Lean and Six Sigma Training for SCM Faculty

Lean and Six Sigma are quality management topics used in both manufacturing and service industries, and there are many training courses offered based on the need for employees educated in these methods. One population that... [ view full abstract ]

Lean and Six Sigma are quality management topics used in both manufacturing and service industries, and there are many training courses offered based on the need for employees educated in these methods. One population that isn’t commonly considered for this training is instructors at universities, partly because of unrecognized benefit and the requirement for the completion of a significant improvement project to become certified. This paper presents an argument in support of university faculty in SCM taking Lean and Six Sigma training by identifying the value and means of certification along with the long-term benefit to students.  While the value of being green-belt certified may not be as significant in academia as industry, a solid understanding of the methodologies and tools enables an instructor to provide students with a stronger foundation of problem-solving skills for quality management.