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Lois A. Jordan and David Cook, PhD

This course is designed for professionals interested in learning the principles of Lean Sigma, the DMAIC process and DFSS. This course is number 6 of 8 in this specialization dealing with topics in the Improve Phase of Six Sigma

Professionals with some completed coursework in statistics and a desire to drive continuous improvement within their organizations would find this course and the others in this specialization appealing.

Method of assessment consists of several formative and summative quizzes and a multi-part peer reviewed project completion regiment.

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What's inside

Syllabus

DOE Terminology
Planning Experiments
Experimentation
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Examines methodologies related to Lean Six Sigma vital to industry
Suitable for working professionals who seek continuous improvement within organizations
Taught by an experienced PhD with a reputed background
Assessed through a combination of formative and summative assessments
Offers an overview of statistical methods in business processes

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Reviews summary

Six sigma improve phase: practical & clear

According to students, this course provides a strong and comprehensive understanding of the Improve phase of Six Sigma. Many found the explanations on Design of Experiments (DOE) and Lean Methods to be exceptionally clear and concise. The peer-reviewed project is highly valued for its practical application, making it a challenging but rewarding experience that solidifies learning for aspiring Black Belts. However, some learners noted the fast pace of statistical concepts, suggesting a strong prior statistics background is beneficial. The peer assessment process for projects received mixed feedback, with calls for more consistent and helpful structure.
Directly supports professional development in Six Sigma.
"Very useful for my professional development."
"This course is a must for anyone pursuing Black Belt certification."
"Overall, a very strong course. ... providing actionable strategies."
"It's definitely for professionals who are serious about Six Sigma."
Explanations on key Six Sigma tools are highly clear.
"The explanations on DOE were incredibly clear, and the practical application through the peer-reviewed project truly solidified my understanding."
"Excellent content! ... The instructor's approach made complex topics digestible."
"The course material is clear and concise, making complex Six Sigma tools accessible."
"A fantastic deep dive into the Improve phase. The modules on DOE Terminology and Lean Methods were particularly strong."
The peer-reviewed project is invaluable for applying concepts.
"...the practical application through the peer-reviewed project truly solidified my understanding."
"This course is a must for anyone pursuing Black Belt certification. The practical project is invaluable for applying concepts."
"I appreciated the emphasis on practical application through the summative deliverables."
"The project is a good practical exercise, and the quizzes adequately test understanding."
Feedback consistency in the peer review process varied.
"I felt the peer review process for the project was sometimes inconsistent. Some feedback was very helpful, others less so."
"The peer review system is a bit hit or miss."
"The peer assessment part of the project was frustrating. Received generic feedback on a complex project, which didn't help much."
Requires a solid statistics background due to quick pacing.
"I found some of the statistical concepts a bit fast-paced, but with a statistics background, it was manageable."
"I struggled with the advanced statistical concepts without a very strong recent background. ... it moved too quickly over critical areas."
"It's definitely for professionals who are serious about Six Sigma. Requires prior statistical knowledge."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Improve Phase for the 6 σ Black Belt with these activities:
Review Statistical Concepts
Strengthen your understanding of statistical concepts, such as probability, distributions, and hypothesis testing, which are foundational to Lean Six Sigma.
Browse courses on Statistics
Show steps
  • Review notes or textbooks from previous statistics courses.
  • Complete online quizzes or practice problems to assess your understanding.
  • Consider enrolling in a refresher course or workshop on statistics.
Course Materials Repository
Organize and review course materials, including lecture notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams, to reinforce learning and prepare for assessments.
Show steps
  • Create a dedicated folder or notebook for course materials.
  • Regularly download and organize lecture notes and slides.
  • Keep track of assignments, quizzes, and exams.
  • Review materials periodically to reinforce learning.
Join a Lean Six Sigma Study Group
Engage with peers in a study group to discuss course concepts, share experiences, and support each other's learning journey.
Browse courses on Lean Six Sigma
Show steps
  • Find a study group or create your own.
  • Set regular meeting times and stick to them.
  • Prepare materials for each session, such as discussion questions or case studies.
  • Take turns leading the discussions and facilitating the learning process.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Coursera: Design of Experiments Specialization
Enhance your understanding of DOE by enrolling in this specialized series of tutorials that cover various aspects of experimental design.
Browse courses on Design of Experiments
Show steps
  • Enroll in the Coursera specialization on Design of Experiments.
  • Complete the video lectures and readings for each course.
  • Participate in the discussion forums to clarify concepts.
Read Six Sigma for Dummies
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Six Sigma methodology, including DMAIC and Lean principles, by reading this accessible guide.
Show steps
  • Preview the book's table of contents and introduction.
  • Read each chapter thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts.
  • Complete the practice exercises and quizzes at the end of each chapter.
  • Summarize the main takeaways from the book in your own words.
Design of Experiments Plan
Develop a detailed plan for conducting an experiment to test a hypothesis or improve a process.
Browse courses on Design of Experiments
Show steps
  • Define the objective of the experiment.
  • Identify the input and output variables.
  • Select an appropriate experimental design.
  • Determine the sample size and replication.
  • Write a clear and concise plan that outlines the experimental procedure.
DOE Software Simulation
Gain proficiency in using statistical software for DOE by completing practice simulations and exercises.
Browse courses on Design of Experiments
Show steps
  • Download and install a statistical software package.
  • Follow online tutorials or documentation to learn the basics of DOE software.
  • Run simulations of various experimental designs and analyze the results.
Implement a DMAIC Project
Apply your knowledge of DMAIC by leading or participating in a real-world project to improve a process.
Browse courses on DMAIC
Show steps
  • Identify a process within your organization that needs improvement.
  • Define the problem and scope of the project.
  • Measure the current performance of the process.
  • Analyze the data to identify root causes of the problem.
  • Implement and monitor improvements to the process.

Career center

Learners who complete The Improve Phase for the 6 σ Black Belt will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Director of Operations
A Director of Operations is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a company or organization. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures, and for managing staff. The Improve Phase for the 6 σ Black Belt course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you about Lean Sigma, the DMAIC process, and DFSS. This knowledge can help you improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your operations, and can help you to drive continuous improvement within your organization.
Quality Manager
A Quality Manager is responsible for developing and implementing quality control systems and procedures. They may also be responsible for training staff on quality control methods, and for conducting quality audits. The Improve Phase for the 6 σ Black Belt course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you about Lean Sigma, the DMAIC process, and DFSS. This knowledge can help you to improve the quality of your products or services, and can help you to reduce costs.
Continuous Improvement Manager
A Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for developing and implementing continuous improvement programs. They may also be responsible for training staff on continuous improvement methods, and for measuring the results of improvement efforts. The Improve Phase for the 6 σ Black Belt course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you about Lean Sigma, the DMAIC process, and DFSS. This knowledge can help you to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your organization, and can help you to drive continuous improvement.
Lean Manufacturing Manager
A Lean Manufacturing Manager is responsible for implementing lean manufacturing principles and practices. They may also be responsible for training staff on lean manufacturing methods, and for measuring the results of lean manufacturing efforts. The Improve Phase for the 6 σ Black Belt course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you about Lean Sigma, the DMAIC process, and DFSS. This knowledge can help you to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your manufacturing operations, and can help you to reduce costs.
Process Engineer
A Process Engineer is responsible for designing and improving processes. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing process control systems and procedures, and for training staff on process improvement methods. The Improve Phase for the 6 σ Black Belt course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you about Lean Sigma, the DMAIC process, and DFSS. This knowledge can help you to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your processes, and can help you to reduce costs.
Project Manager
A Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. They may also be responsible for managing project teams, and for developing and implementing project plans. The Improve Phase for the 6 σ Black Belt course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you about Lean Sigma, the DMAIC process, and DFSS. This knowledge can help you to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your projects, and can help you to reduce costs.
Operations Manager
An Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a company or organization. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures, and for managing staff. The Improve Phase for the 6 σ Black Belt course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you about Lean Sigma, the DMAIC process, and DFSS. This knowledge can help you improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your operations, and can help you to drive continuous improvement within your organization.
Manufacturing Manager
A Manufacturing Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a manufacturing facility. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing manufacturing plans, and for managing staff. The Improve Phase for the 6 σ Black Belt course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you about Lean Sigma, the DMAIC process, and DFSS. This knowledge can help you improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your manufacturing operations, and can help you to reduce costs.
Industrial Engineer
An Industrial Engineer is responsible for designing and improving industrial processes. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing industrial engineering systems, and for training staff on industrial engineering methods. The Improve Phase for the 6 σ Black Belt course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you about Lean Sigma, the DMAIC process, and DFSS. This knowledge can help you to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your industrial processes, and can help you to reduce costs.
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst is responsible for analyzing business processes and systems. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing business improvement plans, and for training staff on business analysis methods. The Improve Phase for the 6 σ Black Belt course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you about Lean Sigma, the DMAIC process, and DFSS. This knowledge can help you to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your business processes, and can help you to reduce costs.
Data Analyst
A Data Analyst is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing data analysis models, and for training staff on data analysis methods. The Improve Phase for the 6 σ Black Belt course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you about Lean Sigma, the DMAIC process, and DFSS. This knowledge can help you to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your data analysis efforts, and can help you to make better decisions.
Software Engineer
A Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing software engineering systems, and for training staff on software engineering methods. The Improve Phase for the 6 σ Black Belt course may be useful in this role by teaching you about Lean Sigma, the DMAIC process, and DFSS. This knowledge can help you to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your software development efforts, and can help you to reduce costs.
Systems Analyst
A Systems Analyst is responsible for analyzing and designing systems. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing systems improvement plans, and for training staff on systems analysis methods. The Improve Phase for the 6 σ Black Belt course may be useful in this role by teaching you about Lean Sigma, the DMAIC process, and DFSS. This knowledge can help you to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your systems analysis efforts, and can help you to make better decisions.
Quality Control Inspector
A Quality Control Inspector is responsible for inspecting products or services to ensure that they meet quality standards. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing quality control procedures, and for training staff on quality control methods. The Improve Phase for the 6 σ Black Belt course may be useful in this role by teaching you about Lean Sigma, the DMAIC process, and DFSS. This knowledge can help you to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your quality control efforts, and can help you to reduce costs.
Production Supervisor
A Production Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a production facility. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing production plans, and for managing staff. The Improve Phase for the 6 σ Black Belt course may be useful in this role by teaching you about Lean Sigma, the DMAIC process, and DFSS. This knowledge can help you improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your production operations, and can help you to reduce costs.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Improve Phase for the 6 σ Black Belt.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Six Sigma methodology, including the DMAIC process and DFSS. It valuable resource for professionals who want to learn more about Lean Sigma and how to apply it in their organizations.
Provides a detailed guide to Lean Six Sigma, including the DMAIC process, tools, and techniques. It valuable resource for professionals who want to learn more about Lean Six Sigma and how to apply it in their organizations.
Provides a comprehensive guide to Lean Six Sigma, including the DMAIC process and DFSS. It valuable resource for professionals who want to learn more about Lean Six Sigma and how to apply it in their organizations.
Provides a comprehensive overview of statistical methods for quality improvement, including the DMAIC process and DFSS. It valuable resource for professionals who want to learn more about statistical methods and how to apply them in their organizations.
Provides a practical guide to DOE, including the DMAIC process and DFSS. It valuable resource for professionals who want to learn more about DOE and how to apply it in their organizations.

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