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 statistical concepts and tools used in Design for Six Sigma, all while retaining Air Academy’s famous Keep-It-Simple-Statistically (KISS) approach to instruction. Learning the tools and methods in these modules will provide the background knowledge and skills necessary for supporting DFSS or other improvement projects. It will also provide a solid set of pre-requisite skills for those interested in continuing to DFSS Foundations and DFSS IDOV training.

Learning Objectives

As with all of our training, the objective of this course is to develop a set of skills that will let you function effectively as a change agent in your company. The emphasis of this course is on understanding statistical concepts and methods used in the DFSS process. You will learn the Design for Six Sigma Fundamentals body of knowledge, practice techniques for quantitative and non-quantitative analysis, and gain the skills necessary to lead a limited rapid-improvement project or serve as an effective team member on DFSS projects and studies led by Green Belts or Black Belts.

Course Structure (Self-Paced Learning)

This is a self-paced course, consisting of 12 recorded sessions. 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 presents an overview of Design for Six Sigma, which will be helpful to put the remaining sessions in the proper context. Each of the remaining sessions focus on some of the basic supporting tools and concepts that are a critical part of DFSS.  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 SPC XL statistical software
• Access to online SPC XL video tutorials
• Downloadable data files (for use with software)
• Basic Statistics (e-version)