Lean Six Sigma vs PMP

To pick anyone between Lean Six Sigma vs PMP is quite tricky for any working professional who is looking to improve their careers in project management and process improvement. Each of these certifications is considered prestigious, though each has different applications in a business environment. As I have gone through the process of choosing the right certification myself, I can offer you real-life stories that would most probably be worthy of your consideration.

What is PMP?

The Project Management Institute offers the PMP or Project Management Professional certification. This is one of the most acknowledged within the sector. It shows that you have adequate experience, education, and competency to lead projects and direct them, especially in the civil engineering field.

Based on my experience, the PMP course covers most of the management strategies and approaches of project management. It is based on the PMI's Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), which includes areas like: 

• Integration Management

• Scope Management

• Time Management

• Cost Management

• Quality Management

• Resource Management

• Communication Management

• Risk Management

• Procurement Management

• Stakeholder Management

The whole process of acquiring the PMP credential had enhancing effects on my professional development and created many professional prospects.

Also Read: PMP Credential

What is Lean Six Sigma?

Lean Six Sigma is the integration of Lean manufacturing procedures and Six Sigma, created to decrease variation and emphasize the elimination of non-value-added activities. Thus there are various levels of certifications such as the Yellow Belt, Green Belt, Black Belt, and Master Black Belt. 

The training concentrates on:

• Define: Figuring out the issues and objectives of the project. 

• Measure: Finding data and identifying the current efficiency of the process.

• Analyze: Determining the causes for defects.

• Improve: Implementing the measures to eradicate the defects.

• Control: Maintaining those gains for a long time. 

In different projects that I have managed, Lean Six Sigma has been useful to me in areas of improving processes and increasing the efficiency of projects.

Also Read: PMP Application

Lean Six Sigma vs PMP

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Key Differences Between PMP and Lean Six Sigma

Lean Six Sigma certification VS PMP primary differences are as follows: 

• Focus: PMP is a broad view of project management and the use of systems, and Lean Six Sigma is more narrow and pertains to process optimization, and defects elimination.

• Methodology: PMP employs PMBOK as its guideline while Lean Six Sigma employs DMAIC and Lean six sigma concepts.

• Application: PMP can be used in any field and with any type of project, while Lean Six Sigma is mostly focused on the improvement of business processes.

• Certification Process: PMP only has one standardized certification, while Lean Six Sigma has four levels of certification; Yellow Belt, Green Belt, Black Belt, and Master Black Belt. This is a significant factor between PMP vs Six Sigma. 

• Leadership: PMP pays considerable attention to leadership and team management; critical aspects, especially when leading the project teams. Lean Six Sigma is more about having technical skills in line with processes and the way they can be improved.

• Risk Management: PMP focuses more on risk management across the entire project managementlife cycle. On the other hand, Lean Six Sigma deals with risk contingently in process control and improvement.

Also Read: Google Project Management Certificate vs PMP

Similarities Between PMP and Lean Six Sigma

Lean Six Sigma vs PMP has a few similarities also. They include: 

• Global Recognition: Both are internationally acknowledged and can be a real added value in improving your career prospects. 

• Focus on Quality: Whether their strategies are similar or not, both can be said to have the general goal of improving the quality and probabilities of the project.

• Professional Development: Both have to go through procedures for further education and certification. This ensures that the certified personnel are aware of current trends.

• Versatility: Both certifications can be used in any industry, be it healthcare, finance, or manufacturing industries.

• Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: In any case, both professionals gain a lot of things from acquiring these certifications. Both certifications enhance a professional’s problem-solving skills, whether the issue responds to project difficulties or process optimization. 

Also Read: After PMP Certification What Next? 

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PMP or Lean Six Sigma - Which One is Best?

The decision of which option is better Lean Six Sigma vs PMP depends on career aspirations and preferences. If you want to bid for and work on projects from start to finish, PMP may be more appropriate. On the other hand, if you have a particular interest in the position and want to eliminate waste and drive efficiency change, Lean Six Sigma will be right for you.

While discussing Lean Six Sigma vs PMP, I have to say that I got a lot of value in getting both certificates. PMP brought out a solid understanding of project management whereas Lean Six Sigma brought out specific techniques in process optimization. For instance, PMP knowledge was indispensable when it came to delivering a healthcare project that I oversaw. On the other hand, Lean Six Sigma methodologies proved invaluable in decreasing patients’ registration time to 30 percent of the initial wait time. 

Here I am going to share with you some real-world examples and case studies. 

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Case Study: Manufacturing Improvement

In the manufacturing context, Lean Six Sigma is a powerful method that can improve productivity. I was involved in a project where we had to apply Lean Six Sigma in a factory that would often close down due to faulty machines. 

Applying DMAIC to address the identified problem led to the determination of root causes, and the development of effective preventive maintenance schedules, which contributed to a 40% decrease in manufacturing downtime and, therefore, increased productivity.

Also Read: Project Metrics

Personal Experience: IT Project Management

Being a PMP-certified project manager in the field of IT, I managed a software development project in which planning, scope control, and stakeholder communication are paramount. 

The basic components of the PMP framework were significant to meet the project objectives since the scope and the expectations of stakeholders experienced several fluctuations which affected the project timelines and the costs.

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Testimony from a Colleague

One of my colleagues, Sarah holds both certifications and shared her views on Lean Six Sigma vs PMP. She said that having completed a PMP course in place she specifically liked the forms and structure they brought into a large construction project’s management. 

She brought her Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification that allowed her to achieve substantial changes in the processes in her organization, including cost optimization. This interdisciplinary specialization has made her one of the most demanded specialists in her sphere.

Also Read: PMP vs MBA

Conclusion

The decision between which one to go for Lean Six Sigma vs PMP is therefore informed by some of the above-mentioned factors. Compared with each other, both certifications have their features and can significantly improve your professional competence. I have studied and interned both and can easily tell you they are worth it. However, in case you want to advance your career, you ought to determine which certification will serve your purpose and the industry’s best.

By introducing my experience as well as some understanding I can ensure the readers will get a better idea about distinguishing between these two remarkable certifications Lean Six Sigma vs PMP. But irrespective of whether you go for the PMP certification or Lean Six Sigma route, it can be the next step towards the future you want. To know more you may try the PMP Certification Training or PMP Training course.

FAQs

1. Which is more difficult, PMP or Lean Six Sigma?

In my opinion, Lean Six Sigma vs PMP, PMP is slightly more difficult than Lean Six Sigma because the PMBOK guide is very extensive, and to pass PMP, one needs to have generalized knowledge. When it comes to specialization, Lean Six Sigma is more targeted and rigorous, particularly at the Green Belt; however, the advanced levels, such as the Black Belt, could be rather challenging.

2. What are the benefits of having Lean Six Sigma certification?

Having Lean Six Sigma certification has numerous benefits, including:

• Improved process efficiency

• Enhanced problem-solving skills

• Quality improvements that can be driven

• The overall benefits to employers rise. 

• This certification provides better career opportunities in various industries. 

3. PMP vs Lean Six Sigma Salary

From my findings, people’s remuneration can differ based on the field of enterprise and the country they reside in. Particularly, PMP-certified individuals usually earn more in their  project management positions, while Lean Six Sigma certification holders’ salaries may vary greatly for their process improvement and quality management positions. Holders of the certification can acquire more than one certification and can easily improve their income levels.