Six Sigma is a set of tools and techniques used by a vast range of companies worldwide to identify risks, eliminate defects, improve production processes and guarantee quality outcomes. At the Yellow level, you are probably already familiar with engaging with problem-solving teams in organisations to affect change. Completing this certificate will enhance your skill level and prepare you for the Six Sigma Certification Exam.
In this project management course, you will become specialised in process improvement by exploring the foundations and principles of Six Sigma methodology, learning about foundational ‘Lean’ concepts, and becoming familiar with Poka-yoke and Kanban-pull techniques.
You will also learn about value stream mapping and how to create flowcharts and Pareto charts, and you’ll explore Six Sigma metrics, including calculating yield and defects.
On completion of this course, you will be able to support project teams on high-level problem-solving tasks, fine-tune your analytical skills and business acumen and enhance your professional career credibility.
Course Structure
Unit 1 - Foundations and principles
- Six Sigma purpose and characteristics
- Evolution of Six Sigma
- Core concepts
- Organization’s readiness for a project
- How Six Sigma can benefit an organisation
- Foundational lean concepts
- Value- and nonvalue-added activities including waste
- Just-in-time method
- Poka-yoke and Kanban-pull
- Value stream mapping
- Integrating Lean and Six Sigma
- Lean deployment
Unit 2 - Six Sigma: team basics, roles, and responsibilities
- Team types and descriptions
- How Six Sigma provide value
- Forming, storming, or norming a team
- Performing, adjourning and stages of team evolution
- Brainstorming session
- Nominal group technique
- Multivoting technique
- Team communication approaches
- Effective meeting agenda
- Recording minutes for meetings
- Six Sigma project roles and responsibilities
- Characteristics of a Yellow Belt
- Matching team members with their responsibilities
Unit 3 - Six Sigma: quality tools
- Using quality tools
- Using and creating Pareto charts
- Creating a process map flowchart
- Running charts
- Root cause analysis
- Cause and effect diagram
- Using scatter diagrams with interpretations
- Interpreting a histogram
Unit 4 - Six Sigma: metrics
- Measuring process performance
- Calculating defects per unit (DPU)
- Calculating defects per million opportunities (DPMO)
- Calculating first time yield
- Calculating rolled throughput yield
- Costing poor quality as a performance metric
- Types of quality costs
- Calculating cycle time and take time
- Using Six Sigma metrics
Unit 5 - Six Sigma: identifying projects
- Voice of the customer
- Voice of the business
- Implementing a VOC strategy
- Using customer information for project definition
- Best practices
- Using a priority matrix
- Six Sigma methodology
- Project stakeholders
- Internal and external customers
- Process owners for a Six Sigma project
- Process components
- SIPOC diagram variables
Unit 6 - Six Sigma: project management basics
- Project charter elements
- Goal and problem statements
- Scoping a Six Sigma project
- Communication plan elements
- Planning tools
- Work breakdown structure
- Gantt charts
- Activity network diagrams
- Affinity diagrams
- Matrix charts
- Relations charts
- Tree diagrams
- Conducting a tollgate review
Unit 7 - Basic Six Sigma statistics
- Descriptive and inferential statistics
- Measures of central tendency and dispersion
- Calculating the mean, median and mode of a sample
- Range of samples
- Standard deviations of samples
- Sample variances
- Inferential statistics tools
- Effects of outliers
Unit 8 - Classifying and collecting data
- Data classification
- Qualitative and quantitative data
- Continuous and discrete data
- Types of measurement scales
- Automated data collection
- Data sampling and collection plans
- Best practices for data collection
- Quality of data
- Data collection technologies
- Data collection checklists
Unit 9 - Six Sigma measurement system analysis
- Measurement system errors
- Accuracy and precision
- Linearity, stability, and bias in a project
- Repeatability and reproducibility studies
- Total measurement system variation and analysis
Unit 10 - Lean tools and FMEA
- Lean concepts and tools
- 5S activities
- Value analysis and waste
- Value stream analysis
- Failure modes and effects analysis
- Types of FMEA
- Percentage reduction in RPN
- FMEA worksheet best practices
Unit 11 - Data analysis and root cause analysis in Six Sigma
- Variable types
- Normal and binomial distribution
- Distribution curves
- Causes of variations
- Root cause analysis
- 5 Whys Analysis
- Process map symbols
- Using relational matrix charts for root cause analysis
- Force-field analysis
Unit 12 - Six Sigma correlation, regression, and hypothesis testing
- Correlation analysis
- Using scatter diagrams to determine correlation
- Statistical significance of correlation
- Linear regression
- Regression analysis formula
- Hypotheses types
- Type I and Type II errors
- One-tailed and two-tailed hypothesis tests
- Power of a hypothesis test
Unit 13 - Six Sigma techniques for improvement
- Kaizen characteristics, activities and processes
- Applying Kaizen to a project
- PDCA cycle for projects
- Cost-benefit analysis
Unit 14 - Six Sigma control tools and documentation
- Control plan
- Process control to the process owner
- In-control processes
- Key elements of a control chart
- Xbar-R charts
- Effective documentation and document hierarchy
Assessment
Assessment
When you study with Australian Online Courses, you will be assessed using a competency-based training method.
Competency-based training focuses on the achievement of skills and knowledge against set criteria to ensure your competency is industry relevant. You will not be benchmarked against other students.
If you do not achieve a competency result on your first attempt, you have two more attempts to pass your assessment. So, you have three attempts in total to obtain a competency result.
In this way, you can complete your course in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
In this course, you will be assessed via multiple-choice questions to determine your mastery of details and specific knowledge gained during your studies to achieve a ‘competent’ or ‘not yet competent’ result.
Benefits of Multiple-Choice Assessments
- Appropriate for assessing students’ mastery of details and specific knowledge.
- Can be used to assess both simple knowledge and complex concepts.
- Questions can be answered quickly to accurately assess a students’ mastery of many topics relatively quickly.
- Assessment can be quickly and reliably scored to achieve a ‘competent’ or ‘not yet competent’ result.
- As the answers are visible, multiple-choice questions offer the opportunity for the continuation of the learning process, offering educational value.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- No entry requirements;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support;
- Easy to understand course content;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Certificate of Attainment/Completion issued for your CV (hard copy provided); and
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 15 hours. We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
While printed materials are not available for purchase, transcripts of video lectures and other learning resources are available for printing via our elearning system.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Learn to support project teams on high-level problem-solving tasks, fine-tune your analytical skills and business acumen and enhance your professional career credibility.