Program Overview

Process Improvement Certificate Program

The Process Improvement Certificate Program is designed to introduce efficiencies that use proven, traditional methods to address modern-day challenges in any industry and function. This program teaches students the principles, methodologies, and tools essential to creating a culture of continuous, sustained improvement.

Program Overview

In this program, students will learn through expert instruction, hands-on activities, and completion of a process improvement project relevant to their workplace. The instructors bring real-world experience with implementing process improvement initiatives in various industries.

Certificate Snapshot

• Format: Courses are delivered remotely, with a blend of virtual live sessions and self-paced activities.
• Frequency: To be announced
• Length: Six classes
• Cost: Full certificate cost: $3,394

Program Details

The program aspires to allow students up to 3 years to complete the certificate; however, program offerings can fluctuate due to market/community demand. Therefore, the program does not guarantee the completion of any certificate, and students are encouraged to complete the program as quickly as possible when courses are available.

Who Should Attend

This program is for individuals interested in learning the methodologies, tools, and mindset essential for improving processes, reducing waste, and creating sustainable, positive change.

What You'll Learn

Upon completion of this program, students will have gained the knowledge to:

• Understand the fundamentals of process improvement
• Apply appropriate process improvement tools and methodologies to different situations
• Cultivate a mindset and culture to support sustainable change
• Be familiar with common pitfalls of implementing process improvement initiatives

Required Certificate Courses

Courses may be taken individually and in any order unless otherwise noted. If pursuing the certificate, all courses in the certificate program must be completed within three years. A recommended sequence is provided.

Foundations of Process Improvement

• SS499: Introduction to Process Improvement (2 days)
  • Develop foundational knowledge about Lean and Whole Systems Thinking
• BE601: Leading Sustainable Change: Culture (1 day)
  • Learn the key components needed to create a sustainable organizational culture of continuous improvement
• BE503: Problem Solving (2 days)
  • Identify and understand problems, develop compelling solutions, and measure improvement
• BE813: Leading Sustainable Change: Daily Management (1 day)
  • Learn to link organizational strategy to the daily improvements needed to make a culture of continuous improvement "stick"

Specialization in Process Improvement

Choose 1 elective course (2 days each):

• SS513: Six Sigma Fundamentals (2 days)
  • Delve into Six Sigma methodology, learn where popular tools fit into the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC) improvement model, and learn key criteria for successful implementation
• BE602: Visual Management (2 days)
  • Learn to see the workplace and materials through a visual lens and practice using visual management to achieve bottom-line results and a learning environment
• BE603: Lean Business Processes (2 days)
  • Learn how Lean principles can be applied in an office setting and in a variety of different business functions

Process Improvement in Practice

• BE800: Process Improvement in Practice (2 days)
  • Visit a local organization that has successfully implemented process improvement initiatives, undertake your own process improvement project, and receive expert coaching

Meet the Instructors

The program is taught by experienced instructors, including:

• Maria Grzanka
• David Hall
• Amanda Zimmerman