Essential Six Sigma for Management Consultants
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- Curriculum
- FAQ
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![5206](https://firesyd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/4928868_9458.jpg)
What is the aim of this course?
Consulting firms are hired very often to help optimize processes and improve the quality of the products delivered. One of the frameworks used is the so-called Six Sigma which tries to find the root cause of problems using simple statistical analysis. In this course, I will show you the essential things that you should know about Six Sigma that may come in handy during consulting projects.
In the course you will learn the following things:
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What is Six Sigma
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How to define the problem you want to solve
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How to identify the things causing the problem
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How to conduct in Excel analysis of data related to Six Sigma projects
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How to find and manage potential improvements
This course is based on my 15 years of experience as a consultant in top consulting firms and as a Board Member responsible for strategy, performance improvement, and turn-arounds in the biggest firms from Retail, FMCG, SMG, B2B, and services sectors that I worked for. I have carried out or supervised over 90 different performance improvement projects in different industries that generated a total of 2 billion in additional EBITDA. On the basis of what you will find in this course, I have trained in person over 100 consultants, business analysts, and managers who now are Partners in PE and VC funds, Investment Directors and Business Analysts in PE and VC, Operational Directors, COO, CRO, CEO, Directors in Consulting Companies, Board Members, etc. On top of that my courses on Udemy were already taken by more than 224 000 students including people working in EY, McKinsey, Walmart, Booz Allen Hamilton, Adidas, Naspers, Alvarez & Marsal, PwC, Dell, Walgreens, Orange, and many others.
I teach through case studies, so you will have a lot of lectures showing examples of analyses, and tools that we use. To every lecture, you will find attached the Excel files as well as additional presentations, and materials shown in the lectures. Therefore, as a part of this course, you will also get a library of ready-made analyses that can, with certain modifications, be applied by you or your team in your work.
Why have I decided to create this course?
Tools and approaches used in Six Sigma can be extremely useful during certain consulting projects. Most books and courses will flood you with tons of methods that you can use. This may lead to huge frustration during consulting projects as you will have problems with choosing the right method or tool. Therefore, I have decided to create this course that will help students understand or refresh the essential concepts and tools that they need during consulting projects, devoted to using Six Sigma to improve processes. The course will give you the knowledge and insight into real-life case studies that will make your life during a consulting project much easier. Thanks to this course, you will know what and how to do during consulting projects. You will master how to analyze data and draw conclusions from the analyses.
To sum it up, I believe that if you want to become a world-class Management Consultant or Business Analyst you have to have a good understanding of essential Six Sigma tools. That is why, I highly recommend this course to Management Consultants or Business Analysts, especially those that did not finish Math or Physics. The course will help you become an expert in process improvement on the level of McKinsey, BCG, Bain, and other top consulting firms.
In what way will you benefit from this course?
The course is a practical, step-by-step guide loaded with tons of analyses, tricks, and hints that will significantly improve the speed with which you understand, and analyze businesses. There is little theory – mainly examples, a lot of tips from my own experience as well as other notable examples worth mentioning. Our intention is that thanks to the course you will learn:
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What is Six Sigma
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How to define the problem you want to solve
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How to identify the things causing the problem
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How to conduct in Excel analysis of data related to Six Sigma projects
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How to find and manage potential improvements
You can also ask me any question either through the discussion field or by messaging me directly.
How is the course organized?
The course is divided currently into the following sections:
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Introduction. We begin with a little introduction to the course as well as some general info on how the course is organized
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Essential Concepts in Six Sigma. Let’s start with the essential things around Six Sigma. We will discuss what Six Sigma is and we will briefly discuss the most often-used framework – DMAIC.
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Define Stage. In this section, we will discuss what you will have to do during the Define stage. We will discuss tools and frameworks used during this stage. You will learn things like SIPOC, the voice of the customer, CTQ, Fishbone Diagram, Issue tree, and 5 Why.
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Measure Stage. In this section, we will discuss what you will have to do during the Measure stage. We will discuss tools and frameworks used during this stage.
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Analyze Stage. The analysis phase turns raw data into conclusions. It is important to choose the right analytical techniques. Based on analyses we will be able to improve processes. In this section, we will see how this can be done in practice. You will learn things like correlation, regression analysis, comparison of averages, random variables, and normal distribution.
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Improve Stage. One of the most interesting stages is the improvement stage. You know what the problem is, so now you have to come up with potential solutions and test them. In this section, we will discuss what you can do to improve the situation based on previous analysis.
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Control Stage. Once you have improved certain KPIs. It’s a good idea to make sure that the progress you have made is not wasted. Therefore, you need to implement some control mechanisms. In this section, we will see how this can be achieved.
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Case Study in Six Sigma. In the last section, we will try to apply the techniques we have discussed to improve the situation in a clinic.
You will also be able to download many additional resources
1. Useful frameworks and techniques
2. Analyses shown in the course
3. Additional resources
4. Links to additional presentations, articles, and movies
5. Links to books worth reading
At the end of my course, students will be able to…
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How to conduct fast and efficiently analyses during Six Sigma projects
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What is Six Sigma
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How to define the problem you want to solve
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What are SIPOC, CTQ, and the voice of customers
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How to use Fishbone Diagram
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How to identify the things causing the problem
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How to conduct analysis of data in Excel
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Essential Linear Regression in Excel
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How to find and manage potential improvements
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What is Random Variable and Normal Distribution
Who should take this course? Who should not?
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Management Consultants and Business Analysts
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Managers
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Financial Controllers
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Investment Analysts
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Startup Founders
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Project Managers
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Managers responsible for Acquisitions and Mergers
What will students need to know or do before starting this course?
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Basic or intermediate Excel
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Basic knowledge of economics
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Basic or intermediate knowledge of finance & accounting
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1Introduction
Let's start with a short introduction
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2A little bit about me
A little bit about me and my experience
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3How the course is organized
Here I will show you briefly how the course is organized
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4How to deal with Blurry image
Here I will show you what to do if a blurry image appears.
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5How to reach additional resources
Here I will show you how to find additional resources attached to the course like Excel files, presentations, links, etc.
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6Essential Concepts in Six Sigma – Introduction
Let’s start with the essential things around Six Sigma. We will discuss what Six Sigma is and we will briefly discuss the most often-used framework – DMAIC.
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7Six Sigma Definition
Let’s start with a short definition
Six Sigma is a data-driven method used to improve the process.
Using this method you reduce the so-called defects, and you increase the consistency of results. This in turn will lead to improvement in quality.
Six Sigma helps identify what is slowing down the process, how to eliminate possible delays, how to improve the process, and remove additional problems that occur
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8What we mean by a defect
As we have mentioned, the main goal of Six Sigma is to eliminate defects and improve the quality of the process. Let's start with the definition of a defect:
Any unacceptable deviation from the norm that the company sets for a specific process, or outcome
A defect can be a process output, a product, or a service that does not meet the customer’s requirements and expectations for quality
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9DMAIC overview
Let’s start with a short definition of DMAIC
One of the most used Six Sigma methodologies
DMAIC concentrates on making improvements to a business process in order to reduce or eliminate defects
It is used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of a product or process that already exists but is no longer meeting customer needs/specifications
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10Define Stage – Introduction
In this section, we will discuss what you will have to do during the Define stage. We will discuss tools and frameworks used during this stage. You will learn things like SIPOC, the voice of the customer, CTQ, Fishbone Diagram, Issue tree, and 5 Why.
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11What is the problem
Let’s start with a short definition of a Problem
A problem is a statement about a condition to be improved or a difficulty to be eliminated
Any kind of deviation from the expected result
Something that is not according to the norm
An obstacle that may stop you from achieving the goal
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12The Voice of Customers
Let’s start with a short definition
By Voice of customers, we mean all sorts of comments, and feedback we get from our customers
VOC tells you what really matters to your customer and what you should concentrate on
The Voice of Customer shows you the expectations, and preferences, of your customers, comments about the product or service
The main benefit of using Voice of Customers is knowing, in measurable terms, what customers want
The purpose of Voice of Customer is to identify the critical requirements that are the measure of the success of the product or service delivered to the customer
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13Needs vs Requirements
Let's see the difference between needs and recquirements
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14CTQ (Critical to Quality)
§Critical to Quality (CTQ) Approach is a tool that can be used to translate customer’s needs into specific measurable performance requirements
§CTQ are metrics that must be met in order to satisfy the customer’s needs
§We can also say that they are key measurable characteristics of a product or service that link a company’s actions to the things that are most important to the customers
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15SIPOC
Let’s start with a short definition of a SIPOC
SIPOC is a tool, that is used to identify all relevant elements of a process that we want to improve before work begins
It summarizes the inputs and outputs of one or more processes in table form
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16Guess the root cause
We will see how to gues the root cause.
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17Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram
Fishbone Diagram, known also as Ishikawa Diagram or Cause-and-Effect Diagram
The graphical method used to identify the root cause of defects that are causing problems in the process
The name of this tool comes from its similarity to the bones of a fish.
The bones, area of potential causes, are connected to a spine leading into the fish’s head, which symbolizes a defect or a problem
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18Fishbone Diagram for shortening Service time in a Restaurant
Let's apply this method to restaurants
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19Customized Fishbone Diagram
Depending on your needs, you can adapt the categories in the Fishbone Diagram according to your needs. Let’s see what it would look like for a problem in a restaurant.
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205 Whys
In production, you will know far less than your customer’s team so you have to use smart ways to get to the bottom of things. The 5-Why method is one such method. In this lecture, I will show you how to use it in practice
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21Issue tree – Introduction
Issue tree is a simple yet powerful concept used in consulting for structuring discussion and picking the right topics to concentrate on. In this lecture, I will show you the principles of using it as well as a practical example
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22Issue tree – Examples
In the next lectures, we will have a look at examples of issue trees
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23Issue tree – Logistics
Here I will show an example of an issue tree in Logistics
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24Issue tree – Retail
Here I will show an example of an issue tree in Retail.
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25Issue tree – FMCG
Here I will show an example of an issue tree in FMCG.
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26Measure Stage – Introduction
In this section, we will discuss what you will have to do during the Measure stage. We will discuss tools and frameworks used during this stage.
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27What you want to measure
Now let’s think about what we would like to measure when it comes to the customer experience in a restaurant.
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28Data Type
Let's have a look at different types of data that you will use
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29Define Sources of Data
Let’s think for a minute where we can get data from when it comes to the restaurant.
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30Data Collection Plan
In some cases, you will have to define a formal data collection plan. In this plan, you must describe in more detail what data you need.
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31Data Collection Plan – Example for the Restaurant Chain
Let’s create a data collection plan for the restaurant in which we want to shorten the service time.
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32Analyze Stage – Introduction
The analysis phase turns raw data into conclusions. It is important to choose the right analytical techniques. Based on analyses we will be able to improve processes. In this section, we will see how this can be done in practice. You will learn things like correlation, regression analysis, comparison of averages, random variables, and normal distribution.
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33What analysis method you should use?
Let's see what we want to measure in the Measure stage
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34Correlation Analysis
Let's look at the definition of correlation
It is a measure that helps check how 2 variables are related, and whether they behave in the same way.
Correlation also tests the strength of the movement. The higher the absolute value of the correlation measure the stronger similarity in behavior
We can check whether things behave in the same way, but we cannot check whether there influence each other and what is the direction of the influence
We use the so-called Pearson correlation coefficient to measure the correlation
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35Correlation Analysis – Restaurant Chain – Data Available
Now let’s try to analyze the results from the correlation analysis for the service time for the restaurant chain.
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36Correlation Analysis – Restaurant Chain – Analysis Tool Pak
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we have introduced.
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37Correlation Analysis – Restaurant Chain – Results
In this lecture, we will solve the case study that we have introduced.
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38Introduction to Random Variables
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39Random Variables
In many cases, the outcome of certain phenomena is unknown. In such situations, we need Random Variables.
Random variables at the end will produce a specific outcome but we don’t know exactly what it will be.
Random Variable is what you will find behind closed doors. Once you open the door you will know for sure but before that, there are only some potential results, nothing certain.
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40Random Variables in Excel – Introduction
In order to be able to recreate the game in Excel, we will have to reframe it. I will show you how to do it and how later on to use it for modeling in Excel.
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41Random Variables in Excel – Examples
In order to be able to recreate the game in Excel, we will have to reframe it. I will show you how to do it and how later on to use it for modeling in Excel.
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42Normal Distribution
The normal distribution is a special type of density curve that is bell-shaped. Sometimes it is also called the bell curve or normal curve. Let's see what is the logic behind
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43Standard Deviation
Standard deviation definition:
It is a measure of how spread out the numbers are
Standard deviation tells us how close to the mean are the values in our data set
The bigger the standard deviation the further away the values are from the mean
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44Conclusions from Normal Distribution
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45Simple Regression Model – Introduction
A regression model is a powerful tool you can use to analyze data, predict things, and find relations between different phenomena. I will show you how to use it in Excel.
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46Simple Regression Model – Example
A regression model is a powerful tool you can use to analyze data, predict things, and find relations between different phenomena. I will show you how to use it in Excel.
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47Regression Analysis – Data Available
Let's do a regression analysis for a restaurant. Here I will discuss the data
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48Regression Analysis – Restaurant Chain
In this lecture, we will solve the previously introduced case study
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49Comparison of Averages
One of the methods of data analysis is to compare the average results obtained from the measurements. Let’s have a look at how we can check if there is a link between service time and selected variables by looking at average results by certain groups.
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50Comparison of Averages – Restaurant Chain – Data Available
Let's look at a case study. We will look at the data that you will need to calculate and compare averages
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51Comparison of Averages – Restaurant Chain – Results
In this lecture, we will solve the previously introduced case study
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52Chart Analysis
In certain situations, the links between the variables can be noticed by looking at the chart. This may be used as a method of finding the source of problems.
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53Testing as a form of Analysis
Testing can be also used as a way of analyzing what actually influences the KPI we try to improve. Let’s see how testing can be used to test the link between 2 variables.
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54Testing – Restaurant Chain
Imagine that we would like to test if the Level of experience of employees has an impact on Service Time. Let’s have a look at how we can do it in the example of the restaurant.
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55Improve Stage – Introduction
One of the most interesting stages is the improvement stage. You know what the problem is, so now you have to come up with potential solutions and test them. In this section, we will discuss what you can do to improve the situation based on previous analysis.
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56Definition of a Funnel Analysis
Let’s start with a short definition. Funnel analysis is:
It is a tool that can be used to map and analyze a series of events that lead to a particular goal
The goal may be Sales, Gross Margin, number of customers acquired, number of projects done
Funnel analysis can help you manage the process of achieving the goal and find ways to improve the situation
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57Definition of Funnel Analyses in Testing
Funnel Analyses in Testing:
A tool that can be used to map, manage and analyze various ideas aimed at improving or completely changing a given area of the business
Funnel Testing helps you find fast potential improvements as well as minimize the risk of causing problems
To use the full potential of the Funnel Analysis in Testing we should divide more complicated concepts/ideas into a series of smaller tests
In Funnel Testing you will impose limits on most stages to manage the process smoothly
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58Funnel Analyses in Testing – the Process
The Funnels in Testing usually consist of 5 main stages
Define your goal
Generate potential ideas for improvements
Create a ranking of the ideas
Test and analyze the results
Implement the changes
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59How you can find ideas worth testing
Every funnel is a hungry beast. Let’s have a look at how you can generate ideas for your testing funnel.
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60Ranking of Ideas in Fashion – Case Introduction
Imagine that you are working for a Fashion Retailer. You have gathered a list of potential ideas to be tested. Before you move to test, rank them.
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61Ranking of Ideas in Fashion – Data Avaialble
In this lecture, we will solve the previously introduced case study.
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62Ranking of Ideas in Fashion – Ranking and Self-checkout
In this lecture, we will solve the previously introduced case study.
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63Ranking of Ideas in Fashion – Cost Benefit Analysis
In this lecture, we will solve the previously introduced case study.
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64Analysis of Tests results in Fashion – Case Introduction
After testing the ideas you will get results that you have to try to interpret. Let’s analyze one of the ideas that we have selected for testing.
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65Analysis of Tests results in Fashion – Data Available
In this lecture, we will solve the previously introduced case study.
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66Analysis of Tests results in Fashion – Solution
In this lecture, we will solve the previously introduced case study.
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67Control Stage – Introduction
Once you have improved certain KPIs. It’s a good idea to make sure that the progress you have made is not wasted. Therefore, you need to implement some control mechanisms. In this section, we will see how this can be achieved.
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68Zero defect rule
Zero defect rules are not about making zero mistakes. It is about finding mistakes as soon as possible and eliminating them. In this lecture, I will show what it is and how to use it in practice.
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69Poka Yoke in the Office
There are many examples of Poka Yoke in an office environment. Let’s look at some of them.
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70Eyes Surgery Clinic – Case Introduction
In the last section, we will try to apply the techniques we have discussed to improve the situation in a clinic.
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71Eyes Surgery Clinic – Data Available
Let's look at the data that you will need to solve the case study
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72Eye surgery – Analysis of Averages
In this lecture, we will solve the previously introduced case study.
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73Eye surgery – Correlation Analysis
In this lecture, we will solve the previously introduced case study.
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74Eye surgery – Regression – Dummy Variables (Part 1)
In this lecture, we will solve the previously introduced case study.
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75Eye surgery – Regression – Results (Part 2)
In this lecture, we will solve the previously introduced case study.
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76Eye surgery – Regression – Forecasting (Part 3)
In this lecture, we will solve the previously introduced case study.
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77Confirm or refute the Hypotheses
In this lecture, we will solve the previously introduced case study.