Six Sigma Overview

Introduction

In an increasingly competitive world, the importance of quality management has become paramount. That is why plant managers, general managers, project managers and other senior-level employees undergo a six sigma overview training programme.

The six sigma overview course is taught in several online platforms (typically 30-40 lecture hours) as well as workshops (2-3 days). The American Society for Quality, Chartered Quality Institute (CQI), and the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) are the three leading certifying organisations for the six sigma overview programme, while several universities across the world offer specific certification courses. Aspiring candidates need to complete an industrial project as part of the six sigma overview training, and current managers can learn while they earn from their regular job.

Clearing all the levels of the six sigma overview training will pave the way for a highly lucrative career path since every industry values candidates with this qualification. 

Six Sigma Overview

Doctrines

Six Sigma is techniques and methodologies for process improvement, popularised by the ex-CEO of General Electric (GE), Jack Welch. One of the most popular industrial toolkits, the six sigma overview qualification is coveted across all industries and countries in the world. 

A six sigma process is one in which 99.99966% of all products are statistically expected to be free of defects. This number is derived from a normal distribution graph and the area of six standard deviations under the curve. The primary goal is to achieve predictable results, emphasise strong leadership, and a commitment to making data-driven decisions. 

Industries follow specific processes and steps to reach such a state of quality management, which is what you will learn in a six sigma overview course. 

Six Sigma Certification Levels 

The various levels of a six sigma overview programme are called "belts". Here is what you will learn at each level:

1. White Belt: The first level deals with change management and problem-solving skills.
2. Yellow Belt: Specifics of 6σ and where to apply it.
3. Green Belt: Advanced analysis and project leadership; you also assist black belts in data collection.
4. Black Belt: Drive organisation-wide changes, monitor results and manage team dynamics.
5. Master Black Belt: Devote 100% of their time to 6σ projects, and also mentor other Green and Black belt candidates.
6. Champion: Lead LSS (Lean Six Sigma) strategy and deployment, mentor black belt candidates.

Benefits for the Employee

1. You become valuable in every industry: The quality management and leadership skills you learn from a six sigma overview programme - by the time you achieve a green belt or above - will be of use in manufacturing, IT, marketing, and any other sector.
2. Sustain quality improvement: With the skills you have, you should be able to analyse a company's business processes and provide expert insights into ways of development.
3. Rise in the hierarchy: The six sigma toolkit promotes people to the topmost tiers of any organisation with more responsibility and vastly higher pay.

To get an idea of the average salary of a six sigma-qualified candidate, here are the different annual income of those who have cleared the green belt level of the six sigma overview course. These numbers could vary based on your exact position/designation too. 

Benefits for the Company 

1. Supply Chain Management: How much control and precision a company has on its supply chain has direct implications for its profits. With the right tools obtained from a six sigma overview training course, companies can cut costs effectively and streamline the process better, increasing the overall efficiency.
2. Gain credibility and stakeholder trust: When a firm's clients and stakeholders know that there are six sigma-qualified employees involved in the business, their confidence in the company increases. Customer satisfaction creates further business for the company following a good reputation.