Six Sigma vs.

Lean Six Sigma

1 of 6

http://www.villanovau.com/resources/six-sigma/six-sigma-vs-lean-six-...

Register Now
Classroom Login

Chat Live

Call Now 855-300-1473

Programs
Certificate Programs
Project Management
Six Sigma
Business and Law of Sports
Business Process Mgmt
Contract Management
IS Security
Business Analysis
Software Testing
IT Service Mgmt - ITIL
Business Intelligence
ROI Methodology
Leadership
Human Resources
Graduate Programs
Human Resource Development
Public Administration (MPA)
Undergraduate
RN to BSN
Solutions
Military & Government
Military Students
Government Training
Business Solutions
Corporate Training
Client List
Getting Started
Certificate Programs
Tuition
Military Tuition Assistance
Enroll Online Now
Graduate Degrees
Admissions
Tuition & Financial Aid
Military Tuition Assistance
International Students
Apply Online Now
Program Policies

21/08/2014 10.55

Six Sigma vs. Lean Six Sigma

2 of 6

http://www.villanovau.com/resources/six-sigma/six-sigma-vs-lean-six-...

Undergraduate Degree
Admissions
Tuition & Financial Aid
Military Tuition Assistance
International Students
Apply Online Now
Program Policies
About Us
Villanova University
The University
Accreditation
Success Stories
Faculty
University Alliance
A Worldwide Leader
Online Learning
Support
Help Center
Certificate FAQs
Graduate FAQs
Undergraduate FAQs
Sample Lectures
Certificate Programs
Project Management
Six Sigma
Business Process Management
Contract Management
IS Security
Business Analysis
Software Testing
IT Service Management - ITIL
Business Intelligence
Human Resources
ROI Methodology
Leadership
Graduate Programs
Master of Public Administration
Master of Science in HR Development
Undergraduate Programs
RN to BSN Program
|||

Home
Resources
Six Sigma
Six Sigma vs. Lean Six Sigma

Six Sigma vs. Lean Six Sigma

By University Alliance

21/08/2014 10.55

Six Sigma vs. Lean Six Sigma

3 of 6

Like

http://www.villanovau.com/resources/six-sigma/six-sigma-vs-lean-six-...

Tweet

Share

There is an ongoing debate in the business world about whether Lean or Six Sigma is the better system to
implement when it comes to streamlining business processes and eliminating waste. Both sides have
proponents and detractors who can cite various situations in which one system may produce better results
than the other.
Others argue that the best approach to creating the most efficient and effective business structure requires
incorporating both Six Sigma and Lean principles. In order to view the debate in the proper context,
however, you need to understand the differences and similarities between the two systems.

Six Sigma Basics

The essential goal of Six Sigma is to eliminate defects and waste, thereby improving quality and
efficiency, by streamlining and improving all business processes. While it was first designed for use in
manufacturing, practitioners quickly discovered that Six Sigma could be useful and applicable throughout
all aspects of a business - from customer support to management to service delivery.
Today, Six Sigma plays a key role in the leadership of an organization, and its wide-scale implementation
can help a company to achieve real and measurable results.

The Lean Approach

Like Six Sigma, Lean is a tool used by businesses to streamline manufacturing and production processes.
The main emphasis of Lean is on cutting out unnecessary and wasteful steps in the creation of a product
so that only steps that directly add value to the product are taken.
As far as Lean methodology is concerned, the only way to determine if something has value or not is to
consider whether a customer would be willing to pay for it. Any part of the production that does not add
value is simply removed from the equation, leaving a highly streamlined and profitable process in place
that will flow smoothly and efficiently.

Comparing Six Sigma and Lean

21/08/2014 10.55

Six Sigma vs. Lean Six Sigma

4 of 6

http://www.villanovau.com/resources/six-sigma/six-sigma-vs-lean-six-...

Essentially, Six Sigma and Lean systems have the same goal. They both seek to eliminate waste and create
the most efficient system possible, but they take different approaches toward how achieving this goal. In
simplest terms, the main difference between Lean and Six Sigma is that they identify the root cause of
waste differently.
Lean practitioners believe that waste comes from unnecessary steps in the production process that do not
add value to the finished product, while Six Sigma proponents assert that waste results from variation
within the process.
Of course, there is truth in both of these assessments, which is why both Lean and Six Sigma
methodologies have been so successful in improving overall business performance in a variety of fields. In
fact, these two disciplines have proven to be especially successful when working in tandem - hence the
creation of Lean Six Sigma.

Optimize Your Business With Lean Six Sigma Training

The reality is that the broader your toolkit, the better prepared you are to tackle the complex problems
that businesses face in today's competitive marketplace.
The good news is that you can obtain comprehensive training in both Lean and Six Sigma from a single
source with the certificate courses and master certificate program offered by Villanova University. And
because Villanova's training is offered 100% online, you can complete the coursework no matter where
you are or what the constraints of your schedule might be.
Villanova has consistently been ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report in the Master's category/North
region for nearly two decades, and its intensive, non-degree certificate programs are highly respected
throughout the business world.
Furthermore, it also offers the industry's only university-backed, 100% online Six Sigma and Lean Six
Sigma certification exams. Each of Villanova's certificate courses prepares students for the corresponding
certification exam. Students can enroll in Six Sigma Green Belt, Lean Six Sigma or Lean Six Sigma Black
Belt courses, or complete all three to earn a Master Certificate in Six Sigma. In addition, Villanova also
offers a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt certif icate course and certification.

When you enroll in Villanova's expert-led Lean Six Sigma training, you have the
opportunity to:
View lectures anytime and anywhere via streaming video, CD-ROM or MP4 downloads
Communicate with instructors and classmates through online message boards, live chat rooms,
email, virtual whiteboards and two-way voice over IP (VOIP)
Complete your coursework and tests and take certification exams 100% online, at any time it's
convenient for you
Participate in live weekly interactive sessions with noted Lean Six Sigma experts who have
extensive experience in the field
Obtain an official, framed certificate of achievement from Villanova University upon completion of
each certificate course, plus a master certificate at the end of the three-course series
With Villanova's flexible, video-based e-learning platform, you can gain essential Lean and Six Sigma
skills at your convenience to improve your company's standing - and your own - in the business world.

Request More Info

21/08/2014 10.55

Six Sigma vs. Lean Six Sigma

5 of 6

http://www.villanovau.com/resources/six-sigma/six-sigma-vs-lean-six-...

Category: Six Sigma

Learn More With Villanova University

Step 1 of 3
Oops! Please complete the highlighted fields.

*Indicates required field.

Next

Resources
Best Practices for Business Analysis Tools and Strategies
Why Project Management is a Great Career Choice for Veterans
Managing Project Risk Management
Understanding the Levels of ISTQB Certification
News
Aug
19
Agent Tweets Could Be Tied to Reported NCAA Violations
Aug
15
Russian Cyber Criminals Steal More Than 1 Billion Usernames and Passwords
Aug
14
NBA Players Association Elects First Female Pro Sports Union Leader
Programs
Solutions
Getting Started
About Us
Support
Sample Lectures
Call Toll Free:
855-300-1473
International:
+1 813-612-4296
Resources
News

21/08/2014 10.55

Six Sigma vs. Lean Six Sigma

6 of 6

http://www.villanovau.com/resources/six-sigma/six-sigma-vs-lean-six-...

Sitemap
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Student Disclosures
University Alliance is a division of Bisk Education, Inc. 2014 Bisk Education. All rights reserved.
Company, products and service names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

21/08/2014 10.55