COI Hosts Six Sigma Training

Northland Community and Technical College hosted a Six Sigma Green Belt training session during the week of June 13 th in Thief River Falls . The purpose of the training was to educate participants in Six Sigma methodology as well as implement improvement projects. Northland's goal is to implement Six Sigma methodology into Lean Manufacturing and Lean Healthcare training initiatives.

In order to receive Green Belt certification, participants are required to lead their own improvement project using tools from the June training. Successful participants will be able to collect and analyze data, design an experiment, use Six Sigma problem solving methodologies such as the DMAIC (i.e., Define - Measure - Analyze - Improve - Control), and understand the results of the techniques taught in class.

The final day of Green Belt training will be held in September. At that time, participants will present the progress of their projects and explain how they are implementing the Six Sigma methodology. One of the requirements of a Green Belt project is identifying a minimal cost savings of $50,000 to the organization directly related to their project.

Participants in the Green Belt training consisted of members from the following organizations: NCTC's Center for Outreach and Innovation; Itasca Community and Technical College; Hennepin Technical College, Alexandria Technical College; Dee, Inc.; Roseau Area Hospital; and Fosston First Care.

For more information please contact Kristen Melby, Director of Workforce Development at (218) 681-0719 or kirsten.melby@northlandcollege.edu .