Think Lean. Think Process.

'Improving Customer Satisfaction and Sustaining Business Growth'

March 11-12, 2014
Hotel Intercontinental, Makati City, Philippines

Overview

In today's global and highly competitive market, it has become imperative for business to focus on increasing work efficiency, improving quality and cutting costs. Companies must push for greater agility while making use of existing or less resources. This means that 'positive change' is a must for organizations to survive.

The challenge to achieve growth in companies is - to improve customer satisfaction and sustain business performance based on growth targets. Progressive organizations embrace process excellence as a means to achieve these goals. Process excellence helps companies work more efficiently and link business strategy to proper execution. The tools and methodologies that companies use to achieve process excellence may differ but the fundamental goals remain the same: improving work to sustain business performance.

Lean and Process Thinking are right here. The 4th Lean Six Sigma Conference 2014 presents an opportunity to revolutionize your business processes. Find out and discover how you can drive your process management strategies and innovation program closer to your customers. Thought leadership and shared learnings through case studies will inspire you to drive high performance-level after attending this conference.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

CEOs, Presidents, Managing Directors, General Managers, Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, Senior Level Managers, Process Owners/Analysts, Lean and Six Sigma Practitioners, Strategic Planners, Corporate Planning Executives, and those who are practicing and beginning the journey of business excellence and continuous improvement within the organization.

TOP REASONS TO ATTEND

- Understand Business Process Management and Lean Six Sigma methodologies to drive and sustain organizational performance

- Integrate Lean Six Sigma in your business process

- Know the latest customer thinking strategies

- Learn from Lean Six Sigma project case studies

- Network and learn from Industry Experts and Practitioners

- Leverage on innovation approaches for process excellence

KEY CONFERENCE TOPICS

Day 1, Tuesday, March 11, 2014

1. Lean Thinking as an Improvement Paradigm
2. Aligning Corporate Strategies and Lean Six Sigma Initiatives
3. The 8 Wastes and Defect Reduction
4. Understanding SIPOC and Value Stream Map
5. Improvements = T.I.M.E.
6. The Importance of Voice of the Customer (VOC) to be Embedded in the End-to-End Process
7. Lean Six Sigma as an Application for Continuous Improvement (CI) Program in
Global Finance Operations (Case Study)

Day 2, Wednesday, March 12, 2014

1. Leadership Principles in Driving Process Improvements to Sustain Business Growth
2. Business Process Management (BPM) and Lean Six Sigma Drive Business Transformation
3. Implementing Lean Six Sigma in Healthcare (Case Study)
4. Employee Involvement in Achieving Lean Six Sigma Process Excellence
5. Lean Six Sigma in Financial Services (Case Study)
6. Lean Six Sigma in BPO (Case Study)
7. The DNA of An Innovator

LEARN MORE: http://www.fmi.com.ph/

DISCOUNTS AND PAYMENT SCHEME

PHP 16,000 + VAT for 2 days attendance
US$ 450 + VAT for Foreign Nationals

- Package of 5 Delegates + 1 Free Delegate
- 10% Discount for Past Delegates
- 20% Discount to Academe/Government/Students

Fees are inclusive of snacks, lunch and conference kit

REGISTER NOW!

For Exhibit/Sponsorship/Registration

Call: +632-8960637, 8960639, 8996216
Fax: +632-8960637, 8902101
Email: norelyn@fmi.com.ph

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Application Form - Email: norelyn@fmi.com.ph, Fax: +632-8960637

Yes! Please reserve a seat for me in the 4rd Lean Six Sigma Conference 2014 on March 11-12, 2014.

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Company _________________________________________________________
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Our family's coat of arms.

MAKATI CITY, Philippines-  Six Sigma Philippines in partnership with iAcademy School of Continuing Education, completed its Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Program last December 14, 2013.  The program was attended by managers and professionals from diverse industries like manufacturing, BPO, Call Center, IT, Bank, Service and Insurance. 

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Program

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt training is a hands-on workshop with emphasis on: gaining process and product knowledge with critical thinking; reducing variability and non-value added activities, and developing leaders in the organization who are focused on enhancing customer value, decreasing defect rates and wasted efforts, reducing cost and cycle time, and generating business growth and breakthrough improvements.

The Lean Six Sigma methodology is taught with a practical approach and makes use of many in- class examples, simulations, and hands-on exercises to ensure that participants have a working knowledge of the tools. 

Participants in the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Training learn the basics of the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control (DMAIC) methodology and tools for achieving better, faster, and lower cost products and processes. Participants who complete the Green Belt training and later wish to expand their knowledge of the DMAIC methodology and tools may continue by enrolling in the Black Belt program.

Testimonials of Participants:

• It will definitely help me with my projects. This course enables me to understand the six-sigma benefits and application.
• It's very practical, interesting, specific but flexible.
• It encourage me to learn six sigma green belt in a simplified and fun manner.
• It helps me understand the six sigma concept in applying our daily operation in my company.
• He teaches clearly and he relates the written items with the actual workplace scenario. He shares his projects so we could understand and have an actual sight of what a six-sigma project is being handled and how it looks like.
• Very enthusiastic and respect ideas and opinions of each other. 
• Very approachable and knowledgeable.
• The instructor is very passionate in teaching six sigma. 
• Starts on time and everyone participates.
• Well managed, enough resources as needed by the program.
  
• Encouraged to do best.
  
• Superb as well! One of the best I have ever experienced. 
• Very good!! :-)
  

If you are really interested to become a Six Sigma practitioner, aside from the technical part of being expert in Six Sigma methodology and tools, mastering soft skills such as facilitation, presentation, conflict, and change management skills are very important.  To be the positive key change agent of your company, understanding your personality is the first step before understanding others.

Few weeks ago, I shared the Tree personality type used by psychologists.  This time, I'll share something I learned from my Organizational Behavior and Process class: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, an expansion of Carl Jung’s ideas about personality types. 

You may use this activity as a springboard if you deliver a training, or an ice breaker when you start a meeting or a six sigma work-out.  Take note of the personality types of your project sponsors, green belts, and executives.  This might help you understand how to flex with other people in your organization.

Although not as comprehensive as when you take it with a licensed practitioner, this test is a good place to start.  Enjoy!

The four letters in the Myers Briggs test represent your tendencies when it comes to social behavior, decision-making, and lifestyle. Those dichotomies are:

Worldview: Extroversion (E) or Introversion (I)
i.e. would you rather play with your pals or hang out at home with a book?

Information: Sensing (S) or Intuition (N)
i.e. when taking in something new, do you prefer to take it simply, at face value or interpret / add meaning based on your gut?

Decisions: Thinking (T) or Feeling (F)
i.e. when making up your mind about something, do you primarily rely on logic and structure, or do you gravitate towards emotion and empathy?

Structure: Judging (J) or Perceiving (P)
i.e. would you rather things in your life to be decided and set, or do you like to stay open to whatever options might come along?

The experts say that you are the best equipped to identify your own type, so for a quick analysis you can just choose your side of the above questions and string together those letters for your type. Then, find the species of animal who corresponds below and see if you can relate…

INTPs are analytical and thoughtful individuals who prefer to work alone and who are often ill at ease in social situations. They are impatient with hierarchies and politics and would prefer that leaders prove their worth with merit, rather than with charisma and influence. Although they are not particularly social, they do have razor sharp wit (and claws), and are often surprised to learn that people do enjoy their company.

Dramatic, charismatic, and influential — ESTPs seek the best in life and want to share it with their friends. They are active, spontaneous, fun, and foxy. They are the most adept of any of the personality types at influencing and manipulating people, and they make great salesman and can be wonderful friends if you’re looking for a good time. Read Aesop’s Fables for more information.

Peaceful and easygoing, ISFPs take things at their own pace and live moment to moment. They are considerate, pleasant, caring, and mellow. Their values are important to them, but they are not ones who particularly care about defending or debating their views publicly. Don’t call them lazy — maybe they are just more relaxed than the rest of us.

Independent and logical thinkers who are also persuasive leaders, ENTJs are business-minded and ambitious. They refuse to allow any subjective emotion to enter into their decision-making process, and as a result they can be seen as callous and cold. But these fierce individuals tend to be highly effective, successful, and incredibly powerful. They are truly the kings of the proverbial jungle.

ISFJs are quiet, observant, and thoughtful. They are interested in maintaining order and harmony, avoiding fast-moving cars, and respecting everyone’s feelings. They are often described by the few people who know them deeply as being incredibly sensitive and trustworthy.

INTJs are independent types, wildly intelligent and creative — but rather un-interested in what anyone else is doing. They are often considered the most independent of all the personality types, and they work best when given freedom. They are acutely aware of their own intelligence, as well as what they don’t know, and their passion often lies in conceptualizing ideas and processing complex theories.

ISTPs are an interesting study in contrasts: they are naturally quiet and analytic, often drawn to the field of engineering or trying to figure out how boxes work. But they are also explorers who can easily become bored with a single routin. ISTPs are often closet daredevils drawn to racing, bungee jumping, or jumping off of high countertops. They are “live and let live” types who are not particularly concerned with rules or regulations and would prefer that others not concern themselves with their behavior either. Some have even remarked that “don’t tread on me” is the perfect ISTP motto.

ESFPs live in the moment and want to experience life at 100 mph. They are incredibly playful, generous, and optimistic. They love being social and having new experiences. Classroom learning is not their strong suit even though they are intelligent and creative — they would prefer to simply “go with the flow” and have a great time.

INFJs are value-driven individuals who tend to remain mysterious and complex even after you’ve become close to one. They are often creative and inspired individuals. They are good at perceiving emotions and are sensitive to the feelings of others, but they are not very prone to revealing much of themselves until they trust someone completely. That said, they are intensely interested in the well-being of others and are often seen as protectors as well as natural leaders.

Creative and contagiously happy, ENFPs have boundless energy and an appetite for learning about new things and meeting new peope. They bring joy to others and are keenly perceptive to the needs of those around them. They are vivacious and popular enthusiasts. ENFPs tend to get bored easily, and they are always ready for the latest and the greatest in friends, relationships, experiences, and ocean jumping

ESTJs are civic-minded workers who strive to improve society and like to be part of organizations and governments. They are often conservative and they are strong believers in the letter of the law, and the importance of procedures. They are practical and straight-forward, and have little use for “expanding their mind” or having new experiences. They are, however, outgoing, and they have no problem with clearly communicating their needs and desires to others.

ISTJs are logical and word-working conservative types. They enjoy organization and regulation, and have a reputation for being serious individuals who take a practical approach to everything. They are dependable and thorough, sensible and earnest. Like a beaver hard at work on its dam, they are known for being incredibly dedicated workers who will do whatever is needed to get the job done. On the negative side, they have good intentions but can sometimes have a difficult time understanding the emotional needs of others.

ENFJs are social butterflies who are cheerleaders and supporters of a wide variety of friends and acquaintances. They hate bullying and they love to greet their loved ones with a face lick and a tail wag. They feel good when the people around them feel good, and they tend to adapt to the group that they are in very quickly, even adopting the values of whoever they are surrounded by. They are loyal and expect loyalty from others — think of them as the living embodiment of a “team player.”

INFPs are deeply ethical and idealistic, loyal to their family and closest friends, and guided by their desire to live a life according to their values. They are curious about those around them, but will not accept threats to the security of their adorable babies or their morals.

ENTPs prize intelligence and competence over all other things (both in themselves and in others). They are often described as witty, clever, cerebral, and resourceful. They are verbally inclined and they often have a perverse sense of humor. ENTPs like to analyze every side of an issue and are creative thinkers and workers. They sometimes chatter.

ESFJs are genuine and authentic, and they care deeply about those around them. These are the kind of individuals who bring out the best in those around them, and they are serious about loyalty and responsibility to their families, friends, and co-workers. They are generous and they love to bring joy to others, but they are also sensitive and easily hurt. ESFJs are often blind to the flaws of those they love and they are incredibly trusting and full of love.

MAKATI CITY, Philippines-  More than 30 executives from different industries (manufacturing, bank, IT, BPO, Call Center) attended the complimentary Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Workshop offered by iAcademy School of Continuing Education.  The goal is to provide overview and hands-on training of methodology and tools of Six Sigma, a powerful and effective process improvement discipline  developed by Motorola and popularized by GE which aims to reduce process delays, defects and variations, and its ultimate goal is to improve a process for it to have no more than 3.4 defects per million opportunities.  "This is the first time I heard about Six Sigma but I have learned a lot.  We definitely can use the process improvement tools and concepts and the learning experience is is practical, effective and fun," said Nelsa Trajano, AVP of Metro Bank.  iAcademy School of Continuing Education Executive Director Tina Vitas said on her closing remarks, "We would want you to capitalize on this powerful discipline and quality initiative known as Six Sigma.  We want to make Filipino companies cut process wastes and reduce the cost of poor quality and be more competitive."

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For more information on iAcademy Short Courses, please visit https://www.facebook.com/iACADEMYShortCourse.

For online, classroom and apprenticeship programs on Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, Green Belt, and Black Belt programs, please visit http://www.6sigmaph.com/training.html

LAPU-LAPU CITY, CEBU- Six Sigma Philippines goes to Cebu to deliver Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Program to Teradyne GSO (http://www.teradyne.com/)

About Teradyne
Teradyne (NYSE:TER) is a leading supplier of Automatic Test Equipment used to test semiconductors, wireless products, data storage and complex electronic systems which serve consumer, communications, industrial and government customers. In 2012, Teradyne had sales of $1.66 billion and currently employs over 3,700 people worldwide. The company's divisions, Semiconductor Test Division, Systems Test Group, and Wireless Test are organized by the products they develop and deliver.

I always get this question from my Six Sigma students:  "What is the most important quality of a Six Sigma professional?"

Some say its the Six Sigma technical skills
On one of my first few posts on this blog, I shared one meeting with a Quality Director of a US Health Care company that recently set-up a shared services company in Taguig.  Our meeting went from a casual dinner to the Director asking me to apply and work for him.  He was like my Advanced Statistic PHD professor who quizzed my knowledge about advanced statistical tools.  I was not surprised since he was an Engineering graduate and spent most of his career in a manufacturing company doing Design of Experiments as part of their Research and Development (R&D).  The problem is, Six Sigma projects in the service industry (which includes Banks, Insurance, BPO, Call Centers, etc.) rarely needs advanced statistical tools like DOE.

Others say its the leadership skills, facilitation skills, presentation skills, level of support from the management team, and the list goes on and on.

For me, everything is important.  A Six Sigma Black Belt should have a working knowledge in Six Sigma tools-methodologies and minimum level of the mentioned skills.  But to pick one most important quality, its TENACITY. 

Without it, skills and knowledge will lead you nowhere.  Around 95% of the hundreds of six sigma projects I have led and coached, at least one point in time on the project duration, the project team and I thought we hit a dead end.  Persistent determination, or tenacity would drive your team to success and hit your goal.  Just like what you see on the illustration above, your plan is very different from the Universe's plans for you and your project team.

Tenacity is the lifeblood of a Six Sigma professional.

At exactly two years ago, ISO introduced ISO 13053:2011 entitled " Quantitative Methods in Process Improvement – Six Sigma "

It is about the application of Six Sigma to improve existing processes with 2 parts:

Part 1: DMAIC methodology, describes the five-phased methodology DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control), and recommends best practice, including on the Roles, Expertise and Training of personnel involved in such projects.

Part 2: Tools and Techniques, describes Tools and Techniques, illustrated by fact sheets, to be used at each phase of the DMAIC approach.

Some of you might disagree, but pardon my honest and blunt opinion.

The first time I have read about ISO developing a Six Sigma standard, I laughed.  Really hard.  Why?  Because it was like Samsung, planning to sell iPhone-inside-a-Samsung-Box to its customers.  It was like re-packaging an already finished good and telling everyone that this is 'the' original.  Nothing more like selling pirated DVDs and telling everyone to buy only from me, because it is only I that sells the real deal.

We all know that ISO, its certifying bodies and consultants are earning a lot to sell the standard (print), consulting and auditing services to companies.  ISO, in my opinion, wants to take a piece of the Six Sigma pie, even to the point of monopolizing it since they can now say that they own "the" standard. 

They are trying to exploit Six Sigma's weakness of not having a central certifying body.  It is indeed ironic, that a discipline that aims to reduce variations does not have a standard way of implementing the initiative and issuing Six Sigma certifications.

Why did ISO thought about it in the first place?  Was it because ISO's revenues were declining and want to enter new market?  To me, it seems like a desperate move.

So did it sell?  Did companies adopt ISO 13053 to roll-out Six Sigma?  Try to ask around, and you'll get blank stares.