What are the levels of responsibility in a typical six sigma organization?

In a typical organization, the levels of responsibility are:

• Executives, who authorize and follow up the program.

• Champions, who mediate resources and eliminate roadblocks for the projects.

• Master black belts, who are the technical resource and experienced in the six sigma methodology.

• Black belts, who are the project managers for the project.

• Green belts, who are the helpers of the black belts in the work environment.

More is discussed regarding these levels in chapter 7. However, it is very important to note that the essential participants of any six sigma implementation process are the black belt and the green belt. Their role is extremely important, so here we identify the core minimum requirements for each of the roles.

The green belt must be familiar with and competent in the following concepts:

• The six sigma approach.

• Basic statistical process control.

• Classical design of experiments.

• Basic measurement system assessment.

• Statistical analysis for process improvement.

• Process FMEA.

• Team problem-solving.

• Cost of quality.

In addition to the requirements of the green belt, the black belt must have expertise in the following areas:

• Advanced statistical process control.

• Taguchi and classical design of experiments.

• Advanced measurement system assessment.

• Project management fundamentals.

• Short run SPC.

• Mistake-proofing.

• Lean manufacturing.

• Advanced product quality planning (APQP).