The Acumen - July 2024

Analyze, Improve and Control.

Like almost everything else in business, the success of six sigma depends on the people who do the work. Team commitment is essential, and the support of a champion is critical. Developing six sigma skills is a great learning experience. Here are a few lessons I learned: 1. Six Sigma is a process, and it may mean extra work (at first). However, the benefits are tremendous. 2. Six Sigma is a quantifiable method, and its process is quite convincing. Moreover, it can help improve your operations and enhance company performance. 3. It will also increase the skills of your employees. After all, they are the greatest return-on-investment (ROI) you will ever have. Invest in your people and encourage them to learn new skills. In closing, Six Sigma is more than a process—it’s an investment. It’s another way to empower the workforce. There are two words that can explain Six Sigma, and those two words are “Continuous Improvement.” Remember, when it comes to making an existing process better—every hand counts! DID YOU KNOW?! CBCC offers committees and special interest groups for members to get involved with, including: • Business Policy Cabinet with Senator James Coleman • Public Policy Committee • Membership Committee • Gala Committee • Black Construction Group • Black Retailers Group • Black Professional Services Group Join us today! For more information, please contact Dr. Angelic Cole at dr.angelic.cole@cbcc.biz.

In essence, a certified black belt will always approach an existing problem with the DMAIC process in mind. To better understand chronic waste and cost containment, there are several questions that every black belt will ask: • What are the critical elements of your business or industry? • Do you know what is important to your customer? • Which inputs (Xs) are impacting your product? • How do the inputs drive output (Y) cost? • Do you know the root causes? The role of the black belt is to develop, coach and lead six sigma project teams. They also mentor and advise project champions and management regarding plans, methods, and lean tools. A certified black belt must successfully conduct an oral defense presenting evidence of a company project that shows a cost savings of at least $250,000. The oral defense is usually a 2-hour presentation where a black belt explains the details of the project. A master black belt listens, asks questions and approves the process based on the evidence of the presentation. Afterwards, a review board receives the presentation and determines if he or she is approved as a certified black belt.

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