Thinking about getting a certification in Sigma 6. I'd like to hear some feedback about whether it is worth the time and energy.

 

Also, if there are any recommendations of schools to consider and equally important, ones to avoid. I'd be looking to do this online if possible. I see a ton of schools out there, but today it is hard to determine what is crap and what is good. And just because it has a university logo, it doesn't mean they are providing any better instruction than a professional development school.

 

Way back in the 90's, I was very involved with getting the company I worked for up to ISO standards, with a heavy focus on JIT inventory and QC. That was quite a learning experience and difficult task for sure.

 

Thanks in advance.

I highly recommend getting certified. Understanding process improvement as you already do gives you an advantage. I've reviewed the program(online edu) from VillaNova and it's one of the better and more recognized programs out there. If you're not looking for online training then you may want to get in touch with ASQ, as they have a great many assaciates in the northern part of the state. The question is, are you considering an industry specific cert like I did?

Here's my only fear.. Six Sigma has been the flavor of the month for about 10 years. Before that it was TQM and Demming.

 

I just hope that Six Sigma doesn't fall by the wayside.

 

I don't know how the certs from universities work, I've always heard of belts being conferred by being on an active team.

 

But hey..those days are behind me I only taught the stuff...LOL

 

Wojo - can you get a process improvement team together at work and get your employer to foot the bill?

Here's my only fear.. Six Sigma has been the flavor of the month for about 10 years. Before that it was TQM and Demming.

 

I just hope that Six Sigma doesn't fall by the wayside.

 

I think this has already begun. I see fewer and fewer positions listed that mention Six Sigma belts, including within my onw company. Not sure what the new panacea will ne, but I'm pretty sure Six Sigma has begun to fade away.

6 Sigma seems to be becoming a thing of the past, but it still comes up as a desirable thing. Problem is, when I was consulting on Business Continuity, many times when it came to Supply Chain Vulnerabilities, we butted heads with the lean and mean is better. If your JIT supply chain depends on India and they have a massive power outage, (or port labor strike) what happens to your company for example?

 

I want to explore what might be available for some VA training. In this economy, I need every advantage.

I think this has already begun. I see fewer and fewer positions listed that mention Six Sigma belts, including within my onw company. Not sure what the new panacea will ne, but I'm pretty sure Six Sigma has begun to fade away.

 

Fade away as a skill set, or as a certification? I would think that given the tubulence in the economy, that anything that could protect the bottom line would be of interest. Of course the cost of implementation may outweigh the short term benefits which could be a real wet blanket.

Fade away as a skill set, or as a certification? I would think that given the tubulence in the economy, that anything that could protect the bottom line would be of interest. Of course the cost of implementation may outweigh the short term benefits which could be a real wet blanket.

 

I think when we talk about fadding away we, or I am at least, are talking about having a black best helping get you a foot in the door.

Fade away as a skill set, or as a certification? I would think that given the tubulence in the economy, that anything that could protect the bottom line would be of interest. Of course the cost of implementation may outweigh the short term benefits which could be a real wet blanket.

 

Fade away as in the certification not being sought after or even desired by employers. The skill-set itself could still be of value, but could also end up in conflict with newer philosophies. Additionally, many of the companies I know of that were big into Six Sigma some years ago have largely abandoned it now due to high costs of implementation and the belief that the majority of the potential cost savings had already been realized.

 

I just don't see this as a good endeavor to further one's career anymore.