My experiences about Cranfield MBA ..... and beyond

Friday, October 20, 2006

Reality check ........ statistically speaking!!

Phew! I've just finished my Six Sigma Green Belt training. Besides a heavy file to carry back, I also have a heavy head. Not because of the training, but due to the guilt I am experiencing. Only if I had paid more attention to the Term 1 SDS course at Cranfield MBA!! While Minitab is a saving grace :-), I still feel disappointed with myself.

I was reminded of the Statistical Decision Science course taught by Bob and Sean and how quickly most of us wanted to get over it. Chi-square, p-value and what not!

The green belt training was kind of a realiy check on Cranfield MBA and I am convinced that the course in the curriculum was not out of place. Six Sigma is simple, structured, logic and common sense that depends on "data". And if I need to get my belt certification, then I better be sure of my data and its "accuracy and precision".

Well, my proposed project is on eliminating the variation in productivity across shifts at one of the sites I manage in Operations. So last night, I kick started on my data analysis through Minitab to practice my newly acquired skills on Six Sigma. It remains to be seen what I make out of my data and the project. It also makes me think seriously that Cranfield MBA (or any MBA for that matter) should focus on Six Sigma and Lean manufacturing as a core part of the curriculum. The tool lends more credibility to change management skills than simple glib talk. Amen!