Lean Sigma Quality

Certificate

Course Details

Course Code	SG_ELSIG_S07
Level	7
Duration	2 semesters (28 weeks)
Credits	15
Method of Delivery	Online
Campus Locations	Sligo
Mode of Delivery	Part Time

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Course Overview

Enrol in Ireland’s largest QQI accredited online Green Belt programme which includes a work-based project with target savings of €15,000 per annum. The ATU Sligo Lean Sigma Green Belt provides participants with enhanced problem-solving skills, using the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control) model. This course will show you how to reduce cost, increase quality, improve speed and make processes more effective and efficient in your organisation. This Green Belt course covers the use of statistical, analytical and operational improvement tools to improve processes using a structured problem-solving methodology. Successful candidates will receive a QQI accredited Level 7 Certificate in Lean Sigma Quality from ATU Sligo.

Through practical examples and exercises, learners will become proficient in the use of the problem-solving techniques used to monitor and control processes. This ‘learning by doing’ approach also allows for better integration of the tools into the participant’s workplace.

Ten reasons to enrol on the ATU Sligo Green Belt course.

Ireland’s largest online QQI accredited Green Belt programme offers weekly live interactive lectures and regular Q&A sessions with your lecturer.
Study anytime, anywhere. The course is delivered 100% online with 24/7 access to your course materials and recorded lectures.
Accredited by Quality Qualifications Ireland (QQI) – 15 credits at Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
Delivered by Irish National Teaching Expert award-winning lecturers with industry experience. The ATU Sligo lecturers have delivered online Lean Six Sigma courses to over 20,000 participants in 75 countries worldwide.
Course content includes industry examples from medical devices, pharma, food, manufacturing, healthcare and the service sectors.
Over 250 practice questions and online quizzes are included in the course to assist you with your learning and knowledge retention.
The course includes Minitab – the statistical and process improvement software used by many leading employers. You will be provided with free access to Minitab software during your course of study at ATU Sligo.
Participants undertake a work-based project to allow the use of the Lean Six Sigma tools in their workplace. An ATU Sligo supervisor is assigned to each student to support them during the project. (A simulated project option is available for those unable to complete a work-based project.)
The typical cost savings to the organisation from each Green Belt project is a minimum of €15K (annualised).
Internationally recognised – as our syllabus covers both the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and the Quality America Body of Knowledge (BOK), an additional external certification is also an option.(* Please see note below.)

Note: If you are planning to also take the exam for ASQ/Quality America certification, you must take both the Six Sigma 1 and Six Sigma 2 modules to cover the necessary statistics on the ASQ Green Belt Body of Knowledge (BOK). The Six Sigma 2 module is taken as an elective in place of the Lean & OpEx module and runs from January – May each year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Lean Sigma Green Belt course aimed at?

The Six Sigma Green Belt provides participants with enhanced problem-solving skills, using the
DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control) model. This certification is in great demand
by employers across all sectors in either manufacturing, medical device, pharmaceutical, healthcare or
service sectors. It is suitable for all levels within the organisation from operator to supervisor and
technician through to engineering and management level.

How often do I need to attend ATU’s Sligo campus?

There is no requirement to attend Sligo as all lectures are delivered live online each week
which you can log into from your home or workplace. Recordings are also available if you cannot log into
the live lecture. If completing the Six Sigma 2 module, there may be a requirement to attend a final exam
held in May each year in an exam centre in Sligo or Dublin.

What are the prerequisites for the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt course?

Applicants are expected to have passed Leaving Certificate or equivalent in math’s due to the
Statistics covered in the course syllabus. It is preferable that you would be in a position to complete a
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt project with an employer. If you are unable to complete a Lean Six Sigma
work-based project, a simulated Six Sigma project can be completed. More details on the project
requirements are listed below.

Do I need to complete the Yellow Belt before enrolling on the Green Belt course?

No – The Green Belt course covers all of the material on the Yellow Belt course. If you first
enrol onto the Lean & OpEx Yellow Belt and then wish to continue onto the Green Belt course, you will
be exempt from the Lean & Opex module. You will then need to complete the Six Sigma 1 module and a
project to obtain your Green Belt.

What are the lecture days and times?

There are approx. 1.5 – 2 hours of lectures delivered live online each week. Live lectures are
scheduled between 6 pm and 10 pm from Monday – Thursday each week. The actual day and time of
your online lecture will be provided to you before lectures commence. These lectures are also recorded so
you can watch them anytime if you cannot attend the live lecture.

How much study time is required per week?

Previous participants stated that they spent on average 3 – 5 hours per week studying the course
material and completing any quizzes or assignments that are due that week. If you are already familiar
with some of the topics from your prior work or educational experience, this may be less. For the Project,
this can be done as part of your work schedule and we estimate this should take 3 – 6 hours per week
during the second semester.

What type of exams are needed to pass this course?

The Six Sigma 1 and the Lean & OpEx modules are assessed through a combination of
continuous assessment and a final online exam. For the Six Sigma 3 module there is a project
presentation and report to be completed. These are all submitted online.
If completing the Six Sigma 2 module, there may be a requirement to attend a final written exam held in
May each year in an exam centre in Sligo or Dublin

Is there an induction programme for new students?

Yes – you will be notified of the details of the online the induction once you register on the course.

If I fail in any of the exams, what is the provision to repeat?

Repeat exams are held in August. There is a nominal repeat exam fee – approx. €75. You can
repeat the exams up to a maximum of three times.

What type of work-based project needs to be completed for a Six Sigma Green Belt?

The work-based project will test the student’s ability to define a real-life problem of concern to
the organisation, design a strategy for addressing the problem, gather data, formulate and evaluate options
and make recommendations. A financial saving must be identified for Green Belt projects. The
target savings should be approx. €1250 Euros per month or €15K per year. However, we recognise that
this is somewhat dependent on the size of the company you work in and your role in the organisation.
You will have an opportunity to discuss this in more detail with your lecturer and IT Sligo project
supervisor.
Examples of typical projects:
Any Lean or Six Sigma project that seeks to improve quality, reduce time and have a financial
saving.
Quality improvement/defect reduction
Reduce lab turnaround time
Reduce accounts payable invoice processing costs
Reduced machine setup time

How long does the course last?

The course duration is 2 semesters (28 weeks). The course will run from September – December
and from Jan – April each year. You may enrol in either September or January. Previous participants
have stated that this gives the optimum learning experience and allows you to use the Lean Six Sigma
tools in your workplace.

Do you provide an alternative project if I cannot complete a work-based project with
my employer?

Yes – if you are unable to complete a work-based project, a simulated Lean Six Sigma project
will be provided by your lecturer to allow you to use the Six Sigma tools and the Minitab statistical
analysis software.

What will be the QQI level of credits I will receive by completing this course?

You receive 15 credits at Level 7 if you successfully complete all three modules. You will
receive a Certificate in Lean Sigma Quality from Atlantic Technological University.

Do I have to take all three modules in one year?

We recommend that you try and complete the Green Belt from September – May each year. If
required, modules can be studied over a longer period of time – up to 2 years. For example, you can take
the Six Sigma 1 & 2 modules during the first year followed by the Six Sigma 3 project module the
following year. You will receive 5 credits for each module you successfully complete. Please check the
course schedule as modules are normally only offered in one semester.

What are the ATU course fees?

The course fees are listed on the ATU website. The costs shown include course fees, examinations fees, access to the online lectures, access to the learning management system Moodle where course notes and reading material are provided. Access to Minitab software is also included during Lean Sigma Green Belt the course. The only additional cost for the student is the course textbook which is estimated to be approx. €65 per student.

Are there any grants available for course fees?

The course has in the past been grant aided by the Irish government under the Springboard
initiative for those applicants not in employment and a 90% funding for those in employment. If
Springboard funding available for this year’s course, this will be listed on the Green Belt course page on
the ATU website www.atu.ie/springboard.

Participants have also received funding (approx. 20%) from relevant Skillnets such as ICBE and
MedTech. Check with your employer for funding under Skillnets. Enterprise Ireland (EI) and IDA client
companies may also provide funding under their Lean initiatives. Please follow up directly with your EI
or IDA client advisor. Many students have their employer sponsor them.

My company is paying my fees, can IT Sligo issue me with an invoice?

Yes – an invoice can be issued to your employer. Please indicate on the online application form
that your employer will be paying your fees. If you have any queries on this, please contact fees feecollection.sligo@atu.ie

Is the external ASQ/Quality America Green Belt exam mandatory?

No – the ASQ or the Quality America external Green belt is an optional additional qualification.
The ASQ / Quality America exam preparation workshop and exam fees are paid directly to the external
providers. They are NOT included in your fees. Note: For the (optional) ASQ/Quality America
exam, these exams are normally held in June and December each year. You can take these any time after
you complete the ATU green belt course. Further details will be provided when you enrol on the
course if you wish to obtain an additional certification

Is the external ASQ / Quality America Green Belt fee covered under Springboard funding?

No – the external green belt certification from ASQ / Quality America is in addition to the
Certificate in Lean Sigma Quality that you obtain from ATU. The fee for the external exam goes to the
external provider and not to ATU. It is therefore not covered under Springboard funding.

What are the difference between the ATU Six Sigma Green Belt and the Lean & OpEx courses?

ATU offerd two Lean Sigma courses depending on your area of interest:

Six Sigma Green Belt – this primarily focuses on the Statistical Process Control (SPC) tools along
with some Lean tools. The Six Sigma Green Belt covers the Six Sigma 1 and the Six Sigma 2
module syllabi listed at the end of this document.

Lean & OpEx Yellow Belt – this focuses more on the Lean and Operational Tools with an
introduction to the six sigma statistical tools. The Lean & Opex Green Belt covers the Six Sigma 1
and the Lean & OpEx module syllabi listed at the end of this document.

Course Details

Year 1

Semester	Module Details	Credits	Mandatory / Elective
1	Six Sigma 1 – Introduction to Lean Sigma Quality Six Sigma 1 ‑ Introduction to Lean Sigma quality aims to provide learners with an understanding of the tools and techniques of quality that are used in the attainment of a six-sigma quality environment. The principal goal of Six Sigma is to reduce variation in the process and improve quality. Through practical examples and exercises, learners will become proficient in the use of the basic problem-solving techniques used to monitor and control processes. The topics include: the Six Sigma DMAIC problem-solving process, Lean principles, FMEA's and risk management, the seven traditional quality tools, surveys, descriptive statistics and an introduction to inferential statistics. The module now includes lectures on Minitab – the industry-leading Six Sigma statistical software. This module is also designed to meet the requirements of the Six Sigma Yellow belt award. This module aligns with the internationally recognised Six Sigma Green Belt body of knowledge from the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and also from Quality America. As this is an online course, the majority of students are working in industry. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe why organisations use Six Sigma andthe Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) and DMAIC improvement methodology. 2. Define and describe Lean concepts and tools 3. Define, select and use the seven quality tools for problems solving, prioritising problems and improving processes. eg. Cause & Effect, Scatter Plots and Pareto charts. 4. Define, select and use the seven (new) management and planning tools. eg. Affinity diagrams, matrix diagrams and tree diagrams 5. Generate FMEAs and understand how they are used in risk management. 6. Calculate process performance metrics such as DPU, FTY, DPMO and Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ). 7. Collect and summarise data using surveys, descriptive and inferential statistics and graphical methods.	05	Mandatory
2	Six Sigma 2 Statistical Control This module aims to provide learners with the statistical tools associated with the six sigma DMAIC philosophy specifically in the areas of Measure, Improve and control consistent with the ASQ and Quality America Green Belt Body of Knowledge. The student will be able to perform basic statistical analysis, develop and plots control charts, determine process and measurement capability. Minitab statistical software will be used to demonstrate and apply these statistical techniques. Learning Outcomes 1. Perform basic probability calculations by applying the probability rules and concepts 2. Describe and interpret the common probability distributions 3. Calculate, analyse and interpret measurement systems 4. Perform process capability and process perfromance analysis and interpret the results. 5. Perform exploratory data analysis using multi-vari charts, correlation and simple regression 6. Perform basic hypothesis testing eg. Hypothesis testing of means 7. Perform one way analysis of variance 8. Describe the experimental design terms and process 9. Develop control charts for variable and attribute data and interpret the results 10. Develop control charts with Minitab 11. Use the six sigma tools to implement control and monitoring systems	05	Elective
2	Lean & Operational Excellence (OpEx) During this course, we will study the application of Lean and Operational Excellence (OpEx) principles, including the Shingo model for operational excellence. Lean is widely considered to originate from the world-class manufacturing techniques of the Japanese auto industry and in particular the Toyota Production System (TPS). Lean and OpEx been embraced by leading global companies in the manufacturing and service sectors and are now the foremost process improvement approach for organisations that wish to attain world-class performance in quality and customer satisfaction by eliminating 'waste' in their processes. In Lean terms 'waste' refers to anything that does not add value to the product or service in the eyes of the customer. The Lean tools are a key component and enabler of Operational Excellence where problem-solving, teamwork and leadership results in continuous improvement in the workplace. Although originating in manufacturing, the Lean tools and techniques are also being used in healthcare, banking and government sectors where benefits have been achieved in productivity, efficiency, and cost reduction. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the key principles of Lean and Operational Excellence (OpEx) and how theycan be used to drive continuous improvement and competitive advantage in an organisation. e.g. Lean transformation, Strategy deployment. 2. Recognise the potential sources of waste in a process and identify the appropriate Lean tool(s) to measureand reduce/eliminate that waste. e.g. Leader Standard Work (LSW), Audits, Gemba waste elimination walks. 3. Demonstrate the application of typical Lean tools such as Value Stream Mapping,SMED, Error Proofing, 5S, Visual Management, TPM, Kaizen Events, in creating a continuous flow. 4. Identify and use the appropriate metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)to improve process performance in terms of quality, throughput, productivity and cost. e.g. Yield, Lead time, Cycle time, Downtime and Efficiency. 5. Demonstrate the use of problem-solving tools such as 5-Whys, Brainstorming, Cause & Effect (Fishbone)andA3sheets in Root Cause Analysis (RCA).	05	Elective
Year	Project Six Sigma 3 The project aims to provide students with the opportunity to apply and integrate the skills and knowledge they have gained on the programme. For students in employment, the project should address a substantive issue in the workplace. The project will test the student's ability to define a real-life problem of concern to the organisation, design a strategy for addressing the problem, gather data, formulate and evaluate options and make recommendations. The project must follow the DMAIC problem-solving methodology using Lean and/or Six Sigma tools. For students not in employment and unable to complete a work-based project, then a simulated Lean Six Sigma project option may be undertaken. This will consist of reviewing six sigma case studies, analysing the data and using the appropriate Six Sigma tools and Minitab statistical software to identify the solutions to the problem. A mentor will be assigned to each project, which may be individual or in some cases group projects. The mentor will act as a guide in agreeing the relevance, and scope of the project and monitor the progress on a regular basis. There will be regular contact between the student and their mentor as the project progresses throughout the semester. Updates will be sent to the mentor on an agreed basis. Learning Outcomes 1. Identify a problem which needs to be addressed of importance to the organisation. 2. Utilise an appropriate structured approach to manage the project with realistic, interim and overall project objectives. 3. Identify and use the appropriate Lean Six Sigma tools to address the problem and implement the required solution(s). 4. Present project results with Executive Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations and justify the approach that was taken and the results achieved.	05	Mandatory

Recommended Study Hours per week

Students should expect to attend 1-1.5 hours of lectures per week. It is also recommended that students allow for 3-5 hours of independent study per week.

Examination and Assessment

Assessment is a combination of continuous assessment and a final online exam.

On-Campus Attendance Requirement

No attendance required.
Note: Check programme Examination and Assessment requirements, as they may involve examinations to be taken on campus.

Progression

After completing the Green Belt with ATU Sligo, you can progress to a Six Sigma Black Belt award. In addition, as ATU Sligo offers online Quality programmes at Levels 7, 8 and 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), there will be a progression path for those students who pass the Green Belt course and wish to continue on with a degree in Quality or Manufacturing Management. Students who meet the eligibility criteria to enter the full degree programme can upgrade their skills in specific areas while still earning credits towards a final degree award.

Optional ASQ / Quality America Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

As the ATU Sligo Green Belt syllabus covers both the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and the Quality America exam Bodies of Knowledge (BOK) you may wish to gain an additional certification to your accredited ATU Sligo award by sitting an external exam. Further details will be provided during your course of study at ATU Sligo.

Note: If you plan to take the ASQ Green Belt exam, you must enrol on the Six Sigma 2 module instead of the Lean & OpEx module due to the statistics covered in the Six Sigma 2 module which are part of the ASQ Green Belt Body of Knowledge (BOK). The Six Sigma 2 module runs from January – May each year.

These additional qualification(s) are NOT mandatory. The ASQ/Quality America exam preparation workshop and exam fees are paid directly to the external providers. They are NOT included in your ATU Sligo fees.

Download a prospectus

Undergraduate Prospectus Online, Flexible & Professional Development Prospectus

Entry Requirements

You may apply directly for this Green Belt course. As the Green Belt course covers the course content on the Yellow Belt course, you do not have to complete the Yellow Belt before enrolling onto this Green Belt course.

Applicants are expected to have a Leaving Certificate or equivalent due to the Statistics covered in the course syllabus. For the Green Belt award, applicants must also be in a position to carry out a Six Sigma green belt project with an employer.

Applicants who are not in a position to complete a project with an employer can undertake a simulated six sigma project in order to qualify for the Certificate in Lean Sigma Quality (15 Credits).

Employer Funded Applicants
Where employers enrol employees on the Six Sigma Green Belt programme, employers will share employee names, email addresses and any other information relating to eligibility, as required, with ATU. ATU will share the registration status of employees with the employer who has enrolled them, on request, and the completion status of such employees, on request, in line with a data sharing agreement.

For applicants that have completed the ATU Sligo Lean & OpEx Yellow Belt

If you have already completed the ATU Sligo Lean & OpEx Yellow Belt, you may wish to progress to this Green Belt award by completing an additional two modules. The three modules required to complete your Green Belt are as follows:

Lean & OpEx – you can apply for an exemption if you have previously completed this module as part of your ATU Sligo Yellow Belt
Six Sigma 1 – Introduction to Lean Sigma Quality (runs from September – December each year)
Six Sigma 3 – Project (runs from November – May each year)

Maths Support Centre

If you are concerned about your maths ability, ATU Sligo now provide access to a free Mathematics Support Centre to all students. Here you can book online tutorials with our Maths tutors to review any queries you may have with the maths in your programme of study. Further details

A good understanding of English language, literacy, numeracy and computer skills are required to be successful on this course.

Minimum PC requirements to use the Minitab statistical software on this programme (Windows only).

Operating System: Windows 10
Browser: Current version or previous major release of Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox – Chrome is recommended
RAM*: 64-bit systems: 4 GB of memory or more recommended
Processor: Intel® Pentium® 4 or AMD Athlon™ Dual Core, with SSE2 technology
Hard Disk Space: 2 GB (minimum) free space available
Screen Resolution: 1024 x 768 or higher
Connectivity: An internet connection is required for activation of the Minitab license

Note: Minitab Desktop software is a Windows only application and will not run on an Apple Mac. A Minitab statistical software Web app is available for Apple Mac users, but it does not contain all the features of the Minitab Statistical Desktop software. It is recommended that you have access to a Windows PC to run the Minitab statistical software. Google Chrome or Safari are the recommended browsers.

Note that Minitab Workspace software only runs on a Windows PC and is used on the Lean & OpEx module.

Fees

Total Fees EU: €1200

*Subject to Governing Body approval for 2025/26

Further information on fees

Careers

As Ireland’s largest provider of QQI accredited Lean, Operational Excellence and Six Sigma training, this ATU Sligo Green Belt certification is in great demand by employers across all sectors in the manufacturing, medical device, pharmaceutical, food, healthcare, finance and the service sectors. Search under ‘Green Belt’ or ‘Six Sigma’ on https://www.irishjobs.ie/There are a number of career paths available, as the Lean, OpEx and Six Sigma tools can be very effective in improving business processes in a variety of different industries and sectors. Many roles now include a requirement for a Green Belt certificate including:

Continuous Improvement / Lean Coach
Production Supervisor / Manager
Quality Supervisor
Quality Technician / Engineer
Quality Manager
Process / Manufacturing Engineer
Process Excellence Specialist
Supplier Quality Manager
HR / Change Manager
Project Manager
Operational Excellence Specialist
Business Excellence Lead

Further Information

Who Should Apply?

This Green Belt certification is in great demand by employers across all sectors in the manufacturing, medical device, pharmaceutical, food, healthcare, finance and the service sectors. There are a number of career paths available, as the Lean, OpEx and Six Sigma tools can be very effective in improving business processes in a variety of different industries and sectors.