Black Belt is the final level of expertise in Lean Six Sigma, where professionals are trained to lead organizational changes as well as coach and mentor Black and Green Belts at UBC. With advanced knowledge in Lean Six Sigma and robust experience in managing complex improvement projects, Master Black Belts play a key role in promoting a culture of continuous improvement at UBC.
Lean Six Sigma uses the metaphor of martial arts belts to explain each team members’ role in advancing a project and ability to use the tools provided by Lean Six Sigma:
- White Belt: A foundational understanding of the purpose, terms and phases used in Lean Six Sigma.
- Yellow Belt: Small project leadership skillset and ability to use the basic Lean Six Sigma toolset.
- Green Belt: The main leaders of Lean Six Sigma projects.
- Black Belt: Leadership of large, complex Lean Six Sigma projects.
- Master Black Belt: Strategic oversight and leadership of a portfolio of projects or organizations.
The Important Role of a Master Black Belt at UBC
Upon successful completion of the exam and certification project, Master Black Belt professionals are capable of training belts of all levels, leading complex strategic initiatives and providing strategic oversight of a portfolio of projects across the university.