Lean Six Sigma Training Options

Six Sigma training has to be goal-based to improve performance.

Training should help the organization deal with problems such as the elimination of strategies that do not produce the expected results, improvement initiatives with no long-term gains and metrics that are meaningless.

Six Sigma Training methods

In this age of high-tech methods, various options are available for effective training. Popular ones are classroom training and Six Sigma online training. A combination of the two also can achieve good results, if applied using relevant and meaningful scope to achieve realistic goals.

The training of the candidates includes sessions on guidelines to provide the best Six Sigma and Lean tools, usage of theory testing and other training based on the needs of the particular industry.

Classroom Method

The most common methodology for training in all sorts of industries is the classroom method. The choice of the methodology should be based on the type of participants of the training.

Classroom training in a formal atmosphere brings about group dynamics which is great for productive learning. Interaction with the trainers and colleagues helps understand all matters with great clarity.

Another advantage is that it helps develop a sense of association among co-workers on the matter of change and new developments.

Six Sigma Online Training

Six Sigma online training, or e-learning, is a very good methodology that is being adopted by a number of companies. The only important aspect of this type of training is the disciplined application of time by the employees to undertake training within a specific schedule.

Six Sigma online training can be given to employees at a place and time suitable for them. They can engage in training even after their regular working hours. Online training is generally simulation-based, and key concepts are clarified for those undertaking the training.

The standards to be applied for undertaking the different types of training is dependent upon the employee connection with the training needs, continuity required in the training and the need for instructor and student interaction - direct or indirect.

Values

The analysis of the suitability and benefits of the two methodologies has to be understood before designing the appropriate methodology for training.

The benefits and cost-effectiveness of the methodologies, as well as appropriate design, is what management has to consider and plan accordingly.

Results

When business skills have to be developed, the need for classroom training is more effective. Training for Lean Six Sigma should be designed as a business course.

The course material for the training can be derived from consultants or providers.

Costs

The cost of the training will vary for each methodology. The importance of the objectives to be achieved from the initiatives has to be weighed.

The corporate strategies and the effect on the profitability and competitiveness it provides for the company's market strategies have to be considered.

Along with these matters, consideration is also necessary on the certification needs of those who have undertaken training.

By Tony Jacowski
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/management-articles/lean-six-sigma-training-options-583149.html

Lean Six Sigma Methodologies

Lean 6 Sigma helps because it allows companies to reduce operational costs by identifying and eliminating steps or procedures that add little or no value to a business process. Companies can easily improve quality and efficiency just by combining the basic concepts of 6 Sigma with the principles of Lean 6 Sigma.

Understanding Lean Six Sigma

In industry circles, Lean 6 Sigma is termed in many different ways such as Lean Service, Lean Manufacturing, and Lean Enterprise depending on the type of methodology being utilized. Lean Six Sigma principles can be implemented along with other 6 Sigma concepts in any type of company, be it a manufacturing company or a service provider. When Lean 6 Sigma concepts and methodologies are implemented, it helps organizations to speed up their business processes without affecting the quality of the outcome.

As business processes are optimized, it becomes much easier for companies to reduce operational costs related to the maintenance of additional inventory of both raw materials and finished goods. Optimized business processes then enable companies to clear customer orders within the specified time and budget. Just as with standard 6 Sigma, Lean 6 Sigma also stresses providing the requisite training to employees so that they become familiar with the tools and techniques that will be utilized during the implementations. Lean sigma also encourages key mentors and senior management personnel to understand the basics so that the implementations can be executed without affecting the day-to-day operations of the organization.

Benefits Of Lean Six Sigma

Lean 6 Sigma involves the use of advanced tools and techniques that help companies to reduce operational costs, reduce production cycle times, expand existing capacity, and improve overall productivity. It makes use of Value Stream Mapping (VSM) for identifying improvement opportunities that exist in a business process. However, VSM has limited use and other advanced analysis tools are required for resolving complicated implementation issues.

When combined with standard 6 Sigma concepts, Lean 6 Sigma helps in identifying and resolving quality issues that are vital for attracting and retaining customers. Offering quality products or services in turn helps in developing customer loyalty that is vital for the success of any business, large or small. However, for realizing the full potential of the implementations, it is important to execute Lean Six Sigma projects under the guidance of 6 Sigma Black Belts and 6 Sigma Champions.

In the past, increased competition forced companies to deploy quality improvement techniques such as Six Sigma. With customers demanding more quality, companies had no other option but to deploy even more effective quality improvement techniques such as Lean 6 Sigma. Quality improvements are an ongoing process and we never know what new techniques will be developed in the future that may replace both Six Sigma and Lean 6 Sigma.

By Tony Jacowski
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/management-articles/lean-six-sigma-methodologies-114350.html