect the real picture in the case of errors in the data.

Limitations:

Six Sigma HypothesisApart form the above advantages there are limitation for the using of hypothesis testing, in testing the effectiveness of a proposed changes. This is because, there are even many more factors that can affect a business process. Some of these factors are employee dissatisfaction, changes in the technology etc which cannot be tested with the help of hypothesis testing. There fore it is the duty of the analyst to make sufficient arrangements for all these types of testing and these test results can be used to compare with the hypothesis results to find out a proposed change, which confirms to suggested hypothesis.

For implementing six sigma hypothesis testing in a company, the companies hires seeks the help of experts from outside to provide adequate training to the employees.

Six Sigma Basics

What is six sigma basics?

Six Sigma Knowing more about the importance and the elements of six sigma is the six sigma basics. The basics of six sigma help us to understand “the science behind the theory of improvement”. It deals systematically with steps of instructions and certifications. For an organization to understand the potential of six sigma implementation, it is a must for the team members to have a minimum solid understanding about the understanding of the six sigma methodology. The methodology of six sigma contains its objectives, potential benefits, roles and common tools.

For the clear understanding the basics of six sigma is designed according to the target “Audience”. The format of the methodology is as follows:

1) Overview of six sigma:

Definitions

Potential benefits

Requirements for success

Process terms

Roles and responsibilities

Project phases

Use of cross-functional project
team

2) Project Phases:

Importance of a structured approach

Types of data

Purpose, outcomes and typical activities of five project phases:
Define
Measure
Analyze
Improve
Control

3) Basic Tools:

Histograms Cause-and-effect diagrams

Check sheets

Pareto diagrams

Graphs

Control charts

Scatter diagrams

Process mapping

Quality Function Deployment

Measurement Systems Analysis

Process capability indices

Failure Mode & Effects Analysis

Design of Experiments

The basics of six sigma starts with the explanation of the use of six sigma or why is six sigma? This is to make the participants clear about the importance of the implementation of six sigma methodology with in an organization, for the attainment of quality improvement in the products, to meet the customer satisfaction and to sustain the world of competitive global marketing. Under this section, it deals with the uses of six sigma such as the business excellences, improvement of the quality of the product, delights customers, increase in the entry barrier for competition.

Once the use and importance of six sigma methodology made clear, the participants are introduces to the six sigma. It is at this time the participants get the clear idea about the role of the word “quality” improvement. Apart from all these the basics of six sigma explains about the variation and defect in a project, which is considered as the obstacle in a project to attain the quality product. The participants are given well training about how the defects occur, and what the ways to find it out and eliminate it.

Six Sigma BasicsAccording to six sigma every piece of work done is considered as a processes. There are certain steps to be followed to find out a defined process. Since the process is the result of series of actions, changes and functions, there should be a well planning on the process to be conducted. A well defined planning of the process is a must, and the six sigma basics carefully deals with the topic.

As a conclusion it can be said that the six sigma gives training for a participant to manage things what he can measure, to measure what he can define and to define what he can understand for a quality product.

Six Sigma Maps And Flowcharts

The use of Six Sigma Maps and Flowcharts

Six Sigma Maps And FlowchartsThe process according to six sigma is the total number of sequences, series and the arrangements of events, steps or measurements done repeatedly for the production of quality products or services. Changing a process is the first step in a six sigma improvement program in order to reduce the costs and improve quality. There are different types of graphical representation for a process or procedure to show its flow type style of all actions and conclusion taking place in a process. There are process maps, flow charts, and SIPOC diagrams used for the graphical representation of the process.

Process Maps:

The process maps are same as the flowchart but some elements are different form the flowchart. process maps are often more detailed than flowchart and also includes a timeline. Process mapping is a hierarchical method of illustrating how a product or transaction is processed. It contains all the activities that transforms a well organized and defined input or inputs into a pre defined set of outputs. The process mapping gives us a visual representation of the work flow with in a process.

Flowcharts:

A flowchart is a graphical representation of a process, used as a tool that shows the input, activities and output of the process. It represents the entire process from the start to the finishing point, and act as a serving instructional manual for facilitating detailed analysis and improving the workflow and service delivery. A flowchart helps in attaining an entire process at a detailed level of observation. Flowcharts help in the successful implementation of six sigma programs.

SIPOC Diagram:

“supplier inputs outputs and customer” diagram is created at the initial stage of the process, that is to define the phase of a six sigma project. It is to ensure that the supplier, inputs, process, outputs and the customer have identified and are agreed by all the members of the team.

Block Diagram- flowchart:

The graphical tool, that make use of the picture of any given process or procedure. It shows the design of the connection of its components or the elements and the logical flow of the process or the procedure. Different shapes are used to represent each item in the diagram. For example:

To indicate the process “rectangle” shape is used

To indicate the connector “circle” shape is used

To indicate the extract “triangle” shape is used

To indicate the decision “diamond” shape is used

Six Sigma Maps And FlowchartsThe elements contained in a graphs are the starting point to the process and its sub-processes, an ending points to the process and its sub-processes, inputs, outputs and other types of direction and decisions which leads to another potential direction.

Complex Block Diagram:

A mixture of the sequences of the processes or procedures and is also an analogy of the process of procedure.

Six Sigma Dmadv

What is six sigma DMADV?

Six Sigma DmadvWith in an organization, the objective is the long-term improvement of its processes in order to enhance the performance of the organization and the products, gain the interest of the customers, employees and shareholders, and thus sustain in the world of global marker competitive. Still just improving a process is not a complete business option, but a complete process re-design is required.

Under six sigma methodology, there exist two types of methods. They are DMADV & DMAIC. In DMADV, the focus is give with redesigning the process to satisfy the customer needs, where as in DMAIC, the focusing is on improving and controlling steps, which results in the production of quality products.

DMADV methodology:

The difference in the methods DMADV & DMAIC exists from the last two letter- “DV & IC”. Is the methodology of DMADV is as mentioned below:

1)     Define: It describes the need for defining the needs for finding out the goals from the project to be executed, in order to meet the customer satisfaction. Therefore, the first step involves in the explanation of both the internal and external goals from the product.

2)     Measure: The process is done to find out the quantity of the customer’s needs to measure the goal management and the quality of the product.

3)     Analyze: Through the process of analyzing, it is able to find out the existing cause of errors with in the organization and the process. It also helps in evaluating the corrective measures

4)     Design: Once the error origination is found out, the next step is to design the new process or a corrective measures to meet the target specification

5)     Verify: Verification is done simultaneously, to check the performance of the developed design and its quality to meet the target needs

From the above definition, it is clear that mere designing in new products and services is not the only matter, which leads to the success of the organization, but the practice of re-designing the process according to the needs of the target is also very much important. In addition, the same is the difference between the implementation of two methods in six sigma methodology.

Six Sigma DmadvIt is better to replace DMADV, than the other way. There are two occasions in which DMADV can be used to replace DMAIC. One occasion is at the time there is no existing product, out of which the organization is aiming to create from the scratch. At the time when the implementation of DMAIC  has not produced the expected result, though best efforts are done to make the improvements, DMADV methods can be used. It is proved that there are situations where planned DMAIC is been replaced by the use of DMADV method. The method is used at the time when the “improvement” process is not able to deliver the organization the expectations.

It is the black belts, who are having the in-depth knowledge in this methods.

Dmaic

Six Sigma

DmaicSix Sigma is an data driven approach used by many organizations that strives to achieve quality & perfection. It is a methodology used to eliminate defects & to determine the performance of the process. A defect is anything that is outside or against customer requirements. To achieve this, a process should not produce defects more than 3.4 per million opportunities.

DMAIC

DMAIC is one of the six sigma methodologies used for solving problems & bringing in improvement in process or products. DMAIC refers to Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve & Control.

A DMAIC methodology should be mainly used when a company has continuous production but the goods produced are not according to the required customer specifications or when the expected level of performance is not achieved.

  1. Define : In this phase, the goals relating to the project are defined. It mainly concentrates on defining customers & their requirements. The goals, benefits, team spirit & problem solving statements are developed.
  2. Measure : This phase measures the performance level of the process & also identifies the problems. Data is collected & the defects, relationships, collection plans, opportunities, etc are defined in detail.
  3. Analyze : In this phase, the root cause of the defects is thoroughly analyzed & determined. The objectives for Performance is set & the causes of variations are defined.
  4. Improve : Improving is a process of eliminating the defects in an project. Here different experiments are conducted, potential solutions are developed, causes of failure are identified & corrections relating to developing of potential solutions are carried out.
  5. Control : In this phase, future performance levels are controlled. Here a proper monitoring & control systems are developed. Standards are defined, procedures, statistical control processes & capabilities of the process are developed & effectively implemented. It is necessary to avoid cost, implement cost saving techniques, concentrate on profit growth, finalize documents & close the project successfully.

Though DMAIC is a recognized methodology, some people have added another component to it i.e. DMAICR where R refers to Realize. Some people don’t agree to it. They believe that six sigma is just a counter-part but with good improvement in a process & proper implementation of productive methods can enhance financial gains.

Six Sigma is a well defined approach in problem solving which focus on customer requirements & the impact of it. Statistical tools & analysis are used to develop an useful process. Six Sigma is being used in different fields such as production, business, medicine, administration, engineering, product designing, manufacturing, quality management, etc.

Six Sigma Tutorial And Case Study

Six Sigma Tutorial:

Case studySix sigma tutorial means, the lessons or a manual or a section of computer program, which is designed to provide instruction and training for six sigma with the use of exercises and assignments. Six sigma tutorial is a document of full tutorial about the six sigma topics.

In a six sigma tutorial it contains the topics as follows:

six sigma introduction

Six sigma key elements

Six sigma organization

Six sigma get started

Six sigma methodology

Six sigma define phase

Six sigma measure phase

Six sigma analyze phase

Six sigma improve phase

Six sigma control phase

Six sigma technical tools

Six sigma defect metrics

Six sigma summary

In a broad sense six sigma tutorial deals with the attainment of an excellent achieving on six sigma, its strategic tools, the six sigma process, building a culture of six sigma culture and infrastructure and performance, and dealing with the case studies

Six Sigma Case study:

Case studySix sigma case study refers to the building up of the framework, about the six sigma methodology in the minds of the organizations. Here studies are made on the topic “what are the benefits of  six sigma methodology in the development of an organization and a project?” . case studies are made on different fields of organizations like IT, call centers, large companies based in the US and India etc. This case study helps in finding out the areas in which six sigma is effective and what aspects of six sigma is more effective and is been used by the organizations for the development.

Through the case studies made by the researchers, it is proved that, from the two methods of six sigma methodology, DMAIC method is been used more. The implementation of six sigma methodology for the development of an organization is many. Some of the aspects in which the help of six sigma is used according the case studies made are as below:

Selection of the problems

Finding out the defects of the products

Idea formulation for avoiding the defects

Idea testing and modifications

Implementation of the modified products

Confirming the product results

Maintaining the improvement and the customer satisfaction

Long term quality improvement

Developing six sigma techniques and mind-set

Six Sigma Resources

What are six sigma resources?

The answer to the question “why is six sigma”, will give the answer to the question “what is six sigma resources?”

Six Sigma ResourcesA defect free products or services are the foundation stone for the success of an organization or of a project. A defect free products and services are the result of high quality production of an organization. Six sigma is the methodology of the production of defect free, high quality products. Six sigma provides with the requirements for the production of quality products and to meet the customer satisfaction for the survival of the organization in the field of competitive global marketing. Implementation of six sigma helps the organization to focus on the improving quality of the products and services through better, faster and cheaper means. In a broad sense, it is easy to explain the use of six sigma as “the methodology focusing on defect prevention, cycle time reduction, and cost savings”. Six sigma helps in finding out the identifying and elimination of cost that provides no values to the customer satisfaction.

From the above description it is clear that six sigma is a systematical analyzing of measurement quality for the production of best quality products and the better customer satisfaction. Six sigma has a proven history of highly effective quality principles and techniques. The aim of six sigma is of virtually defect free business performances.

For the implementation of high quality products and the customer satisfaction, there are certain resources in six sigma methodology. Trainings, seminars, and certifications for the specific skills are their major resources. There are two methods in six sigma, DMAIC & DMADV.

The former is used to improve an existing business process, while the second one is used either for creating a new product or for process designs for predictable and defect free performance. By DMAIC, it means giving importance to defining, measuring, analyzing, improving and controlling a process to meet its better quality. The implementation of the six sigma methodology helps in providing a logical sequence for existing concepts and the problem solving tools, by sufficient repackaging of the tools and concepts. Moreover, the methodology of the six sigma is used by the project sponsors at each step of conclusion before moving to the next step.

Six sigma trainings:

Training the professionals about the methodologies of six sigma, which is a flexible system, is the aim of the six sigma training. This training provides the professionals and the companies with skills of achievement, supporting, and maximizing business profits. The training is based on the understanding the needs of the customer, systematical use of the data and the facts, improving and reinventing the organizational processes using statistical analysis. The training is designed in such a way that it provides the trainees a full resources to help them to explain, simplify and set the right path in the implementation of the six sigma methodology for the better achievement of the organization to meet its better quality.

Besides the above said basic trainings, six sigma provides training under two sections to make the training more effective and clear. The two sections are as follows:

Management training with certifications

Six sigma belt training with certifications

Under each section, there are several sub-divisions, according to the needs and the commitments of the company towards the customer. Each section is having its own importance for the attainment of the defect free results.

Six sigma seminars:

Six Sigma SeminarsSix sigma seminars are instructional process, conducted for the candidates to know and discover how to apply systematically the statistical methods of six sigma for the organizational growth and for customer satisfaction. Instructions are given to the candidates about the importance and usage of data, information, analysis, and communication for a successful problem solving.

Six sigma seminars are conducted on the effective application of the six sigma theories and process, to make sure that the candidates are able to apply their knowledge effectively to assist the organizations to achieve the best in the global marketing. It also helps in reducing the costs, improving the time, eliminating the defects and improving the quality and the satisfaction of the customer.

Seminars are organized in such a way for the participant’s to use it friendly for the complete understanding of the methods used in six sigma. The participant’s are provided with training certificates after the completion of each seminar. The below mentioned topics are the different subjects offered for the six sigma seminars.

Measurement systems analysis

Process capability and performance

Advanced statistical methods

Design and analysis of experiments

Statistical process control and management

Six sigma certifications:

Six sigma certification give importance in giving training to the appropriate subject matter, through written proficiency test. This training provides with the displaying competency in the hands of the person. Six Sigma Certification has given by the training and consulting company, who is conducting the training. Even the companies hiring the training programs can give the tests. The tests may differ according to the training company’s proficiency. Companies performing training for years have created and administrated written proficiency tests of their own.

Once the certification training is completed, one must complete one or two quality projects. This is the time for the trainees to display the competency in applying the concepts learned. This part of the training differs according to the companies, and hence the quality projects are the fuzziest and the undefined part of the six sigma certification.

Under six sigma certification comes three types of certifications. They are:

Green belt certification

Black belt certification

Master black belt certification

Apart from this certification, there are yellow certification and lean certification. The word belt refers to the level six sigma projects to be performed. Business leaders processing six sigma through the projects are known as the champions. They are trained according to the six sigma methodology, which aims at the selection of the projects that are related with business goals. These champions are to select and monitor six sigma project leaders, who were called the “belts”. Six sigma certification requires both projects and training

CSSGB- Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Here the six sigma green belt operators are given training to operate in the support or under the supervision of a six sigma black belt. Through this certification the person is trained to analyze and solve quality problems. This results in the quality improvement projects. The person, who had undergone the six sigma green belt certification, has at least three years of work experience in demonstrating the knowledge of six sigma tools and processes.

CSSBB- Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

The candidate who had undergone six sigma black belt certification is a professional who is capable in the explanation of six sigma philosophies and the principles. His knowledge also includes the supporting systems and the tools. This certification also deals with the training of the candidate in developing the demonstrating of the team leadership, understanding team dynamics and assigning team member roles and responsibilities. A six sigma black belt will be well versed will all the aspects of the DMAIC model in accordance with the six sigma principles. These professionals have basic knowledge of lean enterprise concepts. They are capable in identifying non-value added elements and activities. They are also capable in the use of specific tools

Master Black Belt Certification

The professionals who had undergone the master black belt certification are considered as a six sigma quality experts and they are responsible for the strategic implementations within an organization. The training is given for the improvement of the responsibilities of a master black belt, which includes training and mentoring of black belts and the green belts. Moreover the responsibilities or the duties of a master black belt extend to the range of helping the both belts in prioritizing, selecting and charting high impact projects.

Maintaining the integrity of the six sigma measurements, improvements and developing, revising six sigma training materials, qualifying or teaching the other six sigma facilitators about the methodologies, tools and applications in all functional areas of a company are some of the other responsibilities of a person who has completed master black belt certification.

Yellow Belt Certification

Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification provides with the attendees an overall insight to the use age of the six sigma techniques. The training is also given in the field of six sigma metrics and the basic improvement methodologies. It is essential for six sigma yellow belt to learn how to integrate lean and six sigma methodologies to get the high level production and transactional systems. This is to meet the customer’s expectations and the objectives of the organization from the bottom, to its best. The certification helps the trainees to receive an idea about the introduction to the process management and the basic tools of six sigma. Strong understanding of the processes, enabling each individual to provide meaningful assistance is the other characteristics of the six sigma yellow belt certification. The aim of this certification is the achievement of the organizations overall objectives.

Lean Six Sigma Certification

Six Sigma ResourcesLean six sigma certification provides the professionals with both techniques of service and manufacturing in industries. Along with this lean certification makes an individual attain the following requirements:

– Focusing how to move fast in order to accomplish the objectives with in the industry.

– Involves in business enterprise, identifies and eliminates the activities which do not provide values to the product or to the service given to the customer.

– Awareness of the lean and six sigma methodology help the business enterprise in attaining a stable improvement.

– The improvement will start from the bottom level and will be having a fast accomplishment

– Identifying the potential areas, deciding the improvements, meeting the customer expectation and the business results are other fields in which the trainees concentrate.

– Emphasis is given in chasing the variations and waste out of the system, so as to make sure that the improvements are sustained.

In an organization, the project sponsor seeks the help of six sigma methodology under several situations like:

When the cause of the low quality performance is unknown

When problems are found in common places

When the problems found are not able to well defined

When the approaches made are not inappropriate

When all the problem solving methods fail

When complex situations arises with many variables

Six Sigma System

What is Six Sigma System?

Six Sigma SystemSix sigma system is the specialized package of six sigma methodology, lean manufacturing programs and consulting services. Six sigma system rely on quality results of the products or services to meet the customer satisfaction, through better quality faster. The programs are set to meet the needs of the clients. The application of six sigma system depends on the business goals, opportunities and organizational landscape. It is on the basis of these three factors, six sigma system is designed and customized. Six sigma system always try to meet the industry standard through the practice of six sigma and lean manufacturing principals. According to six sigma system, the measurement of success is been measured on the client’s success and not on the number of clients or people trained, in six sigma system.

The implementation of six sigma system is mainly done in the area of business process improvement. the establishment of Kanban systems by the six sigma system has reorganized product flow at various manufacturers.

Six Sigma Methodology:

The purpose and the origin of the process six sigma is the result of need for business improvement through customer satisfaction, reduced costs, production of high quality products with less defects and increased profits. Hence the fundamental aim of the six sigma methodology is the implementation of a systematically based measurement strategy focusing the improvement process. Within this improvement aspects the six sigma methodology includes the responsibilities of the improving the team, helping the team in identifying the process, the defects and the corresponding measurements. It is because of this wide range of flexibility in quality improvement, six sigma methodology toolkit is the best existing software process implementation.

Six sigma implements the quality improvement process through the application of six sigma improvement projects. These projects are accomplished with the help of the use of two six sigma sub-methodologies: DMAIC & DMADV.

DMAIC method:   the six sigma methodology is consisted of five steps which includes Defining, Measuring, Analyzing, Improvement and Controlling. DMAIC involves in the improvement of an existing business process. Here the six sigma methodology deals with defining of the process improvement needed for setting the goals on the basis of customer demands and the enterprise strategy. Once the goal defining is done the project conductors are asked to measure the current strategy of the process or the work done and then to collect the data for the future comparisons. The third step is of analyzing the relationship between the cause (data) and with the result and defining it, making sure that all factors involved are taken into consideration. The fourth step follows the analysis report, by providing with sufficient improvements using the techniques like Design of Experiments. It should be ensured that all the variances are corrected before it result it defects. This is done through the controlling of the process, which is the final step in six sigma process of systematical improvement of the process.

DMAIC Six sigma leader roles are to establish the selection criteria of the project, approving the projects, selecting the project leaders, providing the resources and training, reviewing the Black Belt and Green Belt projects monthly, ensuring the communication process, reviewing the entire process every 3-6 months, establishing and linking the rewards with the performances, and finally being accountable for the success of the effort.

DMADV methods:  as in the DMAIC method, here also it has 5 steps like defining, measuring, analyzing, designing and verifying. DMADV method is used in creating a new product or process, setting designs for predicting and then ensuring defect-free performances. The method deals with the duties like defining the goals, which comes out form the designed activity which is related to the customer demands and enterprise strategy. Once the goals is defined out of the activity, measuring and identifying the quality, product capabilities, production process capability and risk assessments are done.

The third step of the method involves in the analyzing process for developing the designing alternatives, creating high level design, evaluating designs and selecting the best design. Then comes the step, where detailing about the design selected, optimizing the design, and setting plans for the verification of the designs. This step is required simulations. At the final step the design set is verified and the pilots are run. There by the production process is implemented and the process is hand over to the process owners.

Apart from the above said six sigma methods there are other designs for six sigma methodologies. They are:

CDOC –        conceptualize, design, optimize, control

DCCDI –       define, customer concept, design and implement

DCDOV-       define, concept, design, optimize, verify

D-IDOV-M –   define, identify, design, optimize, verify, monitor

DMADOV –   define, measure, analyze, design, optimize and verify

DMAI C –      define, measure, analyze, improve, implement, control

DMEDI –       define, measure, explore, develop and implement

IDOV –          identify, design, optimize and validate

I2DOV –         invent, innovate, develop, optimize, validate

MEDIC –     map and measure, explore and evaluate, define and describe, implement and improve, control and conform

VCPCIA –    visualize, commit, prioritize, characterize, improve, achieve

Lean Manufacturing Programs:

Lean ManufacturingThe philosophy of lean manufacturing is derived from the “Toyota Production System”. Lean manufacturing is a generic process of management, for the production of goods through the removal of waste and implementing the flow. The operational strategy in lean manufacturing gives importance in the achievement of better production of goods that meet the customer’s satisfaction, through the process of shortest possible cycle time by eliminating waste and reducing incidental work. Lean manufacturing is a technique which helps in decreasing the time between the customer need and the shipment. It is designed in a way that there is a rapid improvement in the profit, gaining the customer satisfaction, reducing the production of time and sustaining the employee emotions. In general it is said that lean manufacturing is considered as a company’s “half human effort, the half manufacturing space, the half investment in tools and the half engineering hours for the development of a new product with in the half time scheduled”. It is clear that the benefits gained through the implementation of lean manufacturing is the lower costs, higher quality and shorter lead time for the production.

The characteristics of lean processes are:

-Single-piece production

-Repetitive order characteristics

-Just-in-time materials or pull scheduling

-Short cycle times

-Quick changeover

-Continuous flow work cells

-Collocated machines, equipment, tools and people

-Compressed space

Lean manufacturing approaches:

Six Sigma SystemLean manufacturing is used under two approaches. The first approach is used for the identification and the continuous elimination of the waste. It is clear that as the waste is being eliminated, the quality of the product improves, while the production time and cost is reduced. The second approach to lean manufacturing, is focusing on improving the “flow” of the work. By the word flow means, the smoothness of the work. in the second approach the focus is given in the smoothening of the work, through the system and not the waste reduction. The second approach was promoted by Toyota.

The difference between the two approaches lies not on the attainment of the goal, but achieving the goal at the first time itself. In the second approach, the smooth flow of the work helps in exposing the defects or the quality problems which is there in the work already. This exposing of the defects leads to  the reduction of the waste naturally.

Consulting or Customer Service:

Six sigma system gives importance to customer service and customer satisfaction. The aim of six sigma system is to provide better quality products to make sure the customer satisfaction and services.

Chi Square Test

Chi Square TestA Chi Square test also called as Chi-squared is a statistical hypothesis test that has a chi-square distribution when the null hypothesis is true. This test is most commonly used to observe what results are obtained by comparing given data with the expected data. This test is conducted to prove that there will be no change or difference between actual & expected data. The Chi-Square formula is sum of the squared difference between the actual & expected data, divided by the expected data.

Important rules

It is necessary to follow two important rules while using Chi-Square formula. That is:

  1. Chi-Square has to be calculated using only numerical values & not percentage or ratios.
  2. Chi-Square should not be calculated if the expected value in any category is less than 5.

Examples of Chi-Square tests

Some of the most common examples of chi-squared tests that are used in Statistical analysis are :

  • Pearson’s chi-square test
  • Yates chi-square test
  • Mantel-Haenszel chi-square test
  • Linear-by-Linear association chi-square test
  • Sample variance test.

Pearson’s test is also called as Goodness-of-Fit test or Test for Independence. It was first developed by Karl Pearson. This test is one of the most widely used chi-square method.

Like Pearson’s chi-square test, Yates chi-square test is another commonly & widely used test. Yates test is also called as Yates Correction for Continuity test, developed by Frank Yates. This formula helps in preventing over estimation of the data. This is mainly used when at least one data in the table has an expected frequency of less than 5.

Chi Square test is the most popular method of testing used to determine hypothesis of the data. This test consists of three different methods of analysis namely :

  1. Goodness of Fit
  2. Test for Homogeneity
  3. Test of Independence

Goodness of Fit test is performed to know whether or not there is any difference in frequency distribution when compared with theoretical distribution.

The test for Homogeneity is performed whether the data used to analyze are homogeneous or have similar characteristics.

Test of Independence is performed to know whether the two variables in a Contingency table are independent of each other or not when an paired observation is conducted.

Coaching Institutions

  1. Harvard Business School of India
  2. Indian Institute of Management
  3. Online Coaching.

Six Sigma Training In India

What is the importance of six sigma training in India?

Six Sigma Training In IndiaIndia is a country where there are many companies who looks for the measure of goodness for their products and customer satisfaction. They always opt for a systematical and statistical improvement in the business world. Hence the implementation of the six sigma, for the effective operating system and to reduce the variation by avoiding defects and reducing waste is very much important for a country like India. Keeping this in mind, many companies in India opts the help and training of the six sigma methodologies, for the company professionals.

The professionals are given the knowledge about the use of six sigma methodology and the benefits from it. Six sigma certification give importance in giving training to the appropriate subject matter, through written proficiency test. This training provides with the displaying competency in the hands of the person. Six Sigma Certification is given by the training and consulting company, who is conducting the training. The tests can be given even by the companies hiring the training programs. The tests may differ according to the training company’s proficiency. Companies performing training for years have created and administrated written proficiency tests of their own. Once the certification training is completed, one must complete one or two quality projects. This is the time for the trainees to display the competency in applying the concepts learned.

The participants are given training and certifications on the basis of six sigma. The 3 major types of such training and the certifications are

Green belt certification

Black belt certification

Master black belt certification

Here the word “Belt” refers to the level or the position, a person is undergone at the time of a project implementation. Therefore they are given special training according to their positions and role for the successful implementation of the project and customer satisfaction. The responsibilities each person under each belt should possess are as mentioned below.

CSSGB- Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Here the six sigma green belt operators are given training to operate in the support or under the supervision of a six sigma black belt. Through this certification the person is trained to analyze and solve quality problems. This results in the quality improvement projects. The person, who had undergone the six sigma green belt certification, has at least three years of work experience in demonstrating the knowledge of six sigma tools and processes.

CSSBB- Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

The candidate who had undergone six sigma black belt certification is a professional who is capable in the explanation of six sigma philosophies and the principles. His knowledge also includes the supporting systems and the tools. This certification also deals with the training of the candidate in developing the demonstrating of the team leadership, understanding team dynamics and assigning team member roles and responsibilities. A six sigma black belt will be well versed will all the aspects of the DMAIC model in accordance with the six sigma principles. These professionals have basic knowledge of lean enterprise concepts. They are capable in identifying non-value added elements and activities. They are also capable in the use of specific tools

Master Black Belt Certification

The professionals who had undergone the master black belt certification are considered as a six sigma quality experts and they are responsible for the strategic implementations within an organization. The training is given for the improvement of the responsibilities of a master black belt, which includes training and mentoring of black belts and the green belts. Moreover the responsibilities or the duties of a master black belt extend to the range of helping the both belts in prioritizing, selecting and charting high impact projects.

Maintaining the integrity of the six sigma measurements, improvements and developing, revising six sigma training materials, qualifying or teaching the other six sigma facilitators about the methodologies, tools and applications in all functional areas of a company are some of the other responsibilities of a person who has completed master black belt certification.

Apart from these training and certification there are other more certifications with training and they are the yellow belt certification and the six sigma lean certification. Both had its own responsibilities to be trained.

Yellow Belt Certification

Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification provides with the attendees an overall insight to the use age of the six sigma techniques. The training is also given in the field of six sigma metrics and the basic improvement methodologies. It is essential for six sigma yellow belt to learn how to integrate lean and six sigma methodologies to get the high level production and transactional systems. This is to meet the customer’s expectations and the objectives of the organization from the bottom, to its best. The certification helps the trainees to receive an idea about the introduction to the process management and the basic tools of six sigma. Strong understanding of the processes, enabling each individual to provide meaningful assistance is the other characteristics of the six sigma yellow belt certification. The aim of this certification is the achievement of the organizations overall objectives.

Lean Six Sigma Certification

Lean six sigma certification provides the professionals with both techniques of service and manufacturing in industries. Along with this lean certification makes an individual attain the following requirements:

– Focusing how to move fast in order to accomplish the objectives with in the industry.

– Involves in business enterprise, identifies and eliminates the activities which do not provide values to the product or to the service given to the customer.

– Awareness of the lean and six sigma methodology help the business enterprise in attaining a stable improvement.

– The improvement will start from the bottom level and will be having a fast accomplishment

– Identifying the potential areas, deciding the improvements, meeting the customer expectation and the business results are other fields in which the trainees concentrate.

– Emphasis is given in chasing the variations and waste out of the system, so as to make sure that the improvements are sustained.

Six Sigma Training In IndiaIndia gives importance to the DMAIC methodology in six sigma. The methodology of six sigma has two sub-divisions. They are DMAIC & DMADV. The former is used to improve an existing business process, while the second one is used either for creating a new product or for process designs for predictable and defect free performance. By DMAIC it means giving importance to defining, measuring, analyzing, improving and controlling a process to meet its better quality. The implementation of the six sigma methodology, helps in providing a logical sequence for existing concepts and the problem solving tools, by sufficient repackaging of the tools and concepts. Moreover the methodology of the six sigma is used by the project sponsors at each step of conclusion before moving to the next step.