Page 63 - Six Sigma Demystified

44 Six SigMa DemystifieD

Organizations choosing to increase the number of projects by using green
belts as Six Sigma project leaders will need to address these concerns to prevent
an inordinate number of failed projects either because processes are not fully
optimized (from lack of proper analysis) or because projects are not completed
in a reasonable time (owing to a lack of available project leadership resources).
Green belts can serve as effective Six Sigma project leaders when
1. The green belt is a professional, college- educated staff member with ex-
perience in project management.
2. An experienced black belt is assigned to the project team to lend technical
problem- solving expertise at all stages of DMAIC.
3. Management is committed to free the green belt from his or her opera-
tional duties as needed to meet the project schedule.

This last issue is often difficult to address in practice because operational re-
sponsibilities often take precedence. For these reasons, a preferred strategy is
for full- time black belts to lead projects.