Lean Six Sigma Bursts

In this episode, I discuss an important concept in Six Sigma: Y = f(x) or Y is a function of x. Y is your measured output, and X represents the inputs to your process, and the function represents the process and how the X factors relate or impact the Y. Another way to state it is Inputs (X), Processes (Function) and Outputs (Y) or IPO. I explain how this concept can be used when thinking through y...

In this episode, I summarize 6 different types of projects you can use for a Lean Six Sigma certification Improve Quality Reduce Speed and Time Reduce Cost and Consumption of Resources Reduce Risk Improve Capacity and Flow Improve Experience and Satisfaction Ratings I also share examples of each across 4 industries: Manufacturing, Office, Government and Healthcare You can also read about these 6 t...

In this episode, I discuss a specific method for capturing process improvements using surveys, and how you can isolate the improvements so that the difference between survey participants doesn't hide the results. I also referenced a similar survey I conducted (Episode 77), where I shared the survey results at a company after implementing a daily huddle. You can check out episode #77 from June...

In this episode, I share a list of the simulations I use in my training classes to teach Lean and Six Sigma methods and techniques. To see the entire list, go to https://greenbeltcertification.com/lean-six-sigma-training-simulations/ If you'd like to attend the Green Belt with Copilot Part 2 webinar, I had to reschedule to April 13th. I'll go through ANOVA, DOE, Regression and other hypoth...

In this episode, I share the kickoff to last week's webinar called "Green Belt Refresher using Copilot - Part 1" where I do a quick refresher of the DMAIC roadmap taught in Green and Black Belt training programs. A good refresher for those who have previously taken a course, or for those new to DMAIC. To listen to the entire webinar, where I show how Copilot compares with Minitab for...

In this episode, I share the kickoff to last week's webinar called "Green Belt Refresher using Copilot - Part 1" where I discuss the reason for the webinar, and what the current challenges are with teaching Six Sigma with different statistical software packages. To listen to the entire webinar, where I show how Copilot compares with Minitab for graphical analysis, summary statistics,...

Next week on February 11th, I'll be holding a kickoff session for a training and coaching program with people who work at a nonprofit organization (or volunteer with one). The goal of the program is to teach the participant about Lean methods, then help them implement a project in their nonprofit organization so they can improve a process and earn a certification. You can learn more at https:/...

This episode is from an article I wrote a few months ago in response to questions about Six Sigma certification and the impact on your salary and promotions. In summary, a Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification can lead to: Higher average salaries Faster raises and promotions Broader career opportunities like leadership and consulting Improved problem solving skills that deliver real bus...

In the ⁠Lean Six Sigma Ecosystem⁠ , I have posted numerous courses over the past few months, and quite a few of them are free. If you're not aware, the  adoption of Lean in the healthcare industry  has been pretty dramatic over the past 20+ years. I took some of the best healthcare-specific Lean training videos I've used in my Lean Six Sigma courses and compiled them into one online course...

The following is the summary of the December 3rd webinar I presented called " Quality Improvement Tools for Food and Beverage Manufacturing " I just edited the webinar and turned it into a course in Lean Six Sigma Ecosystem . Although it is geared towards the food and beverage (F&B) industry, it is open to those from any industry looking to improve quality, reduce variation and incre...

In this podcast, I share details about a tool that I call "Process Log" but maybe you've heard it called something else. It's an approach to documenting changes, observations and other activities that happen in a work area on a daily basis, so you can reference them in the future. I also recommended checking out the Root Cause Analysis course, where you can learn about the 6 M&#3...

In this podcast, I share a module from the new Lean Six Sigma White Belt course I have recently released for free on the LeanSixSigmaEcosystem.com platform. This module describes a quick history of Lean (or Toyota Production System) and how it evolved from the US to Japan and back to the US. You can sign up for the free course at https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/c/lean-six-sigma-white-belt Le...

In this podcast, I share one of the articles I found from October 1992 about a government efficiency program at the State of Iowa, called Total Quality Government. I read through the article and share my thoughts about how it morphed into their modern improvement program. This article can be found at https://www.leansixsigmaforgood.com/new-tpm-management-techniques-might-mean-better-government-199...

In this podcast, I share a short presentation I gave about the concept of Lean Coffee this week. It is an informal meeting structure where participants brainstorm topics and vote on what gets discussed. An alternative to spending time planning and guessing what people want to talk about or learn. I also explain how it differs but is similar to an unconference. You can learn more about the origin o...

In this podcast, I share the second section of a course I'm creating for ⁠Lean Six Sigma Ecosystem⁠ called "Nonparametric Statistics" Nonparametrics are an alternative way of analyzing data, but instead of using means and standard deviations traditionally taught in Green Belt and Black Belt classes, it uses median and quartiles or percentiles. The calculations are simpler, and there...

In this podcast, I share the first two sections of a course I'm creating for Lean Six Sigma Ecosystem called "Nonparametric Statistics" Nonparametrics are an alternative way of analyzing data, but instead of using means and standard deviations traditionally taught in Green Belt and Black Belt classes, it uses median and quartiles or percentiles. The calculations are simpler, and ther...

In this podcast, I share the summary of a project I worked on almost 20 years, but is still relevant today. A grant was awarded to the Cedar Rapids (IA) community to study anticoagulation management using Lean and Six Sigma. One of the key analysis performed in the project was a Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility (R&R) study. We wanted to determine if blood samples taken from a patient on...

In this episode, I share a clip from the book chapter I wrote for "Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba" Volume 1. I explain how I used net promoter score (NPS) to assess the attendee feedback of a fundraising conference I helped organize. By the way, this entire podcast was spoken by my AI voice created by Eleven Labs. Links for this episode: Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons...

In this episode, I share a clip from the book chapter I wrote for "Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba" Volume 1. I explain how I used risk management methods to reduce the chance of problems when planning my first fundraising conference. By the way, this entire podcast was spoken by my AI voice created by Eleven Labs. Links for this episode: Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the G...

In this podcast, I explain a virtual coaching and mentoring program that will be starting next week. Whether you’re rolling out a new project, stuck on data analysis, or facing resistance to change, you need specific help for your unique situation that aligns within your company culture. You’re already solving problems. Now I'd like to help you solve them faster, with less frustration, and more im...

In this podcast, I share the results of a "Lean at Home" project I performed within the last year as part of a training and certification program I piloted with my friends and family. The project successfully reduced our storage costs per month by over 50%, and then 100% within the past few weeks! You can download the project summary here: http://www.leansixsigmahomes.com/wp-content/uplo...

In this podcast, I share the audio from a video of a speech given by former Nebraska governor and current US Senator, Pete Ricketts. He discusses how Nebraska used Lean Six Sigma to improve their services to residents, reduced costs, building space and time. He encourages the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to utilize a similar approach. You can watch the video at https://www.youtube.co...

The following was a clip from a recent presentation, where I discuss how hypothesis testing can help you draw more statistically valid conclusions from data, and avoid misleading or incorrect conclusions. I share two examples. The first was a data set from the Denver Sheriff's Department, where they graphed and analyzed intake use of force incidents, but their conclusions don't seem to mat...

The following was a clip from a recent presentation, where I discuss the importance of data in improvement (seems obvious, yet not always present). I also share the unique situation that happened in the 1948 Presidential Election when polling data was biased towards the candidate that lost. As I dug deeper into this story, I don't see where they specifically mention the phone, but there was a...

In this podcast, I share a successful case study of a Lean Six Sigma training and certification program conducted for a battery manufacturer about 2 years ago. By completing real-life projects, they were able to payback the investment in the training in under one month! Links Manufacturer invests in Green Belt training that leads to significant savings and payback: https://www.biz-pi.com/manufactu...