Lean Six Sigma for Government: An Introduction for Government Accountants and Auditors

Even for those familiar with it, Lean Six Sigma can mean different things to different people depending on the situation.  Sometimes, it indicates a manufacturing technique designed to reduce waste and improve yield. Sometimes it refers to a quality department tool set.  Sometimes, it seems like just part of the latest  "fix-it" hype, consulting mumbo-jumbo or management flavor of the month type stuff.

Fear of the unknown and not wanting to look stupid is enough to keep most people backing away from Lean Six Sigma.  However, Lean Six Sigma is a very useful body of knowledge and want to make it less daunting and intimidating for others. And Lean Six Sigma holds a wealth of techniques and approaches for squeezing the most out of any effort in the government environment.

This course is intended to provide insight, as well as a foundation for using Lean Six Sigma immediately within the accounting function of an organization--specifically, a government accounting organization.  If you are a government auditor, you will find this book is full of fancy, impressive names (sometimes exotic-sounding Japanese names!) for things you already do, and you will find a few new techniques to add to your bag of tricks.

Objectives:

• Order steps of a lean six sigma process
• Differentiate between value added and non-value added activities
• Identify a family of measures for a function or organization
• Define qualities and common goals of Kaizen events
• Understand the difference between a Lean Six Sigma project and Lean Six Sigma program
• Define the four key factors for success--the four "rights"
• Define solutions for resistance to change

Program level: intermediate

142 pages of text

Instructional method: Self-study text with online quiz

NASBA Category ofStudy: Auditing (Governmental), Accounting (Governmental)

Advance preparation:None

Who should attend: Governmental Accountants working to improve processes and service delivery.  Governmental Auditors interested in adding new diagnostic techniques to their audit procedures.

Recommended CPE credit: 7 hours

This course qualifies for Yellow Book CPE credit.