USF gives execs shot at 'green belt'

Registration is under way at the University of South Florida College of Business for Lean Six Sigma “green belt” certification, designed to improve all types of business processes in manufacturing and services. Classes are scheduled early next year, Jan. 10-14 and Feb. 14-18.

Each of the weeklong sessions at USF's Tampa campus will teach local executives how to be process improvement professionals and apply improvement methods to their own companies and organizations. Courses will be led by Joe Gliksman, an experienced Six Sigma master black belt, and Ron Satterfield, a senior faculty member who teaches Lean Six Sigma to USF students.

Participants will learn how to use root cause analysis to find causes of problems, understand statistical tools used by Six Sigma professionals, analyze business processes, improve workplace productivity, learn Minitab 16 analysis software, lead employee improvement teams and stop problems before they occur.

Lean Six Sigma is a process aimed at finding and eliminating waste, as well as improving quality and cost control, in transactions and services. Originally geared to manufacturers, it has also been found to work well in financial services, health care and government.

The cost to register is $3,500 per person and covers meals, course supplies and special activities. For more details, visit http://www.coba.usf.edu online or call (813) 974-6756.