Six Sigma is a business management strategy which seeks to improve the quality of process outputs by identifying and removing the causes of defects (errors) and minimizing variability in the manufacturing and business processes. It uses a set of quality management methods, including statistical methods, and creates an infrastructure of people within the organization (“Black Belts”, “Green Belts”, etc.) who are experts in these methods. Each Six Sigma project carried out within an organization follows a defined sequence of steps and has quantified financial targets (cost reduction or profit increase).

In the book “Winning”, by Jack and Suzy Welch, they write that, “Nothing compares to the effectiveness of Six Sigma when it comes to improving a company’s operational efficiency, raising its productivity and lowering its costs. It improves design processes, gets products to the market faster with fewer defects and builds customer loyalty. Perhaps the biggest benefit of Six Sigma is its capacity to develop a cadre of leaders.”

However, as with many strategies and methodologies, it is crucial to realize that the process alone will not magically deliver the desired results. It would be a mistake to imagine that the introduction of Six Sigma would automatically result in a change for the better at a company just because they purchased the material, or employed a consultant to help with the implementation. The real challenge is in changing the hearts and minds of the people in the organization, and ensuring they have the right understanding of the business processes, and how what they do affects the entire process. It requires a mindset shift.

Employees are the most valuable resource which any company has, and this is no different in Six Sigma organizations. Companies should provide their employees with ongoing skills development and the latest innovations in training practices. Where Six Sigma is introduced, all employees should receive initial and ongoing training – and feedback on how implementation has improved the business on all levels. Management should do the ”Green Belt” certification, while specialists should complete the “Black Belt” version.

It is always challenging to train an entire organization because production can never come to a complete halt during the training process. So, it may be worth considering a blended approach where online training (e-learning) is always available, and can be used to introduce the principles and foundation knowledge, while short workshops deal with the implementation at a specific organization. These workshops could take the form of face-to-face training or could even happen by webinar.

The other real benefit of an e-learning solution is that it is always available for refresher and remedial training, and new hires can get training as soon as they start.

Laragh Skills can provide online learning needed for your business management strategy. Visit learningsolutions4africa.com for more information on Six Sigma Foundation, Green Belt, Black Belt and Champion training.