A Profile of the Six Sigma Strategy

The Six Sigma strategy was originally developed in 1986 by officials with Motorola, U. S. A. By 2010, it had become a dominant factor in the management of businesses across many industries. Its fundamental goal is to enhance the quality of processes and outputs through the identification and removal of defects. To this end, it also minimizes the variability of business and manufacturing procedures.

Six Sigma's doctrine includes seven key components. Among them is the assertion that ongoing efforts to maintain the predictable and stable results of processes are vitally important. Also, there are facets of all business and manufacturing processes which can be segregated, analyzed, controlled, measured, and improved. In addition, sustaining quality improvement requires dedication from all members of an organization, especially high-level management.

This strategic approach embraces four factors which were not identified prior to its development. They include recognition of the importance of a clear focus in order to achieve measurable financial returns. Also, the need for passionate and competent leadership is strongly emphasized.

An infrastructure must be established to help implement and guide this strategic business approach. They include specialists such as Champions, Black Belts, Master Black Belts, and Green Belts.  These professionals go through extensive training and are then certified at a certain level of expertise.   Finally, all members of management must agree to base their decisions upon verifiable information, rather than assumptions.

In order to professionalize the functions of top-level management, several roles have been defined. Executive Leaders include the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and other members of the top-management team. Their responsibilities include outlining a vision for the implementation of this strategic plan.  Champions are responsible for implementing the program in an integrated manner. They are usually members of upper-level management, and function as mentors to the Black Belts. These professionals are selected by the Executive Leaders.

Master Black Belts are selected by the Champions. They function as expert in-house coaches. Their duties include ensuring the consistent implementation of the program across various departments.  Black Belts report to the Master Black Belts. They are responsible for applying define methods to specific projects. Their primary focus is the execution of the program through the use of Six Sigma Projects.

Green Belts function under the guidance of the Black Belts. These employees help to implement the program in addition to performing their usual job responsibilities.  Some corporations have developed certification programs. They train their employees, then assess and designate their skill levels. Since no international standards have been set, these training programs have various requirements.

Based in the statistical field of process capability, this technique utilizes several quality management methods. Among them are statistical methods, variance analysis, check sheets, regression analysis, control charts, cost-benefit analysis, stratification, scatter diagrams, root cause analysis, run charts, linear models, cause and effect diagrams, business process mapping, correlation, process capability, quantitative marketing research, and FMEA (Failure-Mode and Effects Analysis). In addition, SIPOC (Supplier, Inputs, Processes, Outputs, Customer) analyses are conducted.

The Six Sigma strategy is most beneficial to large corporations who have more than 500 employees. During 1998, the program received wide-spread notoriety when a major corporation announced it had saved 350 million dollars due to the implementation of this plan. For more than 25 years, this strategic approach has been successfully applied to processes in a wide range of industries.

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Some General Information About The Six Sigma Master Black Belt

The Six Sigma Master Black Belt is one of the highest level that can be obtained in the esteemed business methodology. The overall goals of Six Sigma are to achieve significant improvements in the businesses and industries that implement it. The methodology consists of numerous kinds of techniques, tools, and statistical methods that are meant to improve the quality of products and services. The business program has several levels including Yellow, Green, and Black Belts but it is the prestigious Master Black Belt holders that are at the top of the hierarchy and some of the most important professionals within the program.

Although the term Black Belt may conjure up the image of white lounge suits and colored cloth belts, it actually has nothing to do with the popular sport of karate, when it comes to business and quality management. Instead, within the Six Sigma Professional hierarchy, the belts denote leadership roles that are obtained through special courses and training sessions. The classes can be taken either through the individual's workplace, through consultants, or through online training providers.

Six Sigma is able to exist and function so well because it is essentially a hierarchy of positions known as 'belts' and the Master Black is one of the single highest attainable belts that exist in the program. They are appointed by Champions and operate under the expert direction of both Champions and Executive Leaders.

Directly under them are the Black Belts, experts in their fields and highly effective in their abilities, these professionals are sought out by all types of companies for their skills, expertise, and ability to increase profits and sales.

The Master Black Belts are even more sought after and more skilled at these tasks, as they have had much more training and experience in the field. Their skills are also more diverse which makes them more suited for especially difficult and more complex projects and jobs. Many of them use their knowledge of business, sales, and problem solving to help their own company, or any others that hire them to do so as consultants, save up to millions of dollars each year.

Training and certification to be a Master in Six Sigma involves a number of things. Individuals who are interested in the prestigious advancement must have first successfully completed the courses and training to become Green and Black Belts. The Master training expands on the information and skills that were learned at lower belt levels and introduces new, more sophisticated information. They learn and practice more advanced methods of analytical approaches such as Design of Experiment (DOE), Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA), and Services and Failure Modes Effect Analysis (FMEA).

After they are properly certified, Master Black Belts then devote nearly one hundred percent of their time to 6 Sigma operations. They assist both the Executive Leaders and Champions with their tasks and projects and help guide Black, Green, and Yellow Belts with their problems as well.

Many of them also commit themselves in training members of these lower levels. Aside from these important jobs, Six Sigma Master Black Belts spend their time ensuring that the 6 Sigma program's goals and applications are consistent across the entire program and its participating companies.

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