2 Lean Six Sigma – Yellow Belt Skill Set

LEAN SIX SIGMA

YELLOW BELT SKILL SET

A GUIDELINE FOR LEAN SIX SIGMA

YELLOW BELT TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION

H.C. Theisens; A. Meek; D. Harborne

SECOND EDITION

Lean Six Sigma Academy©

© Copyright LSSA BV, October 2015

Amstelveen
4 Lean Six Sigma – Yellow Belt Skill Set

Title: Skill set for Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt training and examination

Authors: H.C. Theisens; A. Meek; D. Harborne

Publisher: Lean Six Sigma Academy

© Copyright LSSA BV, 2015
Amstelveen

www.lssa.eu
[email protected]

Version 2.2, October 2015

NUR 100

All rights reserved. The LSSA syllabus is a public document and can be distributed in its original and complete
version. Partly republication or redistribution is prohibited without the prior written consent from LSSA. LSSA
shall not be liable for any errors in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

The structure of this books is based on the ‘Continuous Improvement Maturity Model’ - CIMMTM. You have the
permission to share and distribute this model in its original form by referencing the publisher and author,
(LSSA®, Theisens et. al., 2014).

Printed in the Netherlands.

 5

CONTENT
INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 7
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA ............................................................................................................................ 8
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT MATURITY MODEL (CIMM) .................................................................... 9
U1. WORLD CLASS PERFORMANCE .............................................................................................. 10
E1. Competitive strategies .......................................................................................................... 10
E2. History of Continuous Improvement..................................................................................... 10
E3. Philosophy & Principles ......................................................................................................... 10
U2. PROCESS IMPROVEMENT DEPLOYMENT............................................................................... 11
E1. Management of Change ........................................................................................................ 11
U3. PROJECT MANAGEMENT ....................................................................................................... 12
E1. Team Formation .................................................................................................................... 12
E2. Process Improvement Roadmaps.......................................................................................... 12
E3. Voice of the Customer (VOC) ................................................................................................ 12
E4. Project Charter ...................................................................................................................... 13
U4. LEVEL I – CREATING A SOLID FOUNDATION .......................................................................... 14
E1. Organized Work Environment ............................................................................................... 14
E2. Standardized work................................................................................................................. 14
E3. Quality Management............................................................................................................. 14
U5. LEVEL II – CREATING A CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT CULTURE ......................................... 15
E1. Kaizen .................................................................................................................................... 15
E2. Basic Quality Tools................................................................................................................. 15
E3. Basic Management Tools ...................................................................................................... 15
U6. LEVEL III – CREATING STABLE AND EFFICIENT PROCESSES .................................................... 16
DEFINE ................................................................................................................................................... 16
E1. Process Mapping ................................................................................................................... 16
MEASURE ............................................................................................................................................... 16
E2. Lean Performance Metrics .................................................................................................... 16
ANALYZE ................................................................................................................................................ 17
E3. Value Stream Analysis ........................................................................................................... 17
6 Lean Six Sigma – Yellow Belt Skill Set

IMPROVE ............................................................................................................................................... 17
E4. Reducing Muda (Waste) ........................................................................................................ 17
E5. Reducing Muri (Overburden) ................................................................................................ 17
E6. Reducing Mura (Unevenness) ............................................................................................... 18
E7. Value Stream Improvement .................................................................................................. 18
CONTROL ............................................................................................................................................... 18
E8. First Time Right ...................................................................................................................... 18
U7. LEVEL IV – CREATING CAPABLE PROCESSES .......................................................................... 19
DEFINE ................................................................................................................................................... 19
E1. Critical to Quality ................................................................................................................... 19
MEASURE ............................................................................................................................................... 19
E2. Six Sigma Performance Metrics ............................................................................................. 19
E3. Statistics................................................................................................................................. 20
E4. Distributions .......................................................................................................................... 20
E5. Measurement Systems .......................................................................................................... 20
ANALYZE ................................................................................................................................................ 21
E6. Hypothesis Testing & Confidence Intervals........................................................................... 21
E7. Correlation and Regression ................................................................................................... 21
E8. Process Capability and Performance ..................................................................................... 22
IMPROVE ............................................................................................................................................... 22
E9. Design of Experiments (DOE) ................................................................................................ 22
CONTROL ............................................................................................................................................... 22
E10. Statistical Process Control (SPC) ............................................................................................ 22
Appendix A – Bloom's Taxonomy for Performance Criteria.................................................................. 23
Appendix B – European Qualifications Framework (EQF) ..................................................................... 24
Appendix B – Acronyms......................................................................................................................... 25
Appendix C – References ....................................................................................................................... 26
 7

INTRODUCTION

Within the domain of ‘Continuous Improvement’ individuals can be trained at four different levels.
These levels are called Yellow Belt, Orange Belt, Green Belt and Black Belt.

Table 1. Overview of Belt levels

Belt level Level

Yellow Belt Awareness

Orange Belt Foundation

Green Belt Practitioner

Black Belt Expert

The LSSA - Lean Six Sigma Academy® was established in September 2009 with the objective to
develop an international recognized certification scheme for all Lean Six Sigma Belt levels. The LSSA
Exam Board has developed four syllabi with clear criteria for skills and competences. These syllabi
specify which of the overall Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques are expected to be included within
certain Belt level competencies. Lean Six Sigma training is provided by a global network of
‘Accredited Training Organizations’ (ATOs). These ATOs provide training programs that are aligned to
the LSSA syllabi.

Examinations are provided through a number of ‘Examination Institutes’ (EIs), which use the syllabi
to develop exams. The exams are open to all. Individuals can apply directly to the EIs or sign up via
one of the ATOs. It is recommended that candidates receive training through an ATO to prepare for
certification. Alternatively, candidates who wish to self-study have the option to apply directly to an
EI for certification.

Examinations are provided through the following three Examination Institutes (EIs):

• APMG APM Group Limited www.apmg-international.com

• iSQI International Software Quality Institute www.isqi.org

• ECQA European Certification and Qualification Ass. www.ecqa.org

The LSSA Yellow Belt syllabus describes the assessment criteria for the exam. The Yellow Belt
certification can be achieved independently. There are no pre-requisites for Yellow Belt certification
and therefore does not require any prior completion of any other Belt(s).
8 Lean Six Sigma – Yellow Belt Skill Set

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The following chapters describe the assessment criteria for the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
certification. The structure consists of a number of ‘Units’, ‘Elements’ and ‘Performance Criteria’.

• Unit: The syllabus is presented by syllabus areas; each called a ‘Unit’. The chapters in the
book ‘Climbing the Mountain’ reflect the ‘Units’ described in this syllabus.
• Element: Each ‘Unit’ consists of a number of ‘Elements’. The paragraphs in each chapter of
the book ‘Climbing the Mountain’ reflect the ‘Elements’ in this syllabus.
• Performance Criteria: Each ‘Element’ consists of a number of ‘Performance Criteria’ and
each ‘Performance Criteria’ has an explanation. These describe the tools, techniques and
competencies that are required to be achieved by the Yellow Belt.
• Level of Cognition: A ‘Cognitive Level’ has been assigned to each ‘Performance Criteria’-
description according to Bloom’s Taxonomy [5.]. This defines at which level the Yellow Belt is
expected to apply the respective tool, technique or skill. This is the minimum level the Yellow
Belt must be able to demonstrate in order to be assessed as competent.

The Yellow Belt assessment criteria are as follows:

• The theoretical exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions.

• The pass mark for this exam is set at 50% (25 marks or more required to pass).
• The duration of the exam is 40 minutes.
• This is a closed book exam.
• A calculator is not allowed.
• You must be able to identify yourself with photographic ID.
• A practical assessment is not part of the Yellow Belt exam.

If you pass you will receive a certificate from your EI that states you passed the Yellow Belt exam.
 9

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT MATURITY MODEL (CIMM)

The LSSA syllabi are based on the ‘Continuous Improvement Maturity Model’ (CIMM). This is a
framework that guides an evolutionary staged approach for process improvement from a very early
stage till delivering world class products. CIMM incorporates the best practice methods and
techniques of process improvement, quality management and new product development. It includes
best practices from TQM, Kaizen, TPM, Lean, Six Sigma and Design for Six Sigma.

The ‘Continuous Improvement Maturity Model’ can support other maturity models or act as a stand-
alone framework to guide the process of continuous improvement from a very early stage to the
level of World class. The model describes five maturity levels. The levels will be identified as ‘Level-I’
to ‘Level-V’.

Figure 1 – Continuous Improvement Maturity Model (CIMMTM).

*)
CIMMTM is a registered trademark of the LSSA BV. You have the permission to share and distribute this model
in its original form by referencing the publisher and author, (LSSA® , Theisens et. al., 2014).
10 Lean Six Sigma – Yellow Belt Skill Set

U1. WORLD CLASS PERFORMANCE

The Unit ‘World Class Performance’ reviews the general philosophy of Process Improvement. It
discusses the overview of different process improvement methods and the history of the most
important methods. It also explains why process improvement is needed.

E1. COMPETITIVE STRATEGIES

The Learning Element ‘Competitive strategies’ explains Operational Excellence, Customer Intimacy
and Product Leadership. It also explains how Operational Excellence can be applied to processes in
different types of enterprises.

U1.E1.PC1 Operational Excellence Remember

Recall that Operational Excellence can be applied to processes in different types of
enterprises.

E2. HISTORY OF CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

The Learning Element ‘History of Continuous Improvement’ explains the history of process
improvement and quality management.

U1.E2.PC1 History of TQM, Lean and Six Sigma Remember

Recall the origins of TQM, Lean and Six Sigma.

E3. PHILOSOPHY & PRINCIPLES

The Learning Element ‘Philosophy & Principles’ explains the values and principles of Lean and Six
Sigma. Similarities and differences to other improvement methods are also reviewed.

U1.E3.PC1 Value and foundations of Lean and Six Sigma Understand

Understand the value of Lean and Six Sigma, its philosophy and goals. Understand
the relationship between Lean and Six Sigma.

U1.E3.PC2 Lean principles Remember

Recall that Lean philosophy and principles realize improvements in process lead
times and efficiencies.

U1.E3.PC3 Six Sigma principles Remember

Recall that Six Sigma philosophy and principles realize breakthroughs in quality
performance.
 11

U2. PROCESS IMPROVEMENT DEPLOYMENT

The Unit ‘Process Improvement Deployment’ reviews how process improvement programs should be
deployed across the organization. It explains the role and responsibilities of Leadership in its efforts
to coach and inspire improvement teams. Also team development and change management aspects
will be reviewed.

E1. MANAGEMENT OF CHANGE

The Learning Element ‘Management of Change’ reviews the dynamics that can occur during a project
such as cooperation, resistance, escalation of problems and solving roadblocks.

U2.E1.PC1 Organizational Culture Remember

Recall that an organization's culture can influence the success of Lean Six Sigma
deployment.

U2.E1.PC2 Change Management approaches Remember

Recall the difference between Top-Down and Bottom-Up approach. Understand the
power of the Bottom-Up approach.
12 Lean Six Sigma – Yellow Belt Skill Set

U3. PROJECT MANAGEMENT

The Unit ‘Project Management’ outlines the way improvement projects should be executed. It starts
with the identification of customers and its requirements. The Unit also covers a number of project
management roadmaps, team formation, the project charter and a number of project management
tools.

E1. TEAM FORMATION

The Learning Element ‘Team Formation’ reviews the different role and responsibilities within and
around an improvement team. It also reviews how a team is formed.

U3.E1.PC1 Roles and Responsibilities Remember

Recall the Lean Six Sigma levels of expertise: Master Black Belt, Black Belt, Green Belt,
Orange Belt and Yellow Belt. Recall the various team roles and responsibilities:
Deployment leader, Champion, Project leader, and Team member.

E2. PROCESS IMPROVEMENT ROADMAPS

The Learning Element ‘Process Improvement Roadmaps’ reviews a number of roadmaps, including
Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) and Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control (DMAIC).

U3.E2.PC1 Kaizen Roadmap Understand

Understand the project management methods that are used at the shop floor for
Kaizen initiatives e.g. PDCA, A3-report.

U3.E2.PC2 Problem Solving Process (8D) Remember

Recall the 'Eight Disciplines Problem Solving Method' which is used to approach and
resolve problems.

U3.E2.PC3 DMAIC Roadmap Remember

Recall the Process Improvement DMAIC roadmap.

E3. VOICE OF THE CUSTOMER (VOC)

The Learning Element ‘Voice of the Customer’ reviews customer identification (internal/external) and
customer requirements.

U3.E3.PC1 Customer identification Remember

Recall that a project will impact both internal and external customers.

U3.E3.PC2 Customer requirements Remember

Recall that different customers have different needs, expectations, requirements and
desires.
 13

E4. PROJECT CHARTER

The Element ‘Project Charter’ covers the description of the project such as problem description,
objectives, scope, timing and benefits.

U3.E4.PC1 Problem statement Understand

Interpret problem statement in relation to customer requirements.
14 Lean Six Sigma – Yellow Belt Skill Set

U4. LEVEL I – CREATING A SOLID FOUNDATION

The Unit ‘Creating a solid foundation’ reviews how to achieve a solid foundation for further process
improvement programs. This foundation consists of a proper and organized work environment,
reliable equipment and standardized work.

E1. ORGANIZED WORK ENVIRONMENT

The Learning Element ‘Organized work environment’ is about good housekeeping and how to set up
a proper and safe work environment in a structured manner.

U4.E1.PC1 Organized work environment (5S) Understand

Understand how organizing the work environment, by applying 5S (Sort, Straighten,
Shine, standardize, Sustain), will improve safety and moral.

E2. STANDARDIZED WORK

The Learning Element ‘Standardized work’ is about implementing and improving standards.

U4.E2.PC1 Standardized work and Documentation Understand

Understand that standardized tasks are the foundation for continuous improvement.
Interpret standard operating procedures (SOPs) and one-point-lessons.

E3. QUALITY MANAGEMENT

The Learning Element ‘Quality Management’ is about developing procedures to identify and detect
defects. Also preventing mistakes and avoiding problems will be discussed.

U4.E3.PC1 Quality Management System Understand

Understand quality procedures, the need to be disciplined and to work according
procedures.
 15

U5. LEVEL II – CREATING A CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT CULTURE

The Unit ‘Creating a continuous improvement culture’ reviews how to create a continuous
improvement culture at the shop floor. This Unit reviews setting up and facilitate Kaizen teams. It
also reviews a number of problem solving techniques and tools.

E1. KAIZEN
The Learning Element ‘Kaizen’ reviews how to organize and facilitate improvement teams at the shop
floor that work on Kaizen improvement initiatives.

U5.E1.PC1 Short Interval Management Understand

Participate in Short Interval Management, Stand Up meetings and corrective actions.

U5.E1.PC2 Visual Workplace Understand

Understand the elements of a Visual Workplace and how these can help to control
the improved process.

U5.E1.PC3 Root Cause Analysis Understand

Understand the issues involved in identifying a root cause. Understand problem
solving tools (5-Why and Cause and Effect diagrams / Ishikawa) for analyzing
problems.

U5.E1.PC4 Kaizen events Understand

Participate in Kaizen events.

E2. BASIC QUALITY TOOLS

The Learning Element ‘Basic Quality Tools’ reviews a number of basic quality tools.

U5.E2.PC1 Visualization of data Understand

Understand the purpose and use of data visualization, analysis and communication.

U5.E2.PC2 Basic Quality Tools Understand

Understand basic quality tools: Check sheet; Pareto chart; Scatter plot; Bar chart; Pie
chart; Time Series Plot, Histogram and Box plot.

E3. BASIC MANAGEMENT TOOLS

The Learning Element ‘Basic Management tools’ reviews a number of tools that are very powerful in
the problem solving process.

U5.E3.PC1 Brainstorm Techniques Understand

Understand brainstorm techniques: affinity diagram, 5-Whys and Ishikawa.

U5.E3.PC2 Decision making Understand

Participate in decision making techniques e.g. Cause & Effect Matrix.
16 Lean Six Sigma – Yellow Belt Skill Set

U6. LEVEL III – CREATING STABLE AND EFFICIENT PROCESSES

The Unit ‘Creating stable and efficient processes’ reviews how the logistical flow of processes can be
improved and made more stable, predictable and efficient. This Unit also reviews tools which can be
used to visualize and analyze the process flow. This unit also reviews a number of tools and
techniques that can be used to improve efficiency, effectiveness, productivity and agility of
processes. All Level III Learning Elements and Performance Criteria follow the DMAIC structure.

DEFINE

E1. PROCESS MAPPING

The Learning Element ‘Process Mapping’ reviews a number of tools to map the process flow that can
be used in both Lean and Six Sigma projects.

U6.E1.PC1 Process Flow diagram Understand

Par Understand the importance of process mapping to visualize the flow of activities
and decisions within a process.

U6.E1.PC2 High level process description Understand

Participate in identifying input and output process variables and be familiar with
SIPOC technique.

MEASURE

E2. LEAN PERFORMANCE METRICS

The Learning Element ‘Lean Performance Metrics’ reviews different types of data, measurement
scales and Lean performance metrics. This Element also reviews process flow analysis.

U6.E2.PC1 Process Flow analysis Understand

Understand Little's Law.

U6.E2.PC2 Lean Performance metrics Remember

Recall Lean performance metrics e.g. takt time, cycle time, lead time, queue time,
WIP, yield and OEE.

U6.E2.PC3 Data types Remember

Recall the different types of data and that there is a difference between counting and
measuring.

U6.E2.PC4 Measurement scales Remember

Recall the different measurement scales.
 17

ANALYZE

E3. VALUE STREAM ANALYSIS

The Learning Element ‘Value Stream Analysis’ reviews how to create a Value Stream Map of the
current situation.

U6.E3.PC1 Value Adding versus Non Value Adding Understand

Understand the difference between value added and non-value added activities.

U6.E3.PC2 Value Stream Mapping (Current State) Understand

Understand that Value Stream Mapping is a technique for identifying waste and non-
value added activities.

IMPROVE

E4. REDUCING MUDA (WASTE)

The Learning Element ‘Reducing Muda’ reviews how to identify Waste in the organization and in the
processes.

U6.E4.PC1 Waste identification (for the Operation) Understand

Identify the 8 types of waste (Muda); Overproduction, Waiting, Transport,
Overprocessing, Inventory, Movement, Defects, Unused expertise.

U6.E4.PC2 Waste identification (for the Customer) Understand

Identify the 7 types of customer waste (Muda); Opportunity Loss, Delay, Unnecessary
Movement, Duplication, Incorrect inventory, Unclear Communication and Errors.

E5. REDUCING MURI (OVERBURDEN)

The Learning Element ‘Reducing Muri ’ reviews how to identify overburdening the organization and
how to implement flow and work balancing to reduce overburden. This element also reviews the
relations between Lean with TPM and TOC.

U6.E5.PC1 Flow Understand

Understand the meaning of Flow.

U6.E5.PC2 Work balancing Remember

Recall the meaning of Work balancing.

U6.E5.PC3 Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) Remember

Recall the eight pillars of TPM and how it can be used for process improvement.
18 Lean Six Sigma – Yellow Belt Skill Set

E6. REDUCING MURA (UNEVENNESS)

The Learning Element ‘Reducing Mura ’ reviews how to identify unevenness in the organization and
in the processes. This element also reviews a number of techniques to reduce unevenness.

U6.E6.PC1 Pull Understand

Understand the meaning of Pull.

U6.E6.PC2 Volume and Type leveling Remember

Recall the basic principles of volume leveling, type leveling and one piece flow.

U6.E6.PC3 Quick Change Over (SMED) Understand

Understand the concept Single Minute Exchange of Dies (SMED) to reduce
changeover time.

E7. VALUE STREAM IMPROVEMENT

The Learning Element ‘Value Stream Improvement’ reviews how the techniques and tools that
reduce Muda, Muri and Mura can be applied in constructing a Future State Value Stream Map.

U6.E7.PC1 Value Stream Mapping (Future State) Remember

Recall the difference between current state and future state Value Stream Mapping.

CONTROL

E8. FIRST TIME RIGHT

The Learning Element ‘First Time Right’ looks at how results that have been achieved in process
improvement projects can be sustained. This element reviews the following techniques and
principles: Process FMEA, Control plan, Jidoka and Poka Yoke.

U6.E8.PC1 Process FMEA (pFMEA) Understand

Prepare all elements of a Process FMEA, calculate the risk priority number (RPN) and
review the effect of FMEA results on processes, products and services.

U6.E8.PC2 Control plan Remember

Recall that a control plan contains elements to verify the process to assure product
quality.

U6.E8.PC3 Jidoka & Poka Yoke Understand

Understand the work has to be stopped when there is a quality problem. Identify
opportunities to apply Poka Yoke to avoid quality problems.
 19

U7. LEVEL IV – CREATING CAPABLE PROCESSES

The Unit 'Creating Capable Processes' focuses on reducing variation in a stable process with the
objective to create a process capable of meeting customer requirements. This Unit reviews the
application of Six Sigma and statistical tools used to assure a valid and reliable performance
measurement system, to collect data and to analyze the performance of processes. Six Sigma focuses
on quality breakthrough improvement projects. All Level IV Learning Elements and Performance
Criteria follow the DMAIC structure.

DEFINE

E1. CRITICAL TO QUALITY

The Learning Element ‘Critical to Quality’ reviews how to translate the Voice of Customer (VOC) into
a CTQ flowdown that represents the key measurable characteristics of the product or process.

U7.E1.PC1 Critical requirements Remember

Recall the difference between Six Sigma process performance metrics e.g. PPM,
DPMO, DPU and RTY. Recall the difference between a defect and a defective.

MEASURE

E2. SIX SIGMA PERFORMANCE METRICS

The Learning Element ‘Six Sigma Performance Metrics’ reviews a number of metrics that are often
used in Six Sigma projects. The element also reviews a number of sampling methods for assuring data
accuracy and integrity.

U7.E2.PC1 Defects and Defectives Remember

Recall the difference between Six Sigma process performance metrics e.g. PPM,
DPMO, DPU and RTY. Recall the difference between a defect and a defective.

U7.E2.PC2 Sampling methods Understand

Understand it is important to follow systematic data collection.

U7.E2.PC3 Data collection tools Understand

Understand tools for collecting data such as data sheets and check sheets.
20 Lean Six Sigma – Yellow Belt Skill Set

E3. STATISTICS
The Learning Element ‘Statistics’ reviews the basic terms of sample and descriptive statistics.

U7.E3.PC1 Descriptive statistics Understand

Understand the basic terms of statistics e.g. mean, median, standard deviation and
range.

U7.E3.PC2 Variation Understand

Understand the difference between special cause and common cause variation.

E4. DISTRIBUTIONS
The Learning Element ‘Distributions’ reviews a number of continuous distributions.

U7.E4.PC1 Common continuous distributions Remember

Recall that many processes are normally distributed.

E5. MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS

The Learning Element ‘Measurement Systems’ reviews how to evaluate measurement systems.

U7.E5.PC1 Measurement methods Understand

Understand that there are different measurement methods for continuous and
discrete data.

U7.E5.PC2 Measurement systems analysis Remember

Recall a measurement procedure demonstrates variation. Recall the importance of
randomizing samples.
 21

ANALYZE

E6. HYPOTHESIS TESTING & CONFIDENCE INTERVALS

The Learning Element ‘Hypothesis Testing & Confidence Intervals’ reviews test methods that are
used to test a hypothesis. This Learning Element also discusses Confidence Intervals that indicate the
reliability of test conclusions.

U7.E6.PC1 Hypothesis testing Remember

Recall the basic principles of hypothesis testing.

U7.E6.PC2 Confidence Intervals Remember

Recall the basic principles of confidence intervals.

E7. CORRELATION AND REGRESSION

The Learning Element ‘Correlation and Regression’ describes the predictive models using regression
techniques to determine the relation between factors on a response.

U7.E7.PC1 Correlation coefficient Remember

Recall the basic principles of correlation.

U7.E7.PC2 Regression analysis Remember

Recall the basic principles of linear regression.
22 Lean Six Sigma – Yellow Belt Skill Set

E8. PROCESS CAPABILITY AND PERFORMANCE

The Learning Element ‘Process Capability and Performance’ explains process capability and
performance in relation to specification limits.

U7.E8.PC1 Process capability studies Remember

U Recall the basic principles of process capability studies.

U7.E8.PC2 Process capability indices Remember

Recall there are various process capability indices e.g. Cp and Cpk.

U7.E8.PC3 Short-term and long-term capability Remember

Recall there is a difference between long-term and short-term capability.

U7.E8.PC4 Process performance indices Remember

Recall there are various process performance indices e.g. Cp and Cpk.

IMPROVE

E9. DESIGN OF EXPERIMENTS (DOE)

The Learning Element ‘Design of Experiments’ reviews the design and evaluation of Full Factorial and
Fractional experiments. These efficient experiments examine the influence of factors and
interactions on a process.

U7.E9.PC1 Principles of experiments and terminology Remember

Recall the importance of efficient ways of experimenting.

CONTROL

E10. STATISTICAL PROCESS CONTROL (SPC)

The Learning Element ‘Statistical Process Control’ explains the controls methods used to identify out-
of-control situations and deviations over time. Different types of SPC charts are reviewed.

U7.E10.PC1 SPC Objectives and benefits Understand

Understand the objectives and benefits of SPC.

U7.E10.PC2 Control charts Remember

Recall the basic principles of the Xbar-R control chart.
 23

APPENDIX A – BLOOM'S TAXONOMY FOR PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

In addition to specifying content, each performance criteria in this skill set also indicates the
intended complexity level of the test questions for each topic. These levels are based on ‘Levels of
Cognition’ (from Bloom’s Taxonomy – Revised, 2001), and can be used to create learning outcomes
for students [6.].

The Taxonomy of Educational Objectives, often called Bloom's Taxonomy, is a classification of the
different objectives that educators set for students (learning objectives). The taxonomy was
proposed in 1956 by Benjamin Bloom, an educational psychologist at the University of Chicago.
During the nineties, Lorin Anderson a former student of Bloom revisited the cognitive domain in the
learning taxonomy [5.]. Bloom's Taxonomy divides educational objectives into three ‘domains’:
Affective, Psychomotor and Cognitive. This Skill set only notices the Cognitive domain. The ‘Levels of
Cognition’ are in rank order - from least complex to most complex. The Yellow Belt skill set only uses
the levels ‘Remember’ and ‘Understand’.

Remember
Recall or recognize terms, definitions, facts, ideas, materials, patterns, sequences, methods,
principles, etc. The LSSA uses the following verb at this level: Recall.

Understand
Read and understand descriptions, communications, reports, tables, diagrams, directions,
regulations, etc. The LSSA uses the following verbs at this level: Describe, Follow, Identify, Interpret,
Participate, Understand.

Apply
Know when and how to use ideas, procedures, methods, formulas, principles, theories, etc. The LSSA
uses the following verbs at this level: Apply, Assure, Calculate, Define, Demonstrate, Divide,
Eliminate, Empower, Facilitate, Implement, Motivate, Organize, Plan, Prepare, Present, Promote,
Propagate, Review, Select, Standardize, Support, Use.

Analyze
Break down information into its constituent parts and recognize their relationship to one another
and how they are organized; identify sublevel factors or salient data from a complex scenario. The
LSSA uses the following verbs at this level: Analyze, Construct, Design, Develop, Distinguish, Evaluate,
Lead, Manage, Translate.

Evaluate
Make judgments about the value of proposed ideas, solutions, etc., by comparing the proposal to
specific criteria or standards. The LSSA does not uses this level in their skill sets.

Create
Put parts or elements together in such a way as to reveal a pattern or structure not clearly there
before; identify which data or information from a complex set is appropriate to examine further or
from which supported conclusions can be drawn. The LSSA does not uses this level in their skill sets.
24 Lean Six Sigma – Yellow Belt Skill Set

APPENDIX B – EUROPEAN QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK (EQF)

The European Qualifications Framework (EQF) acts as a translation device to make national
qualifications more readable across Europe, promoting workers' and learners' mobility between
countries and facilitating their lifelong learning.

The core of the EQF are 'Learning outcomes' which are eight reference levels describing what a
learner knows, understands and is able to do.

EQF Level Knowledge Belt level

-
Level 1 Basic general knowledge

-
Level 2 Basic factual knowledge of a field of work or study

Knowledge of facts, principles, processes and general concepts, in a field -

Level 3
of work or study

Lean Six Sigma

Factual and theoretical knowledge in broad contexts within a field of
Level 4
work or study
Yellow Belt

Comprehensive, specialized, factual and theoretical knowledge within a Lean Six Sigma
Level 5 field of work or study and an awareness of the boundaries of that
knowledge Orange Belt

Lean Six Sigma

Advanced knowledge of a field of work or study, involving a critical
Level 6
understanding of theories and principles
Green Belt
• Highly specialized knowledge, some of which is at the forefront of
knowledge in a field of work or study, as the basis for original thinking Lean Six Sigma
Level 7 and/or research
• Critical awareness of knowledge issues in a field and at the interface Black Belt
between different fields
Lean Six Sigma
Knowledge at the most advanced frontier of a field of work or study and
Level 8 Master Black Belt
at the interface between fields
 25

APPENDIX B – ACRONYMS

Acronym Description

APL Accreditation of Prior Learning

APMG APM Group Limited

ASQ American Society of Quality

ATO Accredited Training Organization

ECQA European Certification and Qualification Association

EQF European Qualifications Framework

LSSA Lean Six Sigma Academy (LSSA BV)

LSS YB Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt

LSS OB Lean Six Sigma Orange Belt

LSS GB Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

LSS BB Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

iSQI International Software Quality Institute (iSQI GmbH)

NVQ National Vocational Qualification standard of England, Wales and N. Ireland

The LSSA has developed an abbreviation list with over 200 Lean Six Sigma terms and abbreviations. It
is available online in four different languages at www.lssa.eu.
26 Lean Six Sigma – Yellow Belt Skill Set

APPENDIX C – REFERENCES

[1.] Department of Trade and Industry UK, British Standards for Occupational Qualification,
National Vocational Qualification Standards and Levels.

[2.] American Society for Quality (2008), ASQ body of knowledge - Six Sigma Green Belt
Certification. Milwaukee: ASQ.

[3.] American Society for Quality (2008), ASQ body of knowledge - Six Sigma Black Belt
Certification. Milwaukee: ASQ.

[4.] European Certification and Qualification Association (2009), ECQA Guide, Version 3,
Guidelines. Krems: ECQA.

[5.] Bloom, B.S., Engelhart, M.D., Furst, E.J., Hill, W.H. & Krathwohl, D.R. (1956). Taxonomy of
Educational Objectives, The Cognitive Domain. New York: Longmans.

[6.] Anderson, L.W. & Krathwohl, D.R. (Eds.) (2001). A Taxonomy for Learning, Teaching, and
Assessing: A Revision of Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives. New York: Longmans.
27
It is important for businesses and organizations to continuously focus on
customer satisfaction by supplying products or services with outstanding quality,
cost efficiently and within the agreed lead time. Improving quality and efficiency
is the domain of ‘Process Improvement’.

Realising these objectives is effectively achieved by applying Lean Six Sigma: a

combination of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma approaches. Within Lean Six
Sigma, individuals can be trained at various ‘Belt levels’. These levels are called
Black Belt, Green Belt, Orange Belt and Yellow Belt.

The LSSA – Lean Six Sigma Academy – was established in September 2009,
with the main objective to determine a common certification standard for Lean
Six Sigma job roles. This has been realised by developing four skill sets with
clear criteria and an online exam portal. This document describes the second
revision of the Yellow Belt skill set.

H.C. Theisens
Managing director Lean Six Sigma Academy