Lean Six Sigma Green Belt – QQI Level 7

Lean Six Sigma has become the fastest spreading and most successful approach to Continuous Improvement across all industries regardless of size, position in the supply chain or service provided.  An essential element of Lean Six Sigma roll-out is Green Belt training.  This Lean Six Sigma Green Belt training course will expose delegates to the powerful tools and methodologies necessary to successfully lead and contribute to DMAIC improvement projects within the organisation. SQT offers two QQI validated Green Belt programmes. This level 7 programme involves completing five training days (10 x half days for virtual training) and an individual company based project. Our other level 6 course involves completing five training days and a case study. This course fully complies with the ISO 13053-1:2011 Standard.

Delivery Mode

  • Public
    Programmes

    Dates
    Commencing 18 Jun 2024
    Commencing 18 Sep 2024
  • Virtual
    Training
    Programmes

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  • Blended
    Programmes

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  • Customised
    In-Company
    Programmes

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SnapshotSnapshot

Course Code
LSS012

What's covered?

Define

Aim
To successfully launch a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt project by refining a project charter, leading a project team, garnering support for the project from process stakeholders and ensuring a common understanding of the process across all project participants and stakeholders.

Learning Outcomes
Graduates achieve the following learning outcomes from the programme:

  1. Explain the DMAIC methodology that the project will follow
  2. Create a narrowly scoped problem statement using data to quantify the problem and its impact(s) on the organisation
  3. Undertake high level process mapping to assess the requirements of internal and external process customers to ensure these are understood by all team members and align with project goals
  4. Lead a project team comprising of peers from different functions with whom the learner has an established working relationship.
  5. Review and refine the project charter to minimize risks to successful project completion
  6. Create a basic communications plan to ensure stakeholders are kept informed of the projects progress at regular intervals
  7. Create a basic project plan to ensure the project is completed on time (within six months of training completion)

Measure

Aim
To develop a factual and accurate picture of the current state of process performance, identifying areas of weakness within the process for further investigation and achieving ‘quick win’ improvements where possible.

Learning Outcomes
Graduates achieve the following learning outcomes from the programme:

  1. Construct a suitable map of a process with the input of process experts (limited to Deployment, IPO, Flow Maps and Spaghetti maps)
  2. Identify waste and potential weaknesses in processes via analysis of process maps, brainstorming with process experts, observation or other suitable means.
  3. Prepare a basic data collection plan to gather data from the process to address areas of uncertainty among process experts.
  4. Examine the stability and capability of a process using historical process data
  5. Assess adequacy of process measurement systems and/or create operational definitions for new measures

Analyse

Aim
To understand the drivers of poor performance in a process and select focus areas for improvement actions.

Learning Outcomes
Graduates achieve the following learning outcomes from the programme:

  1. Identify causal relationships in a process using basic graphical analysis and team brainstorming techniques (eg. fishbone diagrams)
  2. Complete 5 why root cause analysis to investigate systemic drivers of variation and/or  waste in a process
  3. Examine possible sources of waste/variation to establish a shortlist for further investigation based on a variety of selection criteria
  4. Use basic graphical analysis of data to answer questions regarding shortlisted factors

Improve

Aim
To develop and implement optimum, sustainable solutions with minimum resistance from stakeholders in the organization

Learning Outcomes
Graduates achieve the following learning outcomes from the programme:

  1. Lead team based solutions workshops using creative thinking techniques to identify many potential solutions
  2. Select appropriate solutions from a list of possible solutions
  3. Demonstrate the effectiveness of chosen solutions using pilot studies, test data or post implementation data
  4. Manage stakeholders resistance to proposed solutions
  5. Effectively implement planned changes following appropriate change control procedures, updating documentation and conducting training of existing personnel impacted by these changes, as appropriate

Control

Aim
To verify solutions have been implemented effectively and ongoing controls are institutionalized in the organisation

Learning Outcomes
Graduates achieve the following learning outcomes from the programme:

  1. Standardise and simplify work practices to reduce potential for variation in process outputs
  2. Select appropriate control techniques for ongoing process control including statistical process controls as appropriate.
  3. Create a process control plan to identify responsibility for maintaining process performance at the new, desired level
  4. Compare the project results versus objectives. Communicate recommendations for further improvement and lessons learned from the project to project stakeholders and customers, as appropriate.

Who should participate?

This course is intended for front line problem solving personnel responsible for resolving process problems in day-to-day operations or responsible for leading Continuous Improvement teams.  It is also intended for those working with Lean Six Sigma Black Belts on major improvement programmes or looking for breakthrough performance in key business metrics.  Companies are rapidly realising that a Continuous Improvement Program and skilled practitioners to drive it is no longer optional but an absolute necessity if they are to survive and prosper in the long-term. Members of Engineers Ireland who attend this course may claim for CPD hours from Engineers Ireland

What will I learn?

The aim of the programme is to produce graduates who possess the pre-requisite knowledge of theory and practice of Lean Six Sigma to enable them to participate in process improvement efforts in their organisations. This includes successfully leading a Green Belt Team and contributing in a practical and value-added manner to a Black Belt Team Project.

Graduates achieve the following learning outcomes from the programme;

  • Have a good understanding of a variety of graphical and team based problem solving tools and the manner in which these are combined in the process of solving well defined and narrowly scoped business problems
  • Have a good understanding of basic statistical concepts while recognising limits of current knowledge
  • Be able to apply well established technical and creative tools to solve well defined and narrowly scoped process problems
  • Be able to participate in the planning and management of well defined and narrowly scoped process engineering projects
  • Be able to employ an investigative and data driven approach to establish the source of well defined process engineering problems
  • Be able to identify, and plan for effective implementation of, solutions to a variety of well defined process engineering problems
  • Be able to work effectively as a leader of  a cross functional problem solving team, taking responsibility for the work of team members
  • Have a good appreciation of the importance of effective communication in managing organisational change
  • Demonstrate, through successful completion of a narrowly scoped process engineering project, that the learner understands the discipline of the DMAIC approach and can deliver meaningful financial (target €30k p.a.) and/or customer benefit for the learners employer

Who are the tutors?

Ashling Keogh

A Black Belt with over 15 years’ experience of developing Lean Six Sigma programmes and delivering process improvement projects, Ashling has worked in a range of industries including telecoms and technology, retail, financial services, education, healthcare and logistics.

Ashling has lead projects working with teams across the globe and has deployed changes in fast-changing and complex environments. She has a very practical approach to projects and has strong change management skills. She has trained and mentored over eight hundred Yellow and Green belts. Ashling has also deployed Customer Experience projects where processes were enhanced to deliver a step-change in the quality of the interactions with customers.

Whether training is delivered in person or online, Ashling puts an emphasis on practical examples and activities that directly relate to the environment of the trainees. The Lean Six Sigma tool demonstrations are peppered with real-life examples and advice on the most efficient way to get results.

Ashling enjoys working with people to develop their Lean Six Sigma skills in applying the tools to gain insights into their business challenges and develop targeted plans to achieve their project goals.

Always looking to continuously improve, Ashling has recently completed a Diploma in Digital Learning Design, applying the best practice in digital learning to all her online courses.


Éamon Ó Béarra

As an experienced ASQ certified Black Belt and passionate advocate of Lean Six Sigma, Éamon has gained a reputation for his common sense approach and practical know how as a continuous improvement consultant and trainer in a variety of blue chip companies. Since co-founding ASST in 2001 and partnering with SQT, Éamon has trained and certified hundreds of Lean Six Sigma Green Belts and Black Belts in a range of environments in the Manufacturing and Services Sector and most recently in the Food and Beverages Sector.

Prior to becoming a trainer Éamon worked in key management positions in quality, process engineering, process auditing and warranty arenas with such marquee companies such as AlliedSignal, GenCorp, Enterprise Ireland and Eagle Registrations.

Éamon attained his 3rd level education in NUI Galway with a Bachelor of Technology and a Masters of Applied Science.

Today, Éamon is a Director of ASST Ltd. whose primary role is the delivery of training on behalf of SQT but in addition, the tutors also provide a broad range of Lean Six Sigma support services such as project mentoring, programme support, analytical services and coaching. This ensures that as trainers they have their finger on the pulse of what is happening in Industry which they bring to every Lean Six Sigma Training Programme.


John Ryan

John, BE, is one of Ireland’s leading experts in Lean Six Sigma, having trained over 250 Black Belts and hundreds of Green Belts across all industry sectors. A Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and ASQ certified Black Belt with over 20 years’ experience , John is chair of the Irish Six Sigma Network hosted by SQT, a network of continuous improvement experts from all over Ireland which has met quarterly since 2004. With a background in Quality from the automotive industry, John has over 10 years’ experience working at senior management and VP level within various multinationals in the US, before returning to Ireland in 2001.

As a Lean Six Sigma consultant John is contracted with a number of large multinational organisations to provide global programme and project support as well as with several smaller Irish companies to support their Lean Six Sigma deployments. John is Managing Director of ASST Ltd. whose primary role is the delivery of training on behalf of SQT but in addition, the tutors also provide a broad range of Lean Six Sigma support services such as project mentoring, programme support, analytical services and coaching. This ensures that as trainers they have their finger on the pulse of what is happening in Industry which they bring to each and every Lean Six Sigma Training Programme.


Nicola Donohoe

Nicola, a Science graduate from NUI Maynooth (B.Sc.), is a Master Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma with almost 20 years experience in a large variety of industries including manufacturing, transactional and pharmaceutical both in private & public sectors. Nicola has designed, project managed and successfully implemented process improvement solutions in operational and service functions ranging from engineering to supply chain and from finance to human resources. While working at Dell she conducted extensive project mentoring which enabled the delivery of savings in excess of €100m through Lean & Six Sigma programmes. She is an experienced hands-on facilitator of Lean Strategy methodologies such as Hoshin Kanri and X-Matrix in a wide variety of business functions and with Senior Leadership teams within Dell. In addition to her experience in a manufacturing environment, Nicola has many years of experience in Financial Services and IT environments and with the management of both Global and pan-European Lean Six Sigma programmes roll-outs.

Nicola is a superb trainer and a specialist process improvement and development expert who works extensively with organisations and companies to reduce risk and optimise efficiency, productivity and profitability. She enjoys demystifying Lean Six Sigma for learners.


Pat Cullinane

Pat has 20 years’ experience in lean, six sigma, project and change management. He is a certified Black Belt, Lean Expert & Certified Change Management Practitioner with international experience at site and corporate levels, supporting up to 31 locations, in financial, supply chain, process & quality improvement. He is experienced in manufacturing projects and business process improvement, with a strong focus on financial return.

Pat is highly qualified and his qualifications inlclude;

  • Bachelor of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Cork Institute of Technology, Ireland (1996)
  • Stanford Project Management Certified (SCPM)
  • Certified Change Management Practitioner by Prosci
  • Certified Lean Manufacturing Expert by the University of Kentucky
  • Certified Six Sigma Black Belt by Tyco Healthcare

What are the entry requirements?

  • Level 6 Advanced/Higher Certificate/ Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Special Purpose Award (Level 6) or higher qualification i.e. Ordinary or Honours degree in any discipline
    or
    A person who has demonstrated the achievement of this level by accredited prior experiential learning (APEL)
  • Suitable project to complete during training
  • Fundamental competence in basic Microsoft Office suite of software
  • A laptop with the most recent version of SigmaXL software.
    (On Public courses, this software will be supplied to delegates by SQT and is included in the course fee. On In-House courses, SQT can supply the software licences if required or should your organisation currently use an alternative software package (such as SPCXL or Minitab) this can be used)
  • All applicants are required to demonstrate a high level of competence in the English Language. International Students whose first language is not English must provide evidence of equivalent competence in English Language of greater than or equal to B2+ in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL).
  • Skills that are considered necessary for successful participation in the programme include:
    • willingness to learn (reading, research)
    • good communication skills
    • ability to self-direct

How will I be assessed?

Delegates are required to complete an individual Lean Six Sigma Green Belt project which, using the DMAIC methodology, will realise the project goals and objectives for their organisation.

Assessment is based on:

  1. Project Proposal (20%) consisting of
    • Project Charter (An initial draft of the Project Charter must be submitted to SQT prior to commencement of training.  Comprehensive guidelines on project selection and a sample Project Charter will be supplied in advance to all course delegates)
    • Project Plan
  2. Written Project Report (80%) – includes a Project Story Board.

Comprehensive guidelines will be given during the course to all delegates. The delegate has up to 6 months following training to complete their final written project report.

How do we train and support you?

This course is a taught course over five days. Delegates then complete an individual Lean Six Sigma Green Belt project which, using the DMAIC methodology, will realise the project goals and objectives for their company.  Delegates have up to 6 months following training to complete their final written project report.

This course is highly interactive and uses practical exercises to reinforce tool understanding and learning. The training is enhanced by the vast experience of the tutors who have trained hundreds of Green Belts and Black Belts as well as completing numerous transactional and manufacturing projects themselves.

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Training is challenging in terms of content and time requirement.  A ‘rule of thumb’ for QQI validated HET (Higher Education and Training) programmes is that one credit is equivalent to approximately 25 ‘learner effort hours’. ‘Learner effort hours’ include training days, time spent at project, time spent studying/reading, learning on the job.

Mentoring
Throughout the training and right through to project completion, Green Belt candidates will receive support and mentoring from their tutor.

Company Support
For companies embarking on a new Lean Six Sigma deployment, a 1 day ‘Introduction to Lean Six Sigma’ and a 2 day ‘Lean Six Sigma Champion’ training is available for company personnel, as required.

Free Access to Online Resources
SQT provide learners with access to a free online platform. The online system provides learners with access to a wealth of learning resources (such as course notes, presentations, additional reading, templates, screen casts and links to useful websites). Learners can also upload assessments and receive feedback from Tutors via the system.

Lean Six Sigma Network
Lean Six Sigma Practitioners will be invited to join the Lean Six Sigma Network where they will receive ongoing support and development in their role as a Lean Six Sigma leader and practitioner, as well as network with other companies rolling out Lean Six Sigma initiatives. Meetings are held quarterly.

Programme accreditation

This course is validated by QQI (formerly HETAC) at Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications.  Successful delegates will receive a Special Purpose Award, Certificate in Process Engineering (15 ECTS Credits).

Awards made by QQI are on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). The NFQ provides a way to compare qualifications, and to ensure that they are quality assured and recognised at home and abroad. Qualifications (awards) in the NFQ are recognised in Ireland and abroad.

This programme can be used as a basis for applying for ASQ (American Society for Quality) certification.  Delegates can sit the ASQ Green Belt certification examination. Some further self-study will be required. ASQ certification is a formal recognition by ASQ that an individual has demonstrated a proficiency within, and comprehension of, a specific body of knowledge.

All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of the provider ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded. If transferring to another provider to facilitate programme completion, all learner records will be transferred.

How can you progress?

Delegates may progress to Black Belt programmes.

Pat Cullinane


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  • Commencing 18 Jun 2024
    Location: Dublin Book Date
  • Commencing 18 Sep 2024
    Location: Dublin Book Date

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt – QQI Level 7

Blended Training: €2,495
+ €245 (certification fees)
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  • Commencing 18 Jun 2024
    Delivery: Blended Training
    Location: Dublin
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  • Commencing 18 Sep 2024
    Delivery: Blended Training
    Location: Dublin
    Book Date

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