Six Sigma methodologies require full integration of all departments in the entire company; otherwise, the philosophy will not work. Managers cannot waivetheir commitment. The training should create four different levels of workforce:Champion, Master Black Belt (MBB), Black Belt (BB), and Green Belt (GB) or project leader. These titles originated from Motorola, but some companies have initiated their own titles.

Executive Sponsor.

The executive sponsor should communicate, lead,and direct the company’s overall objectives toward successful and profi table Lean Six Sigma implementation. The executive leadership has to inform the team that he or she is the driving force/sponsor and committed to implementing the Lean Six Sigma companywide. He or she will support the team and the program in every step. The Six Sigma program will not be successful without the direct involvement of executive leadership. CEO and executives must believe in the power of Lean Six Sigma. If they don’t, then the Six Sigma program will fail for sure.

2.         Champion.

The Champion should be from the executive members of the company. The

members of this team could also include executive personnel or any other individual

from upper-level management. This individual should possess managerial

and technical skills in reinforcing, planning, allocating resources, and providing

the necessary tools. In addition, he or she will be responsible for overseeing the

results and success of the projects, selecting individuals to be trained as Master

Black Belt and Black Belts with leadership to implement the world class concept

and philosophy and more.

In larger corporations, Champions are divided among the business units. The

corporate Champion reports to the CEO or president, and other business unit

Champions report to the corporate Champion. In some corporations the CEO or

president acts as a corporate Champion. Different corporations give Champions

different names, such as quality leader, Six Sigma leader, or Six Sigma Champion.

Further, responsibilities of the unit Champion are that he or she will ensure that

the assigned fi nancial objectives are achieved. He or she will obtain the reports

from the controller to evaluate the impact of projects with outcome results before

reporting to the corporate

3.         Master Black Belt.

The Master Black Belt (MBB), also known as the quality manager, possesses

knowledge of advanced applied statistical analysis (analysis of variance, design

of experiment, response surface), business strategies, leadership training, and an

extensive background in applying Lean Six Sigma methods. The MBBs are highly

skilled in Lean Six Sigma techniques, and they mentor and teach the Black Belts.

They must complete intensive training and oversee many projects before theyearn certifi cation. This is a hands-on, full-time position. Normally, the Master

Black Belt is selected from among the top-talented Black Belts in the company.

The MBB also performs as a consultant to BBs in their projects to help, push,

or direct if any hangups need to be resolved or cleared. Nevertheless, the company

expects the MBB to be expert in advanced tools and management of Lean as

well as Six Sigma with already proven projects. The MBB should have completed

several BB projects within a year.

4.         Black Belt (Team Leader).

This individual is the technical leader of the Lean Six Sigma project. The

Black Belt should take a one-month training course and must be assigned to the

Lean Six Sigma project for at least a couple of years. The course content has to

be carried out with hands-on projects, each lasting approximately three to six

months, with year 2005 standard savings in $350,000 to $500,000. The Black

Belts, just like the Master Black Belts, should have demonstrated leadership and

communication skills in their work assignments before being assigned to the

training program. In addition, these individuals should possess the following

capabilities:

•        Mentoring other leaders in achieving the Lean Six Sigma goals.

•        Selling the idea and philosophy of the concept.

•        Developing, setting a direction, and leading the team to a higher level.

•        Teaching, training, and coaching the Lean Six Sigma tools, as well as new techniques, case studies to project leaders in groups, and one-on-one cases.

•        Must have the ability to convert the concept to a highly successful project. They should pass the Lean Six Sigma skills and tools to their

•        peers and to the customer-oriented team.

•        Developing an in-depth knowledge of Lean Six Sigma statistical tools and techniques to improve key processes.

•        Developing and create techniques and shortcuts to achieve objectives.

•        Keeping in contact with other organizations about the Six Sigma tools.

•        Selecting project individuals who have high discipline in their area of work and are hands-on active with the process of production.

•        Should be able to shift from one project to another and support the project leaders throughout the company.

•        Be able to think like management (e.g., time, money, performance, and organizational dynamics).

5.         Green Belt ( Team Participant)

The Green Belts work with Black Belts to solve problems. The individuals

must have statistical knowledge and be trained in basic Six Sigma concepts, such

as problem solving, statistical analysis, and so forth. Thus, they should be involved

with Lean Six Sigma projects before obtaining the certifi cation. Normally, the

training period for a Green Belt is one week, which provides overview concepts

and strategies in problem solving. Statistical tools are available in Minitab software

(one of the many) for training.

6.         Team  Recognition/Compensation.

Recognition of BBs and team members is important as motivation and a

driving force for a team in achieving the objective of the project. Different companies

have different programs in recognizing their people assets (i.e., promotion,

stock share, some percent of base salary profi t share, etc.).