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Intermediate Path

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Get ready to jump in!
Ahh, so the appetizer of just learning about Lean Six Sigma (LSS) wasn't enough for you and you want to wade into some deeper waters? Great choice! Nothing says you have to be a certified expert in LSS in order to expertly use and apply the LSS tools. This intermediate path can help you dive into just enough details to learn the most critical tools to help you on your job without having to learn all the complex tools that you may never use.

For example, suppose a colleague is presenting some questionable information in a critical executive meeting. You may be thinking "Something's not right in their presentation, but I'm not exactly sure what it is." It's easy to feel intimidated and perhaps not say anything at all since you don't have clear evidence to challenge the person's conclusions. Well this Intermediate path can help you learn the basic tools and concepts so you can quickly know how to find and test the very things you're questioning. It's a win-win situation: if your conclusions are confirmed, then you can have the statistical evidence you need to more confidently challenge them; or if your conclusions are not confirmed, then you have the statistical evidence to confidently agree with their conclusions. Either way, that kind of basic statistical analysis builds your confidence and understanding.

That's not to say you only use these tools to appease your pessimism or skepticism. But suppose the tables were turned and you're the one presenting your data and someone else challenges your conclusions. That can also be very intimidating. But if you did your own analysis ahead of time that statistically validates your conclusions, then any such opposition is short-lived because you can confidently present data that demonstrates the validity of your conclusions.

Where do I start?
You can start by watching the series of videos listed here that was selected from the full set of LSS training content offered free from StatStuff. In less than 10 hours, these 36 videos can help you learn the most critical tools and concepts without going into the heavy details that are typically required when pursuing a LSS certification. Be sure to watch and apply the "Practical Application" section in each video in order to find ways to put each tool and concept into practice. Remember, if you're hungry for more LSS, you can still dive right into the Advanced Path to learn the LSS training content that can help you get certified in LSS.

What do I do after watching all these videos?
Apply what you learned! Here are some considerations for how to apply the information from these videos:

  • Take inventory of your current job functions and responsibilities. 
  • For each one, ask yourself the following questions:
    • How does it align to the level 1 CTQs in the corporate CTQ drilldown?
      • If it doesn’t seem to easily fit into the CTQ drilldown, then why am I doing it at all?
      • If it aligns to the “Financial Performance” CTQ, then how are the financial benefits calculated?  How are the financial benefits categorized (e.g., 1-Direct Tangible, 2-Indirect Tangible, etc.)?
    • How does it align in priority with all the other job functions and responsibilities?
      • If the priority level isn’t clear, then try using the IPO-FAT and QFD tools to prioritize all the job functions.
    • In what ways am I using a gut-based analysis (e.g., making assumptions) for the job function?
      • For any critical conclusions made, what types of arguments (from the ABC model) are they based on?
        • Are they theoretical arguments (assumptions), empirical arguments (experiences), or scientific arguments (data)?
      • For any theoretical or empirical arguments, how can they be shifted to scientific arguments?
      • What is the potential impact from more heavily weighing these arguments?
        • Will it reveal potential flaws in the results that could lead to different actions?
        • Will it increase confidence (decrease risk) for you and others?
        • Will it cause faster buy-in from sponsors?
  • For any job functions or responsibilities that require more analysis, try the following:
    • Use the DMAIC roadmaps to guide you through the steps to help resolve the problem.
    • Build a detailed plan for collecting data that is trustworthy.
    • Use the drilldown for finding the right statistical test to help in analyzing the collected data.
    • ALWAYS collaborate with others to validate your data collection, analysis, and conclusions.
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Video List for Intermediate Path

Practical Ways to Apply Lean Six Sigma

Below are 36 videos (less than 10 hours of content) selected from the 121 videos in the Advanced Training Path. These videos go beyond the basics of Lean Six Sigma to help you apply the tools & concepts, but without getting as complex or detailed as the certification level in the Advanced Training Path.
1. StatStuff Orientation (What is StatStuff?)  
This video welcomes you to StatStuff by explaining some general concepts about how the videos are designed and how the site works.
2. Introduction to Lean and Six Sigma login required 
An introduction to the fundamental concepts of the Lean and Six Sigma methodologies using the IPO model.
3. Lean and Six Sigma Project Methodologies login required 
An introduction to five project methodologies (Lean, DMAIC, DMADV, DFSS & PMI) and when to use each.
4. Corporate CTQ Drilldown login required 
A review of how to align a project opportunity to the overall business strategy and needs by understanding the business CTQs in a CTQ Drilldown.
5. Project Financial Benefits login required 
A review of how to identify and categorize financial benefits from a project.
6. Prioritization Using a QFD Tool  
A review of how a Quality Functional Deployment (QFD) tool can be used to prioritize items, such as project opportunities.
7. Project Pre-Assessment Using a Min/Max Analysis login required 
A review of why it’s important to do a project pre-assessment and how to do it using a Min/Max Analysis.
8. Key Roles in a Lean or Six Sigma Project login required 
A review of the project and functional roles in Lean Six Sigma projects like Green Belt, Black Belt, Sponsor, Champion, etc.
9. Developing a Project Strategy Using IPO-FAT Tool login required 
A review of how to build a strategy for a project and how the IPO-FAT tool can be used for developing that strategy.
10. Introduction to Lean  
An introduction to Lean including a brief history, the philosophy of Lean, and a summary of some common Lean tools and concepts.
11. Problem Resolution Using DMAIC  
A review of how the DMAIC methodology follows the typical steps we follow when trying to resolve a problem.
12. The DMAIC Roadmap (Levels 1 & 2) login required 
A high-level roadmap through the DMAIC methodology that navigates the user through the various tools and concepts for leading a Six Sigma project.
13. Adapting Lean to Six Sigma DMAIC Flow login required 
A description of how the Lean tools and concepts can be adapted to the Six Sigma DMAIC methodology.
14. Define Phase Roadmap (Level 3)  
A detailed roadmap through the Define phase of the DMAIC methodology that navigates the user through the various tools and concepts for leading a Six Sigma project.
15. Measure Phase Roadmap (Level 3)  
A detailed roadmap through the Measure phase of the DMAIC methodology that navigates the user through the various tools and concepts for leading a Six Sigma project.
16. Analyze Phase Roadmap (Level 3)  
A detailed roadmap through the Analyze phase of the DMAIC methodology that navigates the user through the various tools and concepts for leading a Six Sigma project.
17. Improve Phase Roadmap (Level 3)  
A detailed roadmap through the Improve phase of the DMAIC methodology that navigates the user through the various tools and concepts for leading a Six Sigma project.
18. Control Phase Roadmap (Level 3)  
A detailed roadmap through the Control phase of the DMAIC methodology that navigates the user through the various tools and concepts for leading a Six Sigma project.
19. Risk Analysis: The Reason We Use Statistics login required 
A review of the importance of risk in our decision-making and how statistics can be used to measure that risk.
20. Analysis of Behavior & Cognition (ABC) Model  
A review of the ABC model that explores how we think so we can understand the risks and evidence behind our decisions and how to influence others.
21. Transfer Function login required 
A review of the transfer function and the critical part it plays as a fundamental concept in the DMAIC methodology.
22. Hypothesis Testing: Overview login required 
An introductory overview to an extended series about hypothesis testing. This lesson includes the general 4 step process used for hypothesis testing.
23. Overview of Statistical Terms and Concepts login required 
A high-level review of the fundamental terms and concepts associated with statistics, such as population vs. sample data, distributions, etc.
24. Building a Problem Statement login required 
A review of what a problem statement and background statement are and the characteristics of an ideal problem statement.
25. Defining the Project Y login required 
A review of why we need to define a project Y and some methods for ensuring we’re defining the right project Y.
26. Identify Root Causes: C&E Diagram login required 
An extension of the topic on identifying root causes using a cause & effect (C&E) diagram that will lead toward building a data collection plan (DCP).
27. Identify Root Causes: 5 Whys login required 
An extension of the topic on identifying root causes using a 5 Whys approach that will lead toward building a data collection plan (DCP).
28. Identify Root Causes: C&E Matrix login required 
An extension of the topic on identifying root causes by showing how the C&E Matrix is used after a C&E diagram and 5 Whys for building a DCP.
29. MSA: Overview login required 
The first of an extended series on conducting a measurement system analysis (MSA) to help test the reliability of collected data.
30. Calculating a Sample Size login required 
A review of how to calculate a sample size using a Sample Size Calculator.
31. Variation Over Time (Short/Long Term Data) login required 
A review of short and long term data and the impacts that variation has over time.
32. Hypothesis Testing: Finding the Right Statistical Test login required 
An extension on a series about hypothesis testing, this lesson reviews a chart that can help you find the right statistical test for your analysis.
33. Hypothesis Testing: Statistical Laws and Confidence Intervals login required 
An extension on a series about hypothesis testing, this lesson introduces some statistical concepts that are fundamental to most hypothesis testing.
34. Hypothesis Testing: Proportions (Compare 1:1) login required 
An extension on a series about hypothesis testing, this lesson reviews the 2 Proportions Test as a measurement of proportions.
35. Hypothesis Testing: Relationships (Overview) login required 
An extension on hypothesis testing, this lesson introduces the concepts of a correlation and regression as part of measuring statistical relationships.
36. Hypothesis Testing: Relationships (Compare 1:1) login required 
An extension on hypothesis testing, this lesson reviews the Pearson Correlation and Fitted Line Plot as part of measuring statistical relationships.

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