Continuous Improvement Program Track
Last Updated: July 23, 2025 4:47:25 PM PDT
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Discover professional development opportunities for continuous improvement.
Continuous Improvement at UC San Diego
Continuous improvement is the ongoing optimization of business processes using an incremental approach, ranging from business process mapping and analysis through to solution design and implementation. The goal of continuous improvement is to increase productivity, efficiency, and customer satisfaction incrementally and reiteratively over time.
Continuous improvement aligns with UC San Diego's well-established culture of innovation and improvement. Continuous improvement includes process improvement, Lean methodology and Lean Six Sigma, and is widely practiced at UC San Diego. The Office of Operational Strategic Initiatives (OSI) has identified Lean Six Sigma as the continuous improvement methodology of choice for UC San Diego, and offers services and trainings in this area. Furthermore, the UC San Diego Business Excellence Community of Practice (BECOP) is a gathering of people from all areas of UC San Diego that practice continuous improvement, project management, and/or change management.
Explore
| Resource | Description | Modality | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lean Six Sigma White Belt | Receive a high-level introduction to the Lean Six Sigma concept. | YouTube Video |    |
| Six Sigma and Lean: Foundations and Principles |
Learn about the relationship between Six Sigma and Lean methodologies. When used together, they can enable a system of process control and process design that will transform your business systems and processes. |
Percipio Bundle: Six Sigma - Yellow Belt via the UC Learning Center | |
| Six Sigma: Project Management Basics | Learn about tools that are available for use when planning and managing a Six Sigma project. Explore the work breakdown structure, Gantt chart, activity network diagrams, affinity diagrams, matrix charts, tree diagrams and tollgate reviews. | Percipio Bundle: Six Sigma - Yellow Belt via the UC Learning Center | |
| Creating a Culture of Continuous Improvement | Learn how to sustain a culture of continuous improvement after the departure of a leader who was passionate about Toyota Production System (TPS). | Article | |
| TED Talk Video: Lean Thinking Applied To All | Can the lean methodology be applied to all areas of our lives beyond the workplace? Can we use the methodology to explore our full potential and make our lives more meaningful? This video by Bill Peterson explores those questions. | TED Talk | |
| Steve Jobs Talks Lean Six Sigma core principles | Steve Jobs covers some of the core principles of Lean Six Sigma (without him necessarily knowing it!) | YouTube Video | |
| TEDxKnoxville - Bill Peterson - Lean Applied to Us | Learn about "lean management" and the fundamental concepts within the practice. | TED Talk | |
Build Skills
| Resource | Description | Modality | Icons |
|---|---|---|---|
| TestPrep: Certified Six Sigma Yellow Belt | Practice for the Six Sigma Yellow Belt exam. Assess your readiness by using Exam Mode or further prepare using Learn Mode which provides immediate feedback and explanations. | Assessment |  |
| Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt |
This interactive training uses a hands-on group experiential learning simulation to explore process improvement tools, including the DMAIC model, value stream mapping, Lean 5S, data analysis tools and process sigma, to apply the concepts of Lean Six Sigma in real-time while demonstrating real-life application in higher education.
Fee: $75 |
Course |   |
| BECoP |
Join The UC San Diego Business Excellence Community of Practice (BECOP) embraces change management, continuous improvement, and project management to bring good change to our great institution. |
Community of Practice | |
| Six Sigma Percipio Bundle |
Lean Six Sigma is a powerful methodology and toolset enabling breakthrough process improvements. Learn how to apply it in your workplace. Lean Six Sigma is a combination of two popular process improvement methods, Lean and Six Sigma. These two time-tested approaches provide organizations with a clear path to achieving their missions quickly and effectively. You'll learn how Lean Six Sigma is a system for analyzing and improving processes. |
via the UC Learning Center | |
Beyond
| Resource | Description | Modality | Icons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt Certificates |
Beneficial for participants who have process improvement responsibilities and wish to advance their career, as well as those individuals who are new to the tool set. The certificate is offered in-person, online, hybrid, or live online.
Fee: Varies ($1,995-$6,090) |
Certificate | |
| Free Self-Study Six Sigma Training Guides & Full Edition Manuals for Six Sigma Professionals |
The Council for Six Sigma Certification offers a self-reliant option for learners comfortable tackling the methodology on their own. Simply read the necessary self-study guide and take the certification exam. If you have problems along the way, they have Mentors and Training Providers you can reach out to. Exam Fee: $395 |
Training Guides | |
| Lean Six Sigma Leadership |
A continuous improvement course specifically tailored to leaders. This is for those who oversee teams who have earned any level of Lean Six Sigma Belt and want to effectively drive change and instill a culture of continuous improvement.
Fee: $1,795 |
Program | |
Key
| Icon | Description |
| Fee - there is a required fee for this resource | |
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Hourglass - this resource can be completed in under two hours |
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Calendar - this resource requires a time commitment of two days or more |
| In-person - this resource requires face-to-face interaction in an in-person setting | |
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Beginner - this resource works well for new learners |
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Intermediate - this resource is most helpful for learners with a brief understanding of the topic |
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Advanced - this resource is helpful for learners with a thorough understanding of the topic |
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Online - this resource is offered in a virtual setting |