Six Sigma*
Overview
With the globalization of quality standards, major organizations have adopted Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to empower their staffs to identify and quantify defects and then take steps to systematically eliminate them. Individuals with specialized training in Six Sigma are recognized through their designation as Blackbelt or Greenbelt certified. The NGS Six Sigma Certificate programs project-based, thus giving students the chance to demonstrate real-world results.
Six Sigma – What Is It?
Popularized in the mid-1980’s by Motorola, Six Sigma is the accepted statistical measure for analyzing and reducing defects and waste. Six Sigma certificates are a marketplace requirement by major industry leaders such as General Electric, Boeing and Allied Signal. Morgan Stanley and USA Today note that comprehensive Six Sigma programs drive up company stock values. Black Belts are sought after and are considered valued employees.
It’s as Easy as 1-2-3
The NGS Six Sigma Certificate programs follow a 1-2-3 pattern:
- Top-level involvement and commitment by senior leadership
- Practical training to reduce defects and cost of poor quality
- Formal results report-out to verify organizational savings
NGS Six Sigma Programs
NGS trains hundreds of students in Six Sigma methodology, tools and methods annually.
Black Belt in Six Sigma
The Black Belt Six Sigma Program is designed for adult working professionals who aim to manage work-related projects, to achieve a skill set relevant to what is generally understood as “six sigma applications” and to apply the “best practices” of six sigma in actual projects.
Green Belt in Six Sigma
The Green Belt Six Sigma program is designed for adult working professionals who aim to participate as team members on work-related projects, to achieve a practice-oriented introductory skill set relevant to what is generally understood as “six sigma applications” and to follow the guidance of team leaders in order to apply the “best practices” of six sigma in actual projects.
NGS students learn to use and apply Six Sigma and other process improvement and continuous improvement tools to find and minimize the effects of not only the failure modes causing variation in processes but also the root causes driving them.
NGS students are trained to find and fix problems in a more direct and tactical manner. First, they start with working on the right problem. Second, they find the failure modes, variation by following process data and information. Finally, they develop and deploy Improvement Plans that apply the best tools to fix your problems and sustain performance gains.
Program Descriptions
NGS Black Belt Certification
A four course program held over four months. Certification requires completion of process improvement project by end of fifth month. (Learn More)
NGS Green Belt certification
A two course program held over two months. Certification requires completion of project by end of third month. (Learn More)
The Results Speak for Themselves
Alumni from The National Graduate School have successfully applied Six Sigma methodologies in numerous professional environments such as Department of Defense, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Anteon Corporation, Veridian Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, National Cancer Institute, FDA, Joint Chiefs, White House Communication, Bio-Terrorism Preparedness Agencies, Walter Reed Medical Centers, Defense Logistics Agency, GE, National Naval Medical Center, United Technologies, Bose Corporation, National Guard Bureau, ANSER Corporation, US Coast Guard Headquarters and national locations, and many other affiliations throughout industry and government.
*Not available in Massachusetts.