Page 61 - Six Sigma Demystified

42 Six SigMa DemystifieD

more realistic than certification exams that do not allow for the use of statistical
software. With only the use of a calculator, it’s quite difficult to have a realistic
estimate of a black belt’s technical skills. The IQF provides a form for use by the
employer’s certification committee that identifies three main components of
certification: change- agent skills, application of tools and techniques, and ability
to achieve results. It also provides a change- agent checklist that is completed by
sponsors and team members and submitted to the committee for review.

Green belts

Green belts are employees trained in basic Six Sigma concepts to work as part
of a team assigned to a given project.

KSA Requirements for Green Belts

The role of green belts is to provide local process expertise to a team and to
facilitate the brainstorming and data- acquisition activities of the team. Unlike
black belts, who leave their operational duties behind, green belts “keep their
day job.” Likely green belt candidates include process supervisors, operators or
clerical staff, technicians, and any other individual who may wish to serve on a
project team. Eventually, most employees will achieve green belt status.
For the initial waves of training, select green belts who can provide the neces-
sary process expertise to the previously selected black belt projects. These green
belt candidates should be respected by their peers and capable of critical think-
ing in a positive fashion with a diverse team.

Green Belt Training

Green belts will learn the basics of the tools used by the project team. Their
training will be “a mile wide and an inch deep.” While they will rely on project
black belts for problem- solving skills, it is important that they understand at
least the need for the tools, if not the general DMAIC problem- solving meth-
odology. For example, as process supervisors, they may be under pressure by the
project team to conduct designed experiments to learn about significant pro-
cess variables. If they have no experience with designed experiments, they may
resist these necessary analysis steps.
The green belt training typically is a one- week course that provides an over-
view of the Six Sigma concepts and tools. It allows the green belts to speak the
language of the black belts so that they understand the need for and application