Master Black Belt (MBB) Training and Certification
Roles and Responsibilities
Master Black Belts are mentors, trainers, and coaches of Black Belts, Champions and others in the organization. They bring the broad organization up to the required Lean Six Sigma competency level. They have proven Lean Six Sigma technical proficiency, mentoring/consulting skills, and the ability to apply the Lean Six Sigma methodology to a function or business process.
Their specific responsibilities are to:
Demonstrated Core Competencies
In order to be certified and be able to fulfill these responsibilities a Master Black Belt must demonstrate proficiency in four basic skill sets:
Skill Set #1: Teach the BB Curriculum
Listed below are the certification requirements for Skill Set #1.
Prerequisites
A Master Black Belt candidate must have the following prerequisites:
Must develop, with their advisor, a MBB program plan based on the candidate's reviews and organizational requirements
Classroom Instruction
There are two days of classroom training prior to the start of each phase of BB training (5 phases - DMAIC). This will typically take place during the week prior to training but no more than two weeks prior. Both soft skills and content are covered.
During this time the SSC Master Black Belt will work with the MBB candidate to:
Co-Teach (Feedback & Critique)
The number of presentations is evenly and randomly divided among the MBB candidates. Each candidate will teach at least one presentation each day. At the end of each day, the instructor and candidates will discuss the training. Both group and instructor feedback will be included. This session generally will take 2-3 hours and may include individual coaching.
Co-Support
Each MBB candidate “practices” providing support under the guidance of the SSC instructor. This practice support is conducted during the co-taught wave. At the end of the day, the SSC instructor conducts a feedback/critique session similar to the session in the co-teach session.
Final Review/Certification
The MBB candidates are tested for subject matter mastery. Final recommendations are made to each candidate. Those candidates completing all requirements are certified in Skill Set #1.
Skill Set #2: Manage a “Super Project” (complete 5 BB projects)
The Super Project requirement is the culmination of the completion of (minimum) five completed projects with signed off final reports. These projects should cut across departmental and/or divisional boundaries. It typically involves a saving opportunity in excess of $1 million (depending on COPQ opportunity within your given business). A Super Project may also involve the participation of multiple Black Belt and Green Belt projects, and can last from 9 to 12 months, or longer.
The following competencies must be demonstrated:
The Super Project is reviewed by SSC and the MBB candidate.
Skill Set #3: Supporting Disciplines
The proficiency in Supporting Disciplines is a requirement in that the role of the Master Black Belt goes beyond his/her abilities in terms of the application of statistical methods. The MBB needs to have a holistic understanding at the systems level of an organization. The supporting study requirements will be determined by the MBB candidate and SSC in accordance with the needs and requirements of the company. The courses outlined below represent the minimum general knowledge every MBB will be required to acquire.
Lean Enterprise Training
The Lean Enterprise System (LES) is based on the understanding that work is a system of inputs resulting in an output of value. The LES system seeks to evaluate and organize the processes that create this output of value to their optimal level. LES projects are both fiscally responsible and quantifiable. This course consists of 3-days of classroom activity and a 2-day “shop floor” workshop and is provided by SSC. Each MBB candidate will be required to successfully complete a 'Lean' project under the guidance of an SSC mentor.
Design for Six Sigma
DFSS is the practice of designing any product or process to satisfy both external customer and internal business requirements at a Six Sigma level of performance. It is an integrated business and technical process that utilizes Six Sigma tools and requires cross-functional participation.
This is a 5-day class that can be provided by SSC either on-site or through open enrollment. Other accredited programs are acceptable.
Advanced DOE Tools Mastery
Advanced DOE is designed to broaden the MBB candidate’s knowledge in this area. This course focuses on the Taguchi approach to quality engineering and how to integrate with traditional experimental designs and analysis techniques. This is a 5-day class that can be attended at several accredited Universities, including the University of New Hampshire and SSC.
Train the Trainer
Six Sigma Canada Inc. is committed to the concept of knowledge transfer. To help achieve this, we provide extensive training to designated trainers with the six sigma tools and methodology. This is a 5-day class that can be provided by SSC either on-site or through open enrollment. Other accredited programs are acceptable.
Skill Set #4:
Demonstrated Change Agent
A fully competent Master Black Belt must demonstrate the skills necessary to be an effective change agent in a company's organization. They must demonstrate leadership and communication skills that allow them to work effectively at all levels, from senior management to the shop floor, to bring about significant, long lasting process improvements.
Once a MBB candidate has completed the requirements for Skill Sets #1 through 3, then the SSC instructor and the MBB advisor will make a joint recommendation on the candidate for certification of Skill Set #4.
Master Black Belts are mentors, trainers, and coaches of Black Belts, Champions and others in the organization. They bring the broad organization up to the required Lean Six Sigma competency level. They have proven Lean Six Sigma technical proficiency, mentoring/consulting skills, and the ability to apply the Lean Six Sigma methodology to a function or business process.
Their specific responsibilities are to:
- Allow the organization to become self sufficient and reduce/eliminate the use of SSC Master Black
- Mentor and coach Black Belts
- Develop and conduct several forms of training
- Own the Lean Six Sigma technical development roadmap
- Improve education of BB and MBB's
- Bring the entire organization to the Lean Six Sigma competency level
- Is the custodian of the purity of the methodology - no compromising
- Transfer lessons learned
- Own “knowledge” certification of Black Belts
- Find outside expertise/help when required
- Network with other Lean Six Sigma organizations
Demonstrated Core Competencies
In order to be certified and be able to fulfill these responsibilities a Master Black Belt must demonstrate proficiency in four basic skill sets:
- Demonstrate the ability to teach Lean Six Sigma Black Belt curriculum
- Demonstrate the ability to manage a cross functional “Super Project”. A Super Project consists of completing five projects that are signed off by the Champion, financial representative and SSC.
- Become well versed in a variety of disciplines so as to serve as a mentor and to lead other Black Belts
- Understand how to assist the company management to drive major change in an organization
Skill Set #1: Teach the BB Curriculum
Listed below are the certification requirements for Skill Set #1.
Prerequisites
A Master Black Belt candidate must have the following prerequisites:
- Must have completed coursework and certification requirements for BB
- Must have 6 months experience and 2 to 3 projects completed and fully documented
- Must have an advisor who is responsible for reviewing previous course work and experience with the candidate
Must develop, with their advisor, a MBB program plan based on the candidate's reviews and organizational requirements
Classroom Instruction
There are two days of classroom training prior to the start of each phase of BB training (5 phases - DMAIC). This will typically take place during the week prior to training but no more than two weeks prior. Both soft skills and content are covered.
During this time the SSC Master Black Belt will work with the MBB candidate to:
- Close any gaps in the tool understanding with the MBB candidates
- Raise the tools understanding to the Master Black Belt level
- Improve the transfer of learning through practical examples of tool application
- Aid in the understanding of the flow of material and effective training medias
Co-Teach (Feedback & Critique)
The number of presentations is evenly and randomly divided among the MBB candidates. Each candidate will teach at least one presentation each day. At the end of each day, the instructor and candidates will discuss the training. Both group and instructor feedback will be included. This session generally will take 2-3 hours and may include individual coaching.
Co-Support
Each MBB candidate “practices” providing support under the guidance of the SSC instructor. This practice support is conducted during the co-taught wave. At the end of the day, the SSC instructor conducts a feedback/critique session similar to the session in the co-teach session.
Final Review/Certification
The MBB candidates are tested for subject matter mastery. Final recommendations are made to each candidate. Those candidates completing all requirements are certified in Skill Set #1.
Skill Set #2: Manage a “Super Project” (complete 5 BB projects)
The Super Project requirement is the culmination of the completion of (minimum) five completed projects with signed off final reports. These projects should cut across departmental and/or divisional boundaries. It typically involves a saving opportunity in excess of $1 million (depending on COPQ opportunity within your given business). A Super Project may also involve the participation of multiple Black Belt and Green Belt projects, and can last from 9 to 12 months, or longer.
The following competencies must be demonstrated:
- Project management of multiple projects
- Ability to communicate effectively with senior management
- Ability to coach, guide the Black, or Green Belts on their projects
- Ability to demonstrate application of advanced statistical tools
- Ability to effectively teach key Lean Six Sigma concepts
- Ability to evaluate projects and direct BB and GB's to make corrective actions
The Super Project is reviewed by SSC and the MBB candidate.
Skill Set #3: Supporting Disciplines
The proficiency in Supporting Disciplines is a requirement in that the role of the Master Black Belt goes beyond his/her abilities in terms of the application of statistical methods. The MBB needs to have a holistic understanding at the systems level of an organization. The supporting study requirements will be determined by the MBB candidate and SSC in accordance with the needs and requirements of the company. The courses outlined below represent the minimum general knowledge every MBB will be required to acquire.
Lean Enterprise Training
The Lean Enterprise System (LES) is based on the understanding that work is a system of inputs resulting in an output of value. The LES system seeks to evaluate and organize the processes that create this output of value to their optimal level. LES projects are both fiscally responsible and quantifiable. This course consists of 3-days of classroom activity and a 2-day “shop floor” workshop and is provided by SSC. Each MBB candidate will be required to successfully complete a 'Lean' project under the guidance of an SSC mentor.
Design for Six Sigma
DFSS is the practice of designing any product or process to satisfy both external customer and internal business requirements at a Six Sigma level of performance. It is an integrated business and technical process that utilizes Six Sigma tools and requires cross-functional participation.
This is a 5-day class that can be provided by SSC either on-site or through open enrollment. Other accredited programs are acceptable.
Advanced DOE Tools Mastery
Advanced DOE is designed to broaden the MBB candidate’s knowledge in this area. This course focuses on the Taguchi approach to quality engineering and how to integrate with traditional experimental designs and analysis techniques. This is a 5-day class that can be attended at several accredited Universities, including the University of New Hampshire and SSC.
Train the Trainer
Six Sigma Canada Inc. is committed to the concept of knowledge transfer. To help achieve this, we provide extensive training to designated trainers with the six sigma tools and methodology. This is a 5-day class that can be provided by SSC either on-site or through open enrollment. Other accredited programs are acceptable.
Skill Set #4:
Demonstrated Change Agent
A fully competent Master Black Belt must demonstrate the skills necessary to be an effective change agent in a company's organization. They must demonstrate leadership and communication skills that allow them to work effectively at all levels, from senior management to the shop floor, to bring about significant, long lasting process improvements.
Once a MBB candidate has completed the requirements for Skill Sets #1 through 3, then the SSC instructor and the MBB advisor will make a joint recommendation on the candidate for certification of Skill Set #4.
