CURRENT LITERATURE
PA N E L D I S C U S S I O N

“Six Sigma Black Belts: What Do They Need to Know?”
Publication: Journal of Quality Technology

T

he October 2001 issue of the Journal of Quality Technology (JQT) contains a panel discussion on the training of Six Sigma Black Belts. According to JQT’s editor, William H. Woodall, the discussion centers on a paper by Roger W. Hoerl of General Electric (GE) entitled “Six Sigma Black Belts: What Do They Need To Know?” The Abstract Six Sigma improvement methodology has recently received considerable attention, not only in the statistical and quality literature, but also in general business literature. In published discussions, terms such as Black Belt, Master Black Belt and Green Belt have frequently been used indiscriminately, without any operational definitions provided. It may not be clear to readers exactly what Black Belts are, what training they should have and what skills they should possess. Those hiring Black Belts may also be confused. The participants in this discussion and I [Roger Hoerl] have a significant opportunity to clarify how statisticians, quality professionals and business leaders think about Six Sigma and quality improvement in general.

This article provides a context and forum for discussion of the technical skills required by Six Sigma Black Belts and hopes to reach a general consensus. I focus on Black Belts since they are typically the backbone of Six Sigma initiatives. I reference some previously published examples of Black Belt curricula, while additional input comes from my experience in various areas of GE and recent general trends in applied statistics. Then I present a recommended Black Belt curriculum and compare it to the certified qualified engineer criteria. Other relevant issues in developing Black Belts are also discussed. The Panel Discussion Participants in discussing