This is a whole new approach to learning the tools and methodologies of Design for Six Sigma through Air Academy. While we maintain our belief that in-class, instructor-led learning is always the most effective approach, we understand that there may be circumstances that prevent classroom learning. This virtual-style of learning will provide the flexibility and capability you will need to become proficient in many of the supporting tools necessary to execute Design for Six Sigma projects, all while retaining Air Academy’s famous Keep-It-Simple-Statistically (KISS) approach to instruction. Specifically, these sessions will focus on how to plan, design, conduct and analyze statistically designed experiments in order to build transfer functions and models. Learning the tools and methods in these modules will help you master the skills necessary to rapidly gain knowledge about a product or process, optimize performance and reduce variation, and help lead DFSS studies using design of experiments (DOE).

Learning Objectives

As with all of our training, the objective of this course is to develop a comprehensive set of skills that will let you function effectively as a change agent in your company. You will learn the Design for Six Sigma Foundations body of knowledge, practice techniques for designing and analyzing experiments, as well as historical data and gain the skills necessary to become a practitioner of DOE which is a critical component of the Design for Six Sigma methodology and tool set. This course will prepare you to lead DFSS projects within your organization.

Course Structure (Self-Paced Learning)

This is a self-paced course, consisting of 8 recorded sessions, each approximately an hour long. There is an outline at the end of this document that describes the content in each of the sessions. Although the sessions can be viewed in any order, we believe that you will learn most efficiently by following the sequence in the order shown. In particular, the first session starts with a discussion of the most basic type of experimental design, namely a full factorial design using 2-levels for each factor. This session will serve as the foundation to put the remaining sessions in proper context. The follow-on sessions expand on the additional types of designs as well as analysis tools, techniques, and rules of thumb. At the end of each session, there is an associated 5-question quiz to test your knowledge and gauge your understanding of that topic.

Many of the recorded sessions will contain places to “pause” the recording to complete a practice exercise or to reflect on the material. Of course, it is your prerogative to pause and review at any point in the recording. Each session also includes supplemental reading assignments along with additional practice and review questions which will help support your learning. You are strongly encouraged to complete these.

Best practices for online learning:

• Create a distraction-free study space. Use headphones to help reduce surrounding noise and make it easier to hear without distracting others.
• Hold yourself accountable. You will need to manage your time in order to complete the sessions in a timely manner. You will get out of this what you put in!
• Schedule time to work on the course.
• Don’t try to do too much at one sitting. Break up the learning into manageable chunks.
• Stay organized. Keep the downloadable presentation files and data files in one location on your computer.
• Take notes! Use a notebook, app, or whatever method works best for you.
• Actively participate. Pause the sessions to complete practice exercises, jot down notes or ideas, or simply reflect on a topic.
• Complete the practice and review questions, along with suggested readings for each topic.
• Reach out to your coach, or Air Academy Associates, if you have questions or need help.

What’s included?

• Access to the online modules and embedded quizzes
• Downloadable pdf versions of the written course modules
• Single-user, perpetual license of DOE PRO software
• Single-user, perpetual license of Pro-Test software
• Downloadable data files (for use with software)
• Design for Six Sigma: The Tools Guide for Practitioners (e-version)
• Understanding Industrial Designed Experiments (e-version)
• Up to two hours of one-on-one coaching with Air Academy MBB
• Certification costs:
  • Foundations online exam