After the course, you will:

1. Understand Six Sigma and its use for process improvement;
2. Identify and clearly define problems;
3. Measure the size and opportunity of problems; 
4. Efficiently generate probable cause reasons; 
5. Analyze data to discover the root causes;    
6. Develop and implement effective remedies; and
7. Set controls at a significantly improved performance level.

Introduction to Six Sigma

•    Process improvement design and process management methodologies
•    The DMAIC methodology, outputs, and tools of each step

DEFINE: team charter, critical to quality characteristics (CTQs) from your customer’s perspective, and a high level map of the process under study

MEASURE: data collection, operational definitions, measurement systems, types of variation and appropriate responses, data analysis over time (control charts and time plots), data patterns not related to time (Pareto charts, frequency plots), process sigma calculations, process mapping, and process analysis

ANALYZE: identification of root causes (focused problem statements, 5 whys, cause-and-effect diagrams), and verification of root causes with data (scatter plots, stratified frequency plots)

IMPROVE: development, piloting, and implementation of solutions (creativity techniques and prioritization matrices) that address root causes and use data to evaluate your solutions and the plans used to carry them out

CONTROL: maintenance of the gains by standardizing work methods or processes, anticipating future improvements, and preserving project lessons

•   Project roles and responsibilities
•   Storyboard project presentations
•   Meeting processes and techniques
•   Communication skills
•   Methods for decision making
•   Team stages, facilitation, group dynamics, conflict

Ms. Anamaria M. Mercado is a certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt and Lean Practitioner. She received her certification after six weeks of training in the US and a two-year full-time assignment as a Six Sigma Deployment Manager.  She is also the Program Director of Six Sigma Certification Programs at the Ateneo Graduate School - Center for Continuing Education.

As a Deployment Manager, she helped launch the continuous improvement initiative in her former company. She managed multiple projects across the organization, improving process performance and customer satisfaction while delivering financial benefits.

Further, she has professional experience in sales and marketing management, as well as in training and development. Over the years, Ms. Mercado has concentrated on providing training and coaching services to various clients across industries, particularly in the areas of business process improvement and service excellence.

Ms. Mercado has a degree in Business Economics and post-graduate units in Professional Education from the University of the Philippines. She also holds a Masters degree in Business Administration from the Ateneo Graduate School of Business.