Lean Six SIGMA: International Standards and Global Guidelines, Third Edition

A hybrid methodology, Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is designed to accommodate global challenges and constraints by capitalizing on Six Sigma and Lean Thinking. LSS incorporates best practices from programs such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Capability Maturity Model, and Total Quality Management.

International LSS practitioners must understand the dynamics of LSS, along with its cultural aspects and regulations. Lean Six Sigma: International Standards and Global Guidelines provides this understanding.

This book assumes that the overall goal of operational excellence is to ensure that organizational tasks and activities are being performed to the best of their process capabilities. It defines continuous improvement as activities that support and empower environments to make flexible decisions that lead to ongoing improvement and effectiveness. Coverage includes:

• New global LSS standards
• International implementation of process improvement programs
• New international LSS applications
• International LSS areas of competency

This book defines many of the terms popularized by process improvement programs, such as center of excellence and business transformation. It documents these practices and explains how to perform future activities in accordance with the recorded practices. Exploring international approaches to LSS, it details the new ISO Standard for Six Sigma and also addresses the role of project management in LSS.

Illustrating the synergies between Lean and Six Sigma and how they partner with other process improvement programs and initiatives, this book is an ideal study guide for those preparing to take the LSS Black Belt certification exam.

This third edition covers important updates, such as:

• How innovation is being integrated
• The way in which Lean leadership is now being accomplished globally
• Newer case studies with specific attention to how Lean and Six Sigma are being monitored in healthcare and government
• Highlighting updated successes and the consideration of diversity and equity issues as they relate to LSS

Terra Vanzant Stern, PhD, PMP, SPHR/GPHR is a Six Sigma Master Black Belt and technical writer. Her publications include books, white papers, and articles in the areas of leadership development, ethics, critical thinking, project management, and Lean Six Sigma.

Dr. Vanzant Stern is the CEO of Simple, Smart Decision-Making, Inc. dba, SSD Global Solutions (SSD) and the inventor of Leaner Six Sigma (LrSS)(TM). LrSS(TM) is a methodology used to simplify the popular process improvement theory, Lean Six Sigma. SSD is a federal government contractor who is also a preferred vendor by the State of Colorado. SSD’s client list includes recognized names such as Southern California Edison, Tennessee Valley Authority, Fidelity Insurance, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield. SSD has an international presence working in countries such as Cameroon Africa.

Dr. Vanzant Stern served as the Chair of the ASQ Lean Enterprise Division as well as ASQ Denver Section. Prior board positions have also included the Director, Strategic Planning, for the Colorado Human Resource Association (CHRA) and the Ethics Committee for the State of Colorado Office of Economic Development. She currently is on the board of the Colorado Lean Network.