Finance & supply chain · Short course
Six Sigma
A structured approach to understanding variation and improving process performance.
The programme
Programme overview
Expanded indicative outline. The subject areas are described below; proposed activities and final delivery requirements are confirmed with Ratomac before booking.
A structured approach to understanding variation and improving process performance.
The programme brings together improvement framing, process measurement, analysis and improvement and sustaining results. The expanded outline below shows how these areas can be explored through explanation, discussion and the preparation of relevant work products.
A proposed workshop runs through the programme: A repetitive administrative process produces inconsistent turnaround times and avoidable rework. Participants would examine the situation in stages, use the information provided and explain the basis of their decisions. The workshop is fictional and can be adapted when the final training plan is agreed.
Who should attend
Is this programme for you?
This outline is relevant to the following roles. Suitability and any formal entry requirements should be checked for the selected programme.
- Improvement practitioners, analysts and operational supervisors.
- Individuals preparing to take on responsibilities in this area.
- Teams seeking a shared approach to the work described in the programme.
Purpose of the learning
Intended learning outcomes
- Define the process problem and the customer’s requirements.
- Prepare a measurement plan and review fictional variation data.
- Identify possible causes and propose a controlled improvement test.
- Design a control plan that makes deterioration visible.
- Combine the module outputs into a reasoned response to the programme’s workplace scenario.
5 learning blocks
Detailed programme outline
01Improvement framing
This part of the programme examines improvement framing, with attention to customer needs and process problems. The practical task connects the subject to the programme’s workplace scenario and gives participants a specific output to discuss.
Topics to explore
- Customer needs.
- Process problems.
- Applied work: define the process problem and the customer’s requirements.
Illustrative practical exercise
Define the process problem and the customer’s requirements. Explain the information used, identify any assumptions and take part in a review of the proposed approach.
02Process measurement
This part of the programme examines process measurement, with attention to data collection and variation. The practical task connects the subject to the programme’s workplace scenario and gives participants a specific output to discuss.
Topics to explore
- Data collection.
- Variation.
- Applied work: prepare a measurement plan and review fictional variation data.
Illustrative practical exercise
Prepare a measurement plan and review fictional variation data. Explain the information used, identify any assumptions and take part in a review of the proposed approach.
03Analysis and improvement
This part of the programme examines analysis and improvement, with attention to causes and tested changes. The practical task connects the subject to the programme’s workplace scenario and gives participants a specific output to discuss.
Topics to explore
- Causes.
- Tested changes.
- Applied work: identify possible causes and propose a controlled improvement test.
Illustrative practical exercise
Identify possible causes and propose a controlled improvement test. Explain the information used, identify any assumptions and take part in a review of the proposed approach.
04Sustaining results
This part of the programme examines sustaining results, with attention to process controls and performance review. The practical task connects the subject to the programme’s workplace scenario and gives participants a specific output to discuss.
Topics to explore
- Process controls.
- Performance review.
- Applied work: design a control plan that makes deterioration visible.
Illustrative practical exercise
Design a control plan that makes deterioration visible. Explain the information used, identify any assumptions and take part in a review of the proposed approach.
05Integrated workplace workshop
A repetitive administrative process produces inconsistent turnaround times and avoidable rework. The final workshop connects the earlier work rather than treating each topic as an isolated activity.
Topics to explore
- Bring together the outputs from the earlier modules into one coherent response to the scenario.
- Check that the recommendation addresses the original problem and is supported by the information available.
- Identify responsibilities, dependencies and matters that require specialist input or further evidence.
- Present the proposed response and revise it after questions from the facilitator and other participants.
Illustrative practical exercise
Prepare a concise presentation for the fictional organisation. Include the proposed response, the evidence supporting it and the decisions still required. Finish with a reflection on which aspects could be relevant to your own work.
From discussion to application
How the programme could be delivered
The proposed learning approach combines facilitator-led explanation, discussion of the subject areas and guided work on the fictional scenario. Each module produces a practical output that can be reviewed and improved.
Participants can work individually or in small groups to compare interpretations, explain their decisions and identify missing information. Feedback focuses on the connection between the task, the evidence used and the proposed response.
The final workshop brings the module outputs together. Ratomac will confirm the delivery format, learning resources, entry requirements and any formal assessment or certification arrangements for the selected programme.
Discuss your requirements
Dates, duration & arrangements
Contact Ratomac to agree the final programme, duration and delivery format. Include your preferred timing, location and whether the enquiry is for yourself or a team.
Discuss this programme ↗Indicative outline for discussion. The final syllabus is agreed with Ratomac before booking. The expanded learning activities and workplace scenario are original proposals for discussion with Ratomac.