Professional Diploma in Introduction to Process Improvement & Lean Six Sigma

Unit 1: The Principles and Application of Lean Six Sigma (Course Outcome 1, Week 1 &2)

• Introduction to Lean Six Sigma and its deployment in business
• Roles and Responsibilities of Yellow Belts
• Application of Lean Six Sigma Principles
• Tools and Techniques for Yellow Belts
• Teamwork and Communication Skills

Unit 2: Process Improvement with Lean Six Sigma (Course Outcome 2, Week 3 & 4)

• Introduction to Process Improvement / continuous improvement
• Identifying operational processes and component parts
• Understanding optimisation metrics
• Minimising defects and inconsistencies

Unit 3: Problem Solving (Course Outcome 3, Week 5 & 6)

• Problem Analysis
• DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control) Methodology
• Data-driven decision making ensuring the Measure and Analyse phase leads to valid and sustainable improvements

Unit 4: Process Variation (Course Outcome 4, Week 7 & 8)

• Process mapping

Cause and effect analysis

• Root cause analysis
• Control charts

Unit 5: Teamwork and Six Sigma (Course Outcome 5, Week 9 & 10)

• Teams v Groups
• Role and responsibilities
• Teamwork and effective communication
• Communication (multiple models)
• Collaboration through technology

*Course content is subject to review after each intake and may be updated in line with industry standards.

The Lean Six Sigma course is assessed through one piece of course assessment which requires the learner to work within a group to examine a business process.  Learners, through their individual roles and responsibilities, will examine the presented process and devise a process improvement strategy using the Six Sigma approach based on Yellow Belt principles.  The project will be due in week 10 of the programme.

ThisLean Six Sigam course is aimed at those interested in exploring the concepts of Learn Six Sigma and its application in various contexts, including service and manufacturing environments. No previous knowledge of Lean Six Sigma is required. The course is specifically useful for those working in an environment where Lean Six Sigma is currently applied or could be considered.

1. Define the key principles and concepts of lean six sigma, including the roles and responsibilities of Yellow Belts in a team problem-solving process.
2. Understand and discuss the importance of adherence to the defined process / work instructions in ensuring the minimisation of variation in the process.
3. Identify and analyse opportunities for process improvement within a day-to-day work process, and how they might be systematically and sustainable implemented through the revision of the process / work instructions using lean six sigma methods and tools.
4. Discuss and apply the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control) problem-solving methodology to solve simple process problems particularly in the measure and analyse phases.
5. Use appropriate lean six sigma tools, such as process mapping, cause and effect analysis, and control charts, to identify and address root causes of process variation.
6. Discuss the importance of teamwork and effective communication in lean six sigma projects and demonstrate the ability to collaborate with Green and Black Belts as a subject matter expert.