FAQ

At its most basic, Lean Six Sigma is a data-driven, team-based, and structured approach to solving business problems. It is a powerful process improvement methodology that combines the waste reduction focus and tools inherent in Lean with the cultural, structural and analytical methods of Six Sigma. The DMAIC process (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) provides the overriding structure to solve problems.

Click here for more information about LSS.

For more information about TMAC’s LSS Program click here.

For information on the history of Lean Six Sigma click here.

Our methods are based on best practices developed at George Group, and modified by our staff through our experience in teaching over 100 different LSS classes.

• Two Instructor Model – We use two instructors for all classes and workshops. This exposes students to instructors with knowledge of different industries and experience level with tools. It also allows for more student support during class exercises. 
• Applicability – Course material is very focused on the practical application of the various tools and methods. We focus on achieving results, not on theory. 
• Daily Reviews – We begin each day with a review of the major topics covered the previous day. Students cite this element as a key to their learning.
• Hands-On – We incorporate many exercises, simulations, team activities, student presentations, and an end-of-course capstone with multiple case studies.
• Completed Projects – Our staff show examples of completed projects so students can see how the DMAIC process works from start to finish.
• Project Coaching – Students receive coaching on their projects during each week of training. Additional coaching is available between class sessions. If desired, our staff will provide coaching after the class is complete.

This varies from company to company, but a LSS Program at most firms will have the following in place:

• Deployment Champion – Oversees the overall Lean Six Sigma Program including scheduling training, selecting GB and BB candidates for training, selecting projects, establishing standards, working with senior management, and tracking results.
• Project Sponsors – Owns process in need of improvement, helps establish project goals and scope, provides resources, implements and sustains solutions.
• Black Belts – Leads project teams to solve basic to advanced problems, completes rigorous 4-week class, typically 50-100% dedicated to process improvement, may help select projects, may provide coaching of new Green Belts, may work on problems in many areas of the business (as opposed to only one department).
• Green Belts – Leads project teams to solve basic problems, completes 2-week class, typically 10-20% dedicated to process improvement, often focuses on solving problems in their department.
• Master Black Belt – Able to teach LSS Black Belt or Green Belt courses, provides project coaching for GBs and BBs, works closely with Deployment Champion in setting standards, may develop course curriculum, often active in project selection process, may lead project teams on solving the most challenging problems. Must be a certified LSS Black Belt to qualify for the rigorous 3-week MBB class.

For information on starting a new Lean Six Sigma program click here.

To be clear, you can go straight to the Black Belt course. There is no requirement for you to first attend Green Belt training. Some individuals do choose to go to the Green Belt course first. That approach is an excellent one as there is no better preparation for BB training than GB training.

Both Green Belts and Black Belts are trained to be problem solvers. Both receive training on the DMAIC process and learn about Lean and Six Sigma tools. While there is a lot of overlap between the two courses, Black Belt training tends to be more rigorous and includes some advanced tools.

 

Things to Consider	Green Belt	Black Belt
Length of training	Two weeks	Four weeks
Math & statistics topics	Basic	Basic & Advanced
Lean topics	Basic	Basic & Advanced
Project management topics	Same	Same
Software	Sigma XL	Minitab
Time spent working on projects	10-20%	50-100%
Difficulty of projects	Low to medium	Medium to high
Scope of projects	Typically one department, usually in area where GB has process knowledge	One to many departments; may be in area where BB has process knowledge
Expected financial impact	Low to medium	Medium to high

Click here for a comparison of financial impact of BB and GB

Please click here for a list of class offerings.

• Course Materials & Software:
  • Course textbooks (this varies with the class) 
  • Training materials (a 3-ring binder for each week of class) 
  • Many commonly used templates (MS Excel files)
  • Sigma XL statistical software (Green Belt only)
• Food & Drink:
  • Breakfast & lunch daily, plus snacks, coffee & soft drinks 
• Project Coaching:
  • Coaching is provided during each week of training
  • Additional coaching is available through phone calls and/or email between class sessions, and after a class is completed.
• Project Certification Review:
  • Project files submitted for certification are reviewed to make sure the DMAIC process was followed and appropriate tools were used.
  • In some cases the GB / BB candidate is asked to participate in a phone call to share information about their project(s).
  • Feedback and coaching is provided in terms of best practices, recommended tools or methods, and lessons learned.

• Laptop computer
• For Black Belts, Minitab statistical software
  • Note: Minitab can be purchased through TMAC. Contact us for details. 
• Student expenses related to travel (hotel, meals, airfare, taxi, etc.). 
• Extensive, onsite project coaching

• LSS Class – No, there are no formal prerequisites for these classes. We start in Week 1 with an assumption that you know very little about lean or statistics. Our instructors do assume that all GB and BB candidates have the following knowledge and skills before attending training classes:
  • Basic critical thinking skills
  • Basic algebra and math skills
  • Basic knowledge of MS Office software, especially Excel

• LSS Practitioners – Working as a Green Belt or Black Belt means you must lead a team to solve a problem. There are some skills which are very important to be successful in this role. Although we do cover some basics of project management and team facilitation, we assume all GB and BB candidates have the following:
  • Self-directed
  • Ability to overcome obstacles
  • Basic organization skills
  • Basic communication skills (speaking, writing)
  • Past experience on a team (preferably leading a team)

If you are concerned about your math and statistical skills, we recommend that you take our Pre-Course Algebra and Statistics Quizzes. You should be able to answer the questions on these short quizzes relatively easily. Please contact us for a copy of these documents.

Please contact the Lean Six Sigma Events Manager for pricing.

TMAC does offer a discount for multiple attendees in the same class.

The methods for payment are credit card, check or purchase order. We ask that payment be made by the start date of a new class.

To pay by credit card: 

1. Select the “Credit Card” option under the list of payment methods on the checkout page when registering online.
2. Enter your card information into the required fields.
3. Click the finish button. A confirmation email will be sent to you with details on your registration and payment.

*If you do not want to enter your credit card information online, please select the pay by check method in order to complete your registration, and call (817) 272-5986 to pay with your credit card over the phone. TMAC does not store customer credit card information.

To pay by check: 

1. Select the “Check” option under the list of payment methods on the checkout page when registering online.
2. Click the finish button. A confirmation email will be sent to you with details on your registration. An invoice will be sent when this option is selected. We ask that payment be made before the start date of your class.

*Please make your check payable to the University of Texas at Arlington and send to the following address:

Address: TMAC Attn: Katie Beaver, 202 East Border Street, Suite 323, Arlington, TX 76010

To pay by purchase order:

1. Select the “Purchase Order” option under the list of payment methods on the checkout page when registering online.
2. Enter your PO number in the provided section.
3. Click the finish button. A confirmation email will be sent to you with details on your registration. An invoice will be sent when this option is selected. We ask that payment be made before the start date of your class.

*Please make your check payable to the University of Texas at Arlington and send to the following address:

Address: TMAC Attn: Katie Beaver, 202 East Border Street, Suite 323, Arlington, TX 76010

Two certificates are given: One for successfully completing the LSS class, and a second one for demonstrating the ability to use the DMAIC process and appropriate Lean Six Sigma tools to solve a problem at your company. 

• Certificate 1 (Course) – You must do the following: 
  • Complete all Pre-Work and Homework assignments 
  • Participate actively in all scheduled training 
  • Pass the final comprehensive exam (80% or higher)

• Certificate 2 (Practitioner) – You must do the following: 
  • Complete project work using the DMAIC process. One project is required for Green Belt certification and two projects for Black Belt certification. Project work must be completed within one year of finishing training 
  • Submit documentation on the completed project work for review 
  • Submit a letter endorsing your work from a senior manager 

The project should be one that:

• Should be scoped such that it can be completed in 3-6 months 
• Should have a high likelihood of success 
• Should be of strategic importance to the company 
• Should engage the project sponsor 
• Should have the potential for significant financial impact 
• Preferably the process generates multiple data points per week

The most common mistake of new Green Belt and Black Belt students is choosing projects with a scope that is too big. Click here for more detailed information on project selection.

LSS Green Belt, Black Belt, and Master Black Belt classes are held from Monday through Friday.  Typically classes begin at 10:00 am on Monday. Tuesday through Friday classes start at 8:00 am. Classes wrap up each day about 5:30 pm except for Friday when they finish at noon. All times are in CST.

Classes are normally held at the Center for Innovation (202 East Border St, Arlington, TX 76010), which is part of The University of Texas at Arlington. Classes may also be held at the Bob Duncan Center (2800 South Center St, Arlington, TX 76014), which is part of the City of Arlington. Occasionally classes may be held at other locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, or in other parts of Texas.

NOTE: TMAC can provide training onsite. Contact us for details.

Most LSS classes range in size from as small as eight to as many as 25 students. The typical GB and BB class size is 10-12 students. MBB classes tend to be smaller, with 5-10 students.

• Importance – Our experience is that new Green Belts and Black Belts are much more successful when they have a coach to help them, especially on their first project.
• During Class – In each week of training our instructors are available to meet with you during breaks or outside of normal class hours.
• Between Class Sessions – Between weeks of class, our instructors can answer your project questions, typically via email or phone call.
• Post Class Coaching – After class is complete you can arrange for additional coaching.

• Pace & Amount of Information – Many students find the pace of the course to be challenging. Some students tell us it is like ‘drinking from a fire hose’. A related issue is how to absorb the amount of information covered. Instructors repeat the most important topics through examples and exercises to help increase retention.
• Context – Some students are unsure how to apply specific tools or methods to their business. Our instructors work to bridge the gap between concept and reality.
• Activity Level – Individuals accustomed to being on their feet all day sometimes find the time spent seated in a classroom environment to be a challenge. Instructors alternate lectures with exercises, simulations, and discussions. We also take frequent breaks.
• Technically Advanced Concepts (Black Belt only) – For BB students the most technically advanced topics include Replenishment Pull Systems, Hypothesis Testing, Regression, Analysis of Variance and Design of Experiments. The common challenge with these topics is the use of algebra. These topics also require students to think in a somewhat abstract way about the underlying theory. Instructors make sure students get multiple cycles of learning with these topics.

Yes! Onsite training can be provided if you have enough people for a class. The training can also be tailored to meet your organization’s specific needs. Click here for more information on dedicated classes.

Yes – this is typically done through our 2-day LSS Champion & Sponsor workshop. Unlike our other classes, this workshop is usually delivered onsite and is tailored for each firm’s specific needs and goals. There are other LSS training classes available which may be appropriate for members of the management team.

Contact us for details.

Please contact our Events Manager:

Phone: (817) 272-5986

Mail: tmacevents@uta.edu

If you register for a Lean Six Sigma Course, then have to cancel there are two scenarios:

(a) If the cancellation occurs more than 21 business days before the start of a class, then there are no fees associated with the withdrawal.

(b) If the cancellation occurs within 21 business days prior to the first day of class a 20% cancellation fee will be assessed.