ABSTRACT
This stage of the Six Sigma implementation process is designed to provide intensive training to individuals who are about to become black belts (BBs) in the organization. The training is 4 weeks, spread over several months, and teaches the prospective black belt the new philosophy, statistics and their application, change management, project orientation, conflict resolution, and many other tools and methodologies to enhance customer satisfaction and organizational profitability. This is the most intensive and in-depth training of the whole series as the black belt is expected to facilitate change in the organization. The BB is expected to come in contact with executives, middle management, and operators. Therefore, their selection is very critical and important to the success of the project as well as the Six Sigma philosophy in the given organization. Training for BBs must be based on both
why
do it as well as
how
to do it. It is often suggested that several simulated exercises and problems may be
sprinkled throughout the course to make the key points more emphatic. Generally, there are also significant homework assignments for more detailed analyses and indepth evaluations. Traditional exercises may deal with definitions and their applications, process mapping,
all
statistical applications, FMEAs, cost-benefit analysis, and familiarization of a computer software package, several of which are available — SAS, SPSS, MINITAB, and others.
