Principles of Six Sigma

Course Description

This course introduces students to the principles, methodology, and tools of Six Sigma as applied in manufacturing and service industries. Students examine the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) problem-solving framework and develop skills in process measurement, statistical analysis, and quality improvement. The course is aligned with the American Society for Quality (ASQ) Six Sigma body of knowledge and supports preparation for industry certification at the Yellow Belt and Green Belt levels. This course is offered within the Engineering Technologies > Industrial Systems Technology taxonomy under the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS) as ETI 2610.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain the history, philosophy, and core principles of Six Sigma and its role in organizational quality improvement.
• Apply the DMAIC methodology (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) to identify and solve process problems.
• Use descriptive and inferential statistics to measure and evaluate process performance.
• Identify and quantify sources of variation in industrial and service processes.
• Construct and interpret control charts, run charts, and process capability indices (Cp, Cpk).
• Apply root cause analysis tools including fishbone (Ishikawa) diagrams, Pareto charts, and 5-Why analysis.
• Define and measure sigma levels and defects per million opportunities (DPMO).
• Describe the roles and responsibilities within a Six Sigma organization (Champion, Black Belt, Green Belt, Yellow Belt, Team Member).

Optional Outcomes

The following outcomes may be covered depending on instructor emphasis and program context:

• Apply Design of Experiments (DOE) techniques including one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT), full factorial, and fractional factorial designs.
• Integrate Lean manufacturing principles (5S, value stream mapping, Kaizen, waste elimination) with Six Sigma tools.
• Conduct hypothesis testing and regression analysis to support data-driven decision making.
• Develop a Six Sigma project charter and present findings using structured improvement reports.
• Prepare for the ASQ Certified Six Sigma Yellow Belt (CSSYB) or Green Belt (CSSGB) examination.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Introduction to Six Sigma: History, philosophy, benefits, and organizational impact; sigma levels and DPMO.
• Six Sigma Roles & Team Dynamics: Organizational structure (Champions, Belts); team formation, stages, and communication methods.
• Define Phase: Project charter development, Voice of the Customer (VOC), Critical to Quality (CTQ) characteristics, SIPOC diagrams.
• Measure Phase: Data collection planning, measurement system analysis (MSA), process mapping, baseline performance metrics.
• Analyze Phase: Root cause analysis tools (fishbone diagrams, Pareto charts, 5-Why), process capability analysis, basic hypothesis testing.
• Improve Phase: Solution generation and selection, piloting improvements, error-proofing (Poka-Yoke).
• Control Phase: Control charts (X-bar, R, p, c charts), control plans, sustaining gains, process standardization.
• Statistics for Six Sigma: Descriptive statistics, probability distributions, normal distribution, process capability indices (Cp, Cpk).

Optional Topics

• Design of Experiments (DOE): OFAT, full factorial, and fractional factorial experiments; analysis of results.
• Lean Integration: 5S methodology, value stream mapping, waste types (TIMWOOD/DOWNTIME), Kaizen events, continuous flow.
• Advanced Statistical Tools: Regression analysis, correlation, multi-vari charts, and ANOVA.
• Six Sigma in Service Industries: Application of DMAIC to transactional and service-based processes.
• ASQ Certification Preparation: Review of the ASQ Six Sigma Yellow Belt or Green Belt Body of Knowledge; practice examinations.

Resources & Tools

• Textbook: The Certified Six Sigma Handbook (ASQ Quality Press) — the recognized professional reference aligned with ASQ certification.
• Software: Minitab Statistical Software (industry standard for Six Sigma data analysis); Microsoft Excel with statistical add-ins.
• Reference Standard: ASQ Six Sigma Yellow Belt and Green Belt Body of Knowledge (BoK).
• Professional Organization: American Society for Quality (ASQ) — asq.org
• Supplementary: Council for Six Sigma Certification (CSSC) study materials; process simulation tools and case studies.

Career Pathways

Completion of ETI 2610 supports entry into quality and process improvement roles across manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and service industries. Professionals with Six Sigma skills are in demand as businesses seek to improve competitive and operational performance.

• Quality Assurance Technician / Quality Engineer
• Process Improvement Analyst
• Industrial / Manufacturing Engineer
• Operations Manager / Supervisor
• Continuous Improvement (CI) Coordinator
• Supply Chain / Logistics Analyst
• Production Control Specialist

Special Information

Certification Preparation

This course is aligned with the American Society for Quality (ASQ) Six Sigma Body of Knowledge. Successful completion provides foundational preparation for the ASQ Certified Six Sigma Yellow Belt (CSSYB) exam and partial preparation toward the ASQ Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) exam. At institutions such as the College of Central Florida, ETI 2610 is part of an approved sequence leading to the Lean Manufacturing Bronze Certification through a registered Six Sigma accreditation body. Students interested in pursuing formal ASQ certification after completing this course should consult their institution's Workforce Institute or continuing education office for exam prep resources.

Program Sequence Note

ETI 2610 is commonly offered as part of an A.S. in Engineering Technology or a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt College Credit Certificate program. It is typically taken after introductory lean or quality courses (such as ETI 1622) and alongside courses in tools for lean manufacturing (ETI 2623) and production/inventory control (ETI 1644).