OPX-0001 - Operational Excellence Certification

Overview

Charts & graphs on the left and a person drawing a flowchart on a whiteboard.

Unlock your potential and propel your career with the USF Operational Excellence Certification!

We’re excited to introduce a brand-new course built for professionals who want to make real change happen. The Operational Excellence Certification combines USF’s Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt and Green Belt into one comprehensive program that helps you improve processes and deliver results right away. Operational Excellence is the secret behind success at companies like Amazon, Toyota, and Nike. And now, you can gain the same foundational knowledge they use to streamline operations, increase profits, and improve customer satisfaction.

You’ll learn the full DMAIC process (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control), pick up tools you can use immediately, and develop the leadership skills to drive long-term improvements. When you finish, you’ll walk away with three respected credentials that show your commitment to operational excellence - and your ability to lead it.

Course Benefits

Combines Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certifications.
Provides a complete set of tools for operational excellence and continuous improvement.
Earn globally recognized credentials:
- Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
- Operational Excellence Certification
Significant ROI: On average, organizations report $50,000–$100,000 in annual savings per Green Belt project, and approximately $75,000 per Yellow Belt project, based on data from leading Lean Six Sigma training providers.
Practical skills: Ready for immediate application to drive operational excellence in your company or your business.
Open to all learners: Ideal for professionals seeking career growth or individuals looking to upskill or reskill.

Program Structure

Operational Excellence is more than just theory - it’s about real-world application. You'll learn how Lean Six Sigma improves efficiency and reduces errors, then master the DMAIC process to solve actual problems. Delve deep into case studies from companies that prioritize organizational improvement and learn how these tools drive operational success.

Section 1: Yellow Belt

Launching Your Lean Six Sigma Journey: Key Skills
(8 contact hours over 2 weeks)

In this course, you'll learn the essential principles of Lean Six Sigma, including the introduction of DMAIC methodology - a five-step process that helps you define, measure, analyze, improve, and control business processes to eliminate waste, reduce costs, and drive performance.

Topics covered:

Introduction to the DMAIC process
Understanding waste and continuous flow
Voice of the Customer (VOC) and customer needs analysis
Root cause analysis techniques
Value stream mapping vs. process mapping
SIPOC diagrams for process overview
Project identification: Learn how to select and define a project that will guide your work throughout the course. A successfully identified project is essential for applying Lean Six Sigma tools and is required to complete your Yellow Belt certification.

Section 2: Measurement and Analysis Tools Training

Measurement and Analysis
(4 contact hours over 1 week)

Learn about key measurement and analysis techniques as you gather data, evaluate processes, and uncover insights. Hands-on tools training and reusable tools help you streamline project work and support evidence-based decisions.

Topics covered:

Introduction to key measurement and analysis techniques
Data gathering methods and best practices
Statistical tools for process evaluation
Hands-on training for data analysis and visualization
Using templates and reusable tools to streamline project work

Section 3: Green Belt

Putting It All Together: Tools for Implementing and Sustaining Change
(9 weeks)

Built on project-based learning, our Lean Six Sigma Green Belt program lets you apply new skills immediately. You’ll complete a project that proves your ability to improve processes and drive results, earning a USF Green Belt Certification respected across industries.

Topics covered:

Identifying improvement opportunities through project analysis
Implementing Kaizen events and pilot programs for testing solutions
Applying statistical process control (SPC) to sustain improvements
Developing visual management strategies for ongoing success
Final project presentation showcasing tools, methodology, and results

Detailed Module Breakdown

Module 1: Fundamental Applications of Lean Six Sigma
Review the fundamentals of Lean Six Sigma and explore how continuous improvement drives operational excellence.

Module 2: Define Phase
Develop a project charter, identify customer needs, and establish project goals using Voice of the Customer (VOC) analysis and SIPOC diagramming.

Module 3: Measure Phase
Learn how to gather data, map processes, and establish baseline measurements for improvement initiatives. Apply Measurement and Analysis training and templates introduced in Part 2 of the course.

Module 4: Analyze Phase
Use root cause analysis techniques - including Pareto charts and statistical methodologies - to uncover the real sources of inefficiencies.

Module 5: Improve Phase
Implement the right solutions through Kaizen events and pilot programs, testing improvements before full implementation.

Module 6: Control Phase
Sustain gains by applying statistical process control methods and developing visual management strategies.

Module 7: Final Project Presentation
Present your completed project, showcasing the tools and methodologies you've applied to deliver measurable improvements.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:

You’ll complete a real-world project using Operational Excellence tools, building a portfolio that proves your ability to lead meaningful improvements.
Master Lean Six Sigma Techniques: Gain proficiency in Yellow Belt and Green Belt methodologies, enabling you to streamline processes and enhance productivity.
Earn Three Certifications: Upon successful completion, you'll receive Yellow Belt Certification, Green Belt Certification, and the prestigious Operational Excellence Certification, showcasing your expertise and commitment to excellence.
Hands-On Experience: Engage in practical exercises and real-world projects that will prepare you to tackle operational challenges head-on.
Career Advancement: Stand out in the job market with recognized certifications that demonstrate your ability to drive efficiency and improve organizational performance.

Advisor

Our advisors are here to support you every step of the way – whether you have questions about courses, need guidance on your learning path, or simply want to explore your goals.