Comparison of Two Control Chart Commercial Packages - Term Paper Example

PART Comparison of two control chart commercial packages The packages for analysis are QI Macros and Sigma XL and the followings are the advantages of using QI Macros (Arthur, 26), The software doesn’t require a professional who has the knowledge of drawing control charts using excel in its application since it takes a few minute to come up with a diagram. It is easy to use since there is no need of copying and pasting excel data into another program since it works directly on the excel data and thus eliminates time wastage.

It is cheaper compared to other softwares such as Cadillac of SPC and thus the organization can save money in using it. The software draws all manner of control charts, Pareto charts, histograms, etc. The software is useful in analyzing the features of the business organization, therefore, increasing efficiency and prosperity of the business. The followings are the disadvantages of QI Macros, For use, an individual has to load the software over the network and in instances where there is a busy online traffic associated with the use of QI Macros, loading excel may take longer.

In QI Macros, there is not issuance of multiple licenses, therefore, for every user, one license is issued to access the software. The followings are the advantages of using Sigma XL (Bass and Barbara, 18), The use of this software saves money since it draws all manner of control charts, including fishbone and flow charts. Sigma XL is reliable since it is used by over 90% of corporations and it is easier to share graphs and charts with an individual who has an excel software. This software operates in all versions of the Excel and, therefore, it is compatible with the latest Excel inventions, i.e., Excel 2010.

It is easy to use since it involves learning the statistical six sigma tools and thereafter after apply it in making graphs on the excel sheets. The software can be used in mathematical analysis. You can use it together with QI Macros as an added package for Microsoft Excel, therefore, becoming easier to draw diagrams and charts. The followings are disadvantages of Sigma XL are, It requires an understanding of mathematics and statistics to effectively draw graphs and charts. It is commercial and not available for free usage.

In conclusion, I would recommend the usage of Sigma XL in my firm. This is because the software is reliable and is in use by 90% of companies all over the world. PART 2: Evaluation of Two Black Belt Certification Programs. The black belt certification programs for comparison are, The Lean six sigma black belt certification. The master black belt certification. The Lean six Sigma black belt is a course whose teachings emanate from the lean manufacturing principal and the six sigma ( Sullivan and Kimberly, 19).

The course covers 25 units whose foundations are from PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) and from the principles of DMAIC (Define, Analyze, Improve and Control). In each unit, a student has to take quizzes and at the completion of the course, an exam is given to test if knowledge is acquired during the period of study. The candidate is required to learn one full lean six sigma applications and on completion, the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is given to the student. The mode of studying is 100% online and its advantages are that the units will be will taught to a deeper degree and questions can be handled on an individual’s basis.

The course takes less that four months top complete but it depends entirely on the person taking the course. The amount required in fees is $ 995 and this usually includes a one year access into the certification, project review, course instructions and even the exams. To get the certicate, a student has to attain 75% score in the exams and if he/she cannot attain the score, they are always allowed to repeat the exams until they attain the score. Master Black belt certificate is also 100% online tutorial course.

This is an advance certificate in Six Sigma Black belt applications (Blodjik, 23). A certicate in the course will give an individual ability to guide effectively all Six Sigma Black Belts in an enterprise. The course takes into account the techniques, concepts and tools which are relative to Six Sigma and develops them in line to the present day trends of business organizations. The course is covered in 15 lessons each taking different approaches of the Six Sigma concepts. This is to equip the students with analytical skills for their own gain.

Between the concepts to be covered are DMAIC, The master black belt certification, design for six sigma, etc. The course takes a period of 7 to 30 days, and an exam has to be taken to gain full qualification. The cost of the course is $199.99, and this includes the exams, the course materials and the issuance of the certificate. In conclusion, Master Black belt certification is an advanced qualification in comparison to lean six sigma black belt certification. Holders of these certificates earn much higher than normal black belts and opportunities for advancing in their organizations are high.

Works Cited Arthur, Lowell Jay. The QI coloring book: macros for Excel : graphing made easy. Version 5.0 ed. Denver, Co.: LifeStar, 1998. Print. Bass, Issa, and Barbara Lawton. Lean six sigma using sigma XL and minitab. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2009. Print Blokdijk, Gerard. Six Sigma 100 success secrets: the missing Six Sigma green belt , black belt training, certification, design and implementation guide. Chicago, Ill.: Independent Publishers Group, distributor], 2008. Print. Sullivan, Michelle L.

, and Kimberly Davidson. Lean six sigma belt certification goals and standings for TACOM Life Cycle Management Command. Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School, 2010. Print.