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Black Belt Excellence

Overview

Price

9995

Language

English

Course duration

4-6 months

Review

Modernize your operations

Artificial Intelligence & Lean Six Sigma to improve operations

In today’s economy, where precision and innovation are key, organizations must embrace continuous improvement to optimize overall efficiency. Process mining provides a clear, data-driven view of how processes operate. By mapping out workflows in detail, organizations can identify inefficiencies early and make data-driven decisions. The program also explores how process mining can be integrated with modern machine learning techniques for deeper insights.

When combined with Lean Six Sigma, process improvement becomes even more effective. Lean Six Sigma provides the framework to act on data-driven insights, reducing waste, lowering costs, and improving process reliability. It also focuses on cutting bureaucracy and contributing to ESG goals, ensuring that process improvements lead to long-term, sustainable results.

Together, these two methods allow for a smooth transition to AI-driven operations, because AI models are based on real-world data rather than assumptions.

“This training gives you the essential tools to modernize your processes with AI and Lean Six Sigma.”

Our course participants rate our courses with 4.9/5.0 stars

Designed for future leaders

Who is this training for?

This course is designed for Future Leaders. We’ll teach you how to build smarter, customer-centric, and future-proof operations, by combining the power of Artificial Intelligence with the proven methods of Lean Six Sigma

Many of you professionals are no strangers to the balancing act of running daily operations while striving for improvement. You’re probably dealing with the challenges of improving customer satisfaction, lowering operational costs, and increasing overall quality, all while cutting through bureaucratic red tape, preparing for the possibilities of AI, and chasing ambitious ESG targets. 

That’s precisely why this course is designed with you in mind. Our ideal candidates are mid-to-senior-level professionals tasked with driving operational excellence and spearheading digital transformation.

Whether you are part of a medium-sized organization or a large multinational corporation, this training is designed for you. It is especially relevant in sectors such as manufacturing, finance, logistics, and Defense & Aerospace, where Lean Six Sigma has proven to be effective. Additionally, if you work in healthcare or government, where operational efficiency and compliance are crucial, this program will meet your specific needs too.

In summary, if you are ready to transform everyday challenges into strategic advantages and guide your organization toward an AI-driven future, then the Black Belt Excellence training serves as your first step in making that vision a reality. Moreover, by equipping you with essential skills and dual certifications, this course significantly enhances your professional credibility and opens doors to advanced leadership opportunities.

“This course is designed for future leaders”

Interested?

Course Dates

3 November 2025, Mannheim Business School (MBS)

3 November 2025|4 November 2025|5 November 2025|6 November 2025|7 November 2025|9 December 2025|10 December 2025|11 December 2025|21 January 2026|22 January 2026|23 January 2026|10 February 2026|11 February 2026|12 February 2026|13 February 2026

03 Nov
Mannheim Business School (MBS)

Mannheim Business School (MBS)

Kursdaten
3 November 2025|4 November 2025|5 November 2025|6 November 2025|7 November 2025|9 December 2025|10 December 2025|11 December 2025|21 January 2026|22 January 2026|23 January 2026|10 February 2026|11 February 2026|12 February 2026|13 February 2026

Adresse
L5 6 , 68161

Kursdaten

3 November 2025, 4 November 2025, 5 November 2025, 6 November 2025, 7 November 2025, 9 December 2025, 10 December 2025, 11 December 2025, 21 January 2026, 22 January 2026, 23 January 2026, 10 February 2026, 11 February 2026, 12 February 2026, 13 February 2026

Adresse

L5 6 , Mannheim, 68161

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instructors

Your trainers during this course

Find out more about the expertise and specialties of your trainers.

Our trainers

Read their stories

Jana Rehse

Jana Rehse is a leading expert in Management Analytics, specializing in the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance business processes. With a doctoral degree in Business Administration from Saarland University and a track record of prestigious awards, she has significantly contributed to research areas including process mining, machine learning for process prediction, and domain-specific process assistance systems. Her influential publications, such as those in Business & Information Systems Engineering and ACM Transactions on Management Information Systems, underscore her impact in advancing AI-driven approaches for business process optimization.

 

Credit: Rike Allendoerfe

Jana Rehse

Prof. Dr. Jana-Rebecca Rehse is Assistant Professor for Management Analytics at the University of Mannheim.

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Steve Cook

As a long-time Six Sigma Master Belt and quality professional, I have developed my continuous improvement process (CIP) skills throughout my professional life. By leading excellence projects, I not only strive for process improvements, but also work closely with the people within the organization to develop sustainable solutions that contribute to the success of the company and its customers.

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Steve Cook

Master Black Belt

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The course set-up explained

The six stages to become a results-oriented Black Belt

Our programme is meticulously crafted to facilitate the application of your newly acquired knowledge and skills in a practical setting. In the featured video, our lead instructor and Master Black Belt, Michel Doppert, elucidates the benefits and expectations of undertaking our Black Belt course. Below, we present the six key stages to evolve into a results-oriented Black Belt.








  • Lifelong access to our LMS

  • Information on your programme

  • Online learning materials

Upon enrolment, you gain access to the MyTraining learning platform. This is where you can find the details on your programme, and where you can track the progress of your learning journey.

From here, you can also access your online learning materials, including a full suite of explanatory videos, digital books, and access to full online courses that go in-depth on a variety of Continuous Improvement subjects.


  • In-depth online courses

  • Learning platform videos

  • Digital books

Throughout your entire journey and beyond, you will have access to our online suite of instructional videos, digital books and several in-depth full courses, found on our separate e-learning platform ‘The Productivity Company’.

These materials are available to you in perpetuity, and they offer you the opportunity to revisit your learning insights at any point in time – whether it is as preparation, a refresher or just to brush up on the finer details of the craft.


  • Theory instruction

  • Case studies

  • Simulations

  • Exercises

  • Peer to peer discussion

  • Continue defining and planning your first project

Your classroom training will walk you through the background, theory and practical aspects of Lean Six Sigma – with a strong emphasis on the latter.

During your classroom training you will not only learn directly from the instructor, but also from the insights and case studies of your peers.

As you progress through this part of the programme, your new insights, and the aid of your instructor will help you formulate and prepare for your improvement project.


  • Project at your organization (or third party with consent)

  • 8 hours of mentoring and support by your tutor

Much of the work in a project lies in its formulation and planning, which is woven throughout every step of your programme.

After your classroom training, when you are ready, you will set to work on an improvement project directed at achieving actual results for your organization.

This is not just your final test to earn certification; far more importantly, it is your first step as a Continuous Improvement professional specializing in Operational Excellence.


  • Become a certified expert

  • Internationally acknowledged certification

Upon successful completion of your theory exam and your improvement project, you will receive official, internationally recognised certification in your new role.

This certification proves beyond a shadow of doubt that you possess the required competencies according to international Lean Six Sigma quality standards.


  • Access our alumni community

  • Retain access to all materials

  • Continued tutor support

Of course, while your programme may officially end upon certification, your Continuous Improvement journey is never-ending.

Even after certification, you will receive continued support from your instructor, retain access to all learning materials, and gain access to our community of alumni.

At this point you can look back at your programme with pride, and forward to your future with well-earned confidence.

Collaboration

Mannheim Business School: Leading the Way in Global Business Education

Mannheim Business School (MBS) is the organizational umbrella for management education at the University of Mannheim and one of the leading institutions of its kind in Europe.

MBS was the first German institution to be accredited by the three most important international associations of business education institutions (AACSB International, EQUIS and AMBA). Only one percent of all business schools possess this “Triple Crown”. In addition, MBS is the best German institution in the renowned MBA rankings of the Financial Times (3-year average), the Economist, Bloomberg Businessweek and Forbes.

The MBS portfolio includes an MBA program that can be taken full-time or part-time, several Executive MBA programmes as well as specialised Master’s programmes. Additionally, MBS offers practice-oriented open certificate courses and tailor-made company programmes.

content

Programme Details

Lean

The course aims to provide an overview of process improvement by introducing the concept of lean and its five principles: identifying customer value, analyzing the value stream, ensuring flow, implementing pull systems, and striving for perfection. Participants will gain an understanding of processes, their importance, and potential challenges. They will also learn about Lean philosophy, identifying bottlenecks, applying the Theory of Constraints, determining customer value-add steps, creating value stream maps, assessing flow efficiency, calculating Takt-time, WIP, and PLT using Little’s Law, and applying methods such as 5S, Poka Yoke, Kaizen Events, and visual management techniques.

Six Sigma

During the Six Sigma days of our Black Belt Excellence programme, you can expect a thorough exploration of the methodology’s origins and operational structure. You’ll learn about its inception at Motorola and widespread adoption by industry leaders like General Electric. Through engaging sessions, you’ll understand the roles and responsibilities within a Six Sigma organization, enabling you to drive impactful improvements in process mining projects, ensuring efficiency and quality.

DMAIC Cycle

During the Six Sigma days of our Black Belt Excellence programme, you will delve into the DMAIC approach, a structured problem-solving method. In the Define phase, you’ll determine critical aspects of product/service quality for customers, create Project Charters, and employ tools like SIPOC for process mapping. The Measure phase involves setting measurable outputs, defining improvement goals, and conducting data analysis. Moving to the Analyse phase, you’ll identify root causes using tools such as Fishbone diagrams and FMEA, while also understanding Confidence Intervals. In the Improve phase, you’ll experiment with solutions, utilize Design of Experiments, and employ techniques like brainstorming and benchmarking. Lastly, in the Control phase, you’ll develop Control Plans, implement Lean tools, and ensure effective project handover with thorough documentation. This comprehensive approach equips you to drive impactful improvements in data analysing projects, ensuring efficiency and quality.

Statistics

During the statistics part of our Black Belt Excellence programme, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of descriptive statistics such as mean, median, mode, standard deviation, and variation range, among others. Practical implications of variation will be explained, enabling you to assess sample quality and quantity effectively. You’ll learn to recognize different data types, create data collection plans, and utilize statistical software like Minitab for analysis. Tools for evaluating measurement variation and assessing measurement system capability, such as Gage R&R studies, will be covered extensively. Additionally, you’ll delve into baseline process performance analysis and process capability calculations. Understanding hypothesis testing, including alpha and beta risks, will be emphasized, along with formulating and evaluating null and alternative hypotheses. Lean tools like SMED and OEE will also be introduced to analyze and address lost time in processes effectively. This statistical knowledge equips you to make informed decisions and drive improvements in data engineering projects with precision and accuracy.

Process Mining

During the process mining segment of our Black Belt Excellence programme, you will grasp the fundamental concept, relevance, and potentials of process mining, which involves analyzing event logs to improve processes. Key process mining terminology will be explained, alongside understanding the structure and purpose of process event logs. Through hands-on exercises, you’ll learn to characterize processes based on event logs, discover process models, and analyze process-related KPIs. Additionally, you’ll apply rule checking to identify compliance violations, pinpoint bottlenecks, and uncover improvement opportunities within processes. Practical aspects include setting up and managing process mining projects, complemented by a guest lecture from industry experts like Celonis, followed by a comprehensive case study in the Celonis system. Finally, technological advancements in process mining, such as robotic process automation and machine learning applications, will be explored, discussing their applicability and limitations. This knowledge equips you to leverage process mining techniques effectively in real-world scenarios, driving efficiency and optimization in data analysing projects.

Exam & Review

During the exam and review portion of our Black Belt Excellence programme, participants will engage in a comprehensive review of the course material, ensuring a thorough understanding of Lean Six Sigma principles and methodologies. The culmination of the program is the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Exam, where participants will demonstrate their ability to execute Lean Six Sigma projects, facilitate improvement teams, apply Lean Six Sigma tools effectively, and implement successful solutions within organizational contexts. Upon completion of this final day, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive impactful improvements and lead data engineering projects with confidence and competence.

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Investment

Pricing

Pricing

Investing in the Black Belt Excellence course is a strategic move that can yield significant returns for your organization. By enrolling, you not only gain incredibly valuable skills and knowlege, your organization acquires the means to drastically decrease costs with every project you carry out. Our comprehensive coaching goes beyond guidance; we actively assist you during your first project. With our assistance, even your very first project can achieve cost-reductions up to €250,000. The effects of this single investment can ripple through your organization, creating support for new projects and make change management more natural; because now, the results speak for themselves.

Furthermore, the 14 classroom training days are supported by the MyTraining™ learning environment. During your improvement project, you will be guided by an experienced Master Black Belt.

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9995

Training including project

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Return on investment (ROI)

The ROI for the Black Belt Excellence course is exceptional, with the potential to save your organization at least €250,000 in project costs. By enrolling in this program, you’re not just investing in training; you’re investing in tangible results that directly impact your bottom line. Our experienced coaches work closely with you to identify and implement strategies that lead to significant cost savings. These savings can be attributed to various factors, including improved efficiency, reduced errors, and streamlined processes.

Proeverij

Lean Six Sigma-proeverij

Leer hoe je verbetermogelijkheden kan benutten en welke opleiding voor jou het meest effectief is door een van onze Lean Six Sigma-proeverijen bij te wonen. Tijdens deze gratis proeverij leggen onze Lean Experts jou de basis van de methodiek uit en vertellen ze je hoe je jouw ideeën in resultaten omzet. Ze beantwoorden met veel plezier al je vragen en laten je ontdekken hoeveel voordeel je uit het toepassen van Lean Six Sigma kan halen.

  • Opleidingsadvies op maat voor iedere cursist
  • Q&A over de Lean Six Sigma-methodologie
  • Bespreek projectideeën met andere deelnemers
  • Maak kennis met onze trainers
  • Toegankelijk voor iedereen

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Faq

Frequently asked questions

Can I register for this training without prior knowledge of Lean or Lean Six Sigma?

Every training we provide assumes that our students start without any prior knowledge of Lean or Lean Six Sigma methodology. The training starts from the basics and builds accordingly. You will learn about the theory step by step. And if you choose to carry out a project as part of your training, you will be coached and assisted by our Master Black Belt to ensure a good result.

What are the specific objectives of Black Belt Excellence training?

During this training, participants will explore various aspects of Lean Six Sigma and process mining. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics aimed at enhancing participants’ understanding and proficiency in these methodologies. From foundational concepts to advanced techniques, the training offers a comprehensive overview of the principles and applications of Lean Six Sigma and process mining.

 

If you’re interested in obtaining a detailed breakdown of the learning targets and the specific content covered in the training, you can request our study manual. It provides a comprehensive outline of the course structure, including key concepts, learning objectives, and practical exercises.

Who are the trainers and what is their background and expertise?

The trainers for this course are Master Black Belt Steve Cook and Professor Jana Rehse. With years of experience in the realms of process improvement and process mining, they bring a wealth of expertise and practical insights to the training. Steve Cook has a proven track record of implementing Lean Six Sigma methodologies across various industries, driving significant improvements in efficiency and quality. Professor Jana Rehse is renowned for her research and contributions to the field of process mining, having authored numerous publications and led groundbreaking projects in the application of data-driven process analysis. Their combined knowledge and hands-on experience ensure that participants receive top-notch instruction and guidance throughout the training. To learn more about these esteemed trainers, click here.

What methods are used to evaluate participants’ skills and knowledge?

The theory of the Black Belt Excellence training is assessed through a theoretical exam held at the end of the training. Following this evaluation, participants apply the theory in practical scenarios under the guidance of their trainer. This coaching is an integral part of the training and is tailored to the phase of your project charter. Participants are required to complete their project charter, which is then presented by the participant to their coach and our quality manager upon completion. Only after this process can participants officially earn the title of Black Belt.

Are there opportunities for networking and sharing experiences with other participants?

We find that our course attracts participants from diverse professional backgrounds. This diversity is seen as a significant asset, as it allows individuals to step out of their own spheres and engage in collective learning about process improvement and process mining. The exchange of knowledge and experiences from various fields is particularly inspiring, fostering a dynamic learning environment where participants can gain fresh perspectives and insights. By bringing together individuals with varied expertise, our training sessions not only promote collaboration but also encourage innovative problem-solving approaches that can be applied across industries.

How does this training compare to other similar programs on the market?

This training is future-proof, especially considering the vast amount of data in the world today. It seamlessly integrates a robust methodology, Lean Six Sigma, with one of the most significant trends to date – big data. As organizations increasingly recognize the value of data-driven decision-making, the ability to leverage Lean Six Sigma principles alongside advanced analytics techniques becomes essential for staying competitive in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. By equipping participants with the skills to effectively analyze data and optimize processes, this training not only prepares them for the challenges of today but also positions them to thrive in the data-driven future.

How long does the training normally take?

The regular Black Belt training typically spans 8 to 10 days, varying depending on whether you work in the service or industrial sector. However, this Black Belt Excellence training extends to 12 days for Lean Six Sigma training, with an additional 3 days dedicated to Process Mining in collaboration with Mannheim Business School. The extra Lean Six Sigma days are structured to include a Lean Practitioner Training day focusing on the A3 methodology. These additional half days are crucial to ensure a seamless integration with the Process Data Mining component. This additional time allows for a deeper dive into the practical application of tools, particularly those related to data-driven process analytics.