Six Sigma Training...Classroom, Virtual, or Online?

AMERICAN FORK, Utah - July 2, 2014 - PRLog -- I was recently asked by a potential student, what is the best method for me, to learn the Six Sigma methodology and earn my green belt certification?  I always respond with a series of questions.  What are you going to do with the certification?  How do you plan on using the tools of Six Sigma?  Do you have a limiting budget?  The response to these three questions helps determine the best direction for each individual student.

Six Sigma methodology is a set of complex and challenging business and quality improvement tools, brought together to form a process for product and process improvement.  The ability to use these tools and methodology depends on the training you receive.

When the term “Training” is used, it is natural to think that there is a trainer and a trainee.  This is an important aspect in Six Sigma education.  An online course provides lessons, and the student learns terms, acronyms, definitions, and the technical side of some tools.  What he does not receive, is any practical experience such as examples or activities, that are critiqued and practiced real-time.  Virtual instructor led Six Sigma courses are almost as good as a classroom instruction, if you don’t have the ability to leave the comfort of your home or office for training.  A live instructor can answer questions and give good examples with exercises.  The only drawback in the virtual setting, is the ability of the instructor to review the work performed by the students.  This review is valuable when learning, as it provides additional opportunity for teaching and understanding.

Classroom training is the best forum for learning Six Sigma.  Six Sigma for most new practitioners is complex and challenging.  I have been teaching Six Sigma for over two years and have practiced the principles for over 30.  I have found the majority of Six Sigma green belt candidates need that personal interaction with a trainer to guide them through the tools.  The tools of Kano Model, Quality Function Deployment, Cause and Effect diagrams, Failure Modes and Effects Analysis, Design of Experiments and others, need several examples.  This interaction is also useful in dealing with the challenge of creating, completing and feeling competent to use the tools.  This only happens properly in a classroom environment.

Getting back to our question from the potential student, the best and preferred method to learn Six Sigma is in a classroom situation.  The second best option is the virtual instructor led course, and lastly, the online training.

If the student has the budget and will utilize any of the tools of Six Sigma they should take the classroom training.  If the student is lacking in budget but wants to use the tools of Six Sigma, the virtual class will save them money and be a better option.  If the student is looking for Six Sigma certification for their resume and doesn’t have a requirement for the tools of Six Sigma, then the online course should satisfy their needs.