What Should be in a Six Sigma Yellow Belt Curriculum?

Yellow Belts occupy a flexible space in Six Sigma hierarchy where they can act as both workers and assistants to project leaders. At SixSigmaUS, we believe Yellow Belt training is important not just for the knowledge it imparts, but for the valuable experience it delivers. Our two-day course will train Yellow Belts how to use D, M, and A (Define, Measure, Analyze) to identify projects and get them started. Below is an outline of our Yellow Belt curriculum and body of knowledge.

Six Sigma Yellow Belt Curriculum

• Core Yellow Belt Techniques and Ideas 

  Our two-day course introduces process mapping (6-foot view), C&E matrices, effects analysis, failure modes, and fundamental statistics. Likewise, we teach how to comprehend and create SIPOC diagrams, as well as develop graphs. Software like Minitab is an essential tool in Six Sigma, which is why we provide a crash course in how to use it effectively.

• Competitive Strategy

  Six Sigma relies on several important principles to make the most impact on production process improvement.

1. Operational Excellence is a key principle in Yellow Belt curriculums, as it encourages businesses and production lines to operate at optimal levels. Yellow Belt curriculums should teach trainees how to implement OE processes to different types of enterprise. Ideally, OE principles should be taught in a practical and theoretical sense. That way, Yellow Belts will have the best of both worlds when it comes to Six Sigma skills. The practical expertise to make lasting changes towards process improvement, and the theoretical knowledge to back them up.

2. Customer Intimacy is another important principle in Yellow Belt training. On our Yellow Belt curriculum, we teach trainees how to understand value streams within businesses, as well as the many ways in which customer expectation and demand affects production. Yellow Belts should be able to identify areas that require attention, such as those affecting customer satisfaction. 

3. Product and Cost Leadership strategies also form an essential part of Yellow Belt work. Product Leadership pushes companies to produce innovative products and adapt existing services in a creative manner. Cost Leadership is similar in that it pushes a company to take advantage of market share by supplying quality products at competitive prices. Both strategies help to outdo competitors and position a company as leaders in cost and production. Yellow Belts should understand the fundamentals of both if they are to make any significant process changes. 

• Continuous Improvement (Kaizen)

  Additionally, Kaizen is a key mindset for businesses to have. Instead of letting processes fester and accumulate waste over time, employees should be taught to seek out and recognize problems as they occur. Using Yellow Belt knowledge, Six Sigma practitioners need to understand Kaizen and how it can drive lasting process changes. 

• Six Sigma (and Lean)

  Six Sigma and Lean forms the groundwork of all Yellow Belt work. All Yellow Belts should possess a strong grasp of Six Sigma’s fundamental methodologies. Yellow Belts should understand the value, attitudes, and goals of Six Sigma. Our aim is to incorporate more Lean elements into our courses, to help students realize effective improvements in practice. 

• Organizational Culture and Change Management

  Six Sigma demands teamwork, and project management and leadership skills are essential qualities in Yellow Belt training. While Yellow Belts occupy varying positions, they still form part of an important hierarchy which they must understand. In leadership roles, Yellow Belts should also be knowledgeable of Top-Down and Bottom-Up approaches to change management.