The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt program at the Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business is going global, offering a first-of-its-kind immersive certification project.
Scheller has offered Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification courses for more than 10 years. These Executive Education classes teach professionals from any industry how to problem solve to increase productivity and efficiency for their organization using Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC) principles.
The live virtual program starts with four days of synchronous instruction and asynchronous assignments. Students learn to streamline and improve production, reduce waste, and improve customer satisfaction. After finishing the coursework, they put their new skills and knowledge to practice by completing a final process improvement project for their organization to earn their Green Belt certificate.
Starting in Fall 2024, Scheller is offering another path for students to complete their final process improvement project. The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt: Certification Project in Panama is an optional add-on to Scheller’s existing Lean Six Sigma Green Belt program. After students learn the essential Lean Six Sigma tools, instead of completing the final project for their company, they will travel to Panama to work directly with Georgia Tech alumni at Empresas Bern, a sponsoring Panamanian company.
Through the Certification Project in Panama, students gain real-world experience using DMAIC methodology. They will tour the company’s operations, gain a detailed understanding of its existing processes, and participate in collaborative sessions as they work on their final process improvement project. The experience ends with delivering actionable insights to the host company and receiving their Green Belt certificate.
“We’re thrilled to expand Scheller’s Lean Six Sigma Green Belt program and offer professionals the opportunity to work directly with a global company to gain invaluable hands-on experience,” said Bob Myers, faculty director of Lean Six Sigma programs. “The program solves the challenge that many students encounter – They never receive their Green Belt certificate because they haven’t completed the project component. This immersive experience not only enhances their skills but also broadens their global perspective, making it a truly transformative experience.”
In addition to the project work, the trip is enriched with cultural and professional experiences that highlight Panama’s vibrant business landscape and rich heritage, including exploring the historic Casco Viejo and a guided tour of the Panama Canal. Students will also participate in group dinners that provide networking opportunities.
The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt course meets virtually in October and December, and the Certification Project in Panama is from December 8 to 14. Registration is now open.