he G School of Q MaNaGeMeNT DEGREE PROGRAM informationfiles.ctctcdn.com/c0bb8d8c001/dce57a46-9e7e-40a3-a... · 3 Burlington Woods #100 Burlington, MA 01803 Phone: (855) 886-3272

800.838.2580 EXT.125 | WWW.NGS.EDU | [email protected]

DEGREE PROGRAM information

The NaTioNal GraduaTe School of QualiTy MaNaGeMeNT

Contents

About NGS....................................................................................................................................................................page 02

Accreditation................................................................................................................................................................page 02

President’s Message.....................................................................................................................................................page 03

Accelerated Degrees....................................................................................................................................................page 04

Program Delivery.........................................................................................................................................................page 04

Quality & NGS..............................................................................................................................................................page 05

Bachelor of Science Degree Completion Program*.....................................................................................................page 06

BSQSM course descriptions......................................................................................................................page 07

Master of Science Program..........................................................................................................................................page 09

MSQSM Course Descriptions....................................................................................................page 10

Doctor of Business Administration Program*..............................................................................................................page 13

DBAQSM* Course Descriptions.................................................................................................page 14

Black Belt in Six Sigma*................................................................................................................................................page 17

Black Belt in Six Sigma* Course Descriptions............................................................................page 18

Application Requirements............................................................................................................................................page 19

How to Apply................................................................................................................................................................page 20

* Not available in MA. Not available to MA residents.

2800.838.2580 EXT. 125 | WWW.NGS.EDU | [email protected]

About NGS

NGS Mission:The mission of The National Graduate School of Quality Management (NGS) is to provide educational programs which advance knowledge in the area of Quality Systems Management (QSM), to facilitate the codification of QSM “best practices,” and to create innovative models with significant, enterprise-wide or national significance and application.

NGS is a special purpose institution with a primary focus:

• To provide working adults with higher-level knowledge and understanding of the concepts, principles and tools of quality-based systems management for performance excellence.

• To graduate individuals with behavioral, analytic, customer service, and leadership skills to achieve tangible and measurable results for organizational performance excellence.

• To raise the overall understanding of quality-based systems management in the public and private sectors nationwide.

• To develop proponents and educators of quality systems management able to further understanding and application of the concepts, principles and tools.

Accreditation

NGS is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. Inquiries regarding the accreditation status by the New England Association should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact:

Commission on Institutions of Higher EducationNew England Association of Schools and Colleges

3 Burlington Woods #100Burlington, MA 01803Phone: (855) 886-3272

E-Mail: [email protected]

Certified to operate by State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).

NGS Degree Programs

• Bachelor of Science Completion in Quality Systems Management*

• Master of Science in Quality Systems Management

• Doctor of Business Administration in Quality Systems Management*

Bachelor and Master level students complete a work-related project instead of the conventional thesis.

Optional Specializations* available in:

• Health Systems

• Homeland Security & Defense

* Not available in MA. Not available to MA residents.

3


3

President’s Message

Thank you for your interest in The National Graduate School of Quality Management (NGS).

NGS is: accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) offering Bachelor’s Degree Completion, Masters, and Doctorate-level programs; an active, national community of adult learners; a network of working professionals; a faculty of experienced and committed professors; and a staff dedicated to supporting student learning goals.

The education landscape is changing. Students and employers are demanding a direct connection between learning and success in the workplace. Maintaining the status quo will not lead to success; today’s professionals must continually invest in updating their knowledge and skills. Our programs serve adults, like you, who know they cannot stand still in today’s marketplace of ideas and who recognize the need to pursue personal and professional growth to maximize their professional achievement.

At NGS, we recognize the importance of your investment of time and money in your education; in your future. This program guide opens up a pathway to your future success. Explore our challenging and exciting programs, tailored to meet the needs of adult learners like you. You will find our programs are flexible and comprehensive with the highest of academic standards and quality educational experiences.

I invite you to become part of the NGS family…become part of a tradition of excellence….become part of our Transformation Initiative….become part of the leadership of tomorrow. I promise you that no other institution will care more about your professional and personal success than NGS. Our entire NGS family of students, alumni, faculty and staff is ready to help you succeed. Take the challenge. Prepare yourself for success.

I look forward to seeing you soon,

Dr. R. Clinton MinerPresident and CEOThe National Graduate School of Quality Management186 Jones RoadFalmouth, MA 02540800-838-2580 Ext 101

Accelerated Degrees

Why NGS?

• Small classe sizes• Accelerated degree programs• Programs onsite or online• Project-based learning• Best investment • Research database library systems• Online and In-class faculty support

What skills will you gain?• Leadership • Presentation • Strategic Analysis• Teamwork• Advocacy• Project Management and Execution

What we offer:• A practical approach to learning• A high impact accelerated degree • Customized classes offered in sequence• Flexible classes for adult professionals• Personal attention in and out of class

Accelerated Programs• Bachelor of Science Degree Completion - 10 courses, 12 months• Master of Science degrees - 12 courses, 12 months• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) - 16 courses, 30 months

• Financial aid available. - Contact [email protected] for more details.

• Military spouses can now receive military discounts.

• Programs accommodate student deployment, temporary duty or

business travel.

How programs are delivered

Programs are offered only in cohort format

In-Resident courses are offered face-to-face to students in the traditional classroom setting, either one night per week or during weekend sessions.

The Online* format enables students to complete all degree requirements from the comfort of their homes or places of work. Advisement and additional coursework assistance are provided by professors specifically assigned to groups of individuals enrolled in online degree programs.

Blended Learning, a combination of traditional and online, begins with an initial in-residence meeting face-to-face in the traditional classroom setting, then a webinar, and concludes online with independent study that requires weekly updates to the professor and submission of assignments online.

Regardless of the format, every student is allowed access to the NGS online learning portal which enables each to review assignments, chat with their classmates, and ask questions of their assigned professor.

*Not available in MA. Not available to MA residents.

4


5


Quality + NGS

Why Quality?

- Quality is defined as “...meeting customer expectations at reduced cost...”

- AND it demands that costs stay low – by purging waste, defects and inefficiencies from every aspect of the producer’s systems.

Two decades of experience teaches us that many companies mistakenly think that “quality” only applies to manufacturing. But the hidden killers of performance (and profit) are frequently customer dissatisfaction with “support processes” like data input and analysis, contract reimbursement, timely delivery, customer services, etc. When processes fail, customers, from patients to funders, begin to doubt the quality of care.

Quality Systems Management (QSM) requires a holistic approach for success to be achieved.

• It includes Quality Control, which is related to ensuring that parts, products and services received by others meet established quality standards.

• It includes Quality Assurance, which is related to ensuring that products provided to customers meet established quality standards.

• However, QSM/CQI are much broader and more holistic than either of these two narrow approaches.

QSM achieves improved satisfaction and reduced cost by applying proven techniques from the well documented body of quality systems literature, selected and matched to each unique situation. At the end of the day, Quality Systems Management produces a better outcome at a reduced price in ways that can be measured and repeated.

NGS Approaches + Techniques

• Understanding the holistic system of Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)• Understanding Joint Commission core measures• Understanding Baldrige Award criteria for Health-Related Organizations• Defining Performance Measures / Metric Development • Benchmarking / Baseline Measurements• Best Practices• Performance Based Management• Rapid Improvement Events (Kaizen) and other tools for Ownership and Motivation• Lean Approaches (a little at a time)

• Six Sigma Method (Organization, Neatness, Cleaning, Standardization, Discipline, Safety)• Use of Standard Tools- like SWOT analysis, Value Stream Mapping, etc.• Lean Six Sigma - Intense statistical analysis of variation to “break through” tough problems - Find common or systematic causes, not special causes • “Hoshin” planning - Strategic planning with quality tools• Quality Function Deployment - Detailed mapping from customer needs back to product characteristics, involving

all workers • Total Quality Management - Promoting quality culture by minimizing variation • Theory of Constraints - Identifying designs, policies or measures/values that are constraining quality



BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN QUALITY SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT*

About the BSQSM The Bachelor of Science Completion Program in Quality Systems Management (BSQSM) is designed as a “bridge” for those who possess an Associate’s degree to earn a bachelor degree. NGS will accept 60 to 75 credits in transfer from an approved college.

A distinguishing feature of the program is the team-based, work-related, business project. In order for a student to graduate, the projects’ supervisor or “champion” must validate and formally attest to The School that results have been achieved. The program is offered only in cohort group format.

Curriculum The curriculum consists of a 12 month, 10 course, 30 credit, 2 semester program designed as an “integrated storyboard” developed after extensive consultation with diverse focus groups of prospective employers, organizational leaders and quality practitioners.

Up to 30 credits can be awarded for experiential learning from work experience and accomplishments. The BS degree requires a total of 120 credits.

The Bachelor’s Business Project

In keeping with its tradition of “turning knowledge into practice,” NGS replaces the traditional Bachelor of Science “senior thesis” with a work-related project.

The Bachelor’s Business Project (BBP) is implemented to help students understand and improve a work-related process. Since the aim is “understanding,” there is less focus upon return-on-investment (ROI) and the project scope is less than that required for the Master’s Business Project.

Bachelor of Science students receive guidance throughout the entire project process from Bachelor’s Project Lead Faculty. Those professors are available to help students select a project, meet with a prospective Champion or Senior Champion (in person or by telephone) and complete the steps necessary to implement their projects. In fact, Bachelor’s Project Lead Faculty members are “personal academic counselors” who meet with each student team early in the program and remain with them until the final class just prior to graduation. Bachelor’s Project Lead Faculty ensure that students fully-understand the steps necessary to complete a high-quality Bachelor’s Business Project.

7


The course covers the basic terminology and principles of both QSM and HSD, and it applies these concepts to situations in both the public and private sectors (government agencies and businesses). The course explains why the Quality Process (Total Quality Management) is indeed the future of Homeland Security and Defense. Without Quality, there is no way to plan for Homeland Security or to justify the enormous resource expenditures required, financial and otherwise. Without Quality, there is no way to evaluate the impact of Homeland Security efforts. Quality means measuring success against objective and quantifiable standards, something which is essential to the future of Homeland Security groups and programs. (3 credits)

The course introduces the principles and best practices of quality systems management. The emphasis is on building an understanding of effective operational excellence through the practical implementation of quality systems management principles. Diverse case studies from disparate organizations that apply QSM principles are used for the purposes of discussion. The course encourages students to apply the theoretical principles to their own work and to consider how organizational processes may be improved. Student teams will be formed for the duration of this course to complete certain assignments. (3 credits)

Quality Systems Management principles and best practices are introduced as they relate to planning for and designing QSM systems for practical application. Emphasis is on basic definitions, methods and barriers to strategic planning. Students will also be introduced to implementation strategies learned from business organizations. (3 credits)

NGS has a tradition of advancing knowledge in Quality Systems through “action” research, which is research based on active investigation surrounding the specific graduate level project. This course requires research which supplements course-specific assignments in NGS undergraduate programs. This course ensures that student research regarding projects extends beyond the required reading in other courses. It also ensures that the lessons learned from that extended reading and research is captured through annotated bibliographies of materials directly connected to the team project. The faculty supervisor facilitates that research through periodic reports and electronic review of team progress by designated faculty members. (3 credits)

This course introduces the institution-wide emphasis on work-related projects. The scope is limited to that of comparable senior year projects. Emphasis is placed on understanding the NGS methodology for project completion, e.g. champion and guiding coalition. Students will be required to consult regularly with their learning advisors during the course. (3 credits)

BS Quality Systems Management Course Descriptions:

Semester 1:

QSM 381: Introduction to Strategic Planning

QSM 340: Performance-Based Management Introduction

EDU 401: Introduction to Research & Data Analysis

QSM 350: Bachelor’s Business Project I

EDU 301: Best Practices for Undergraduate Education


This course introduces new Bachelor of Science degree students at NGS to the college’s programs that lead to degrees in Quality Systems Management and Homeland Security & Defense. The material is a combination of ideas, principles, and practical advice designed to assist students in making a quick transition from the every day working world to the demanding academic environment of study, analysis, discussion, and communication. (3 credits)

This course introduces the principles of process management to undergraduates. The emphasis is on building an understanding of the skills needed to manage a process, lead a Kaizen event and facilitate and sustain an improvement project. Diverse case studies are used for the purposes of discussion. Students are guided by faculty through specific reading assignments and submissions, in-class or synchronous discussion where applicable. The course encourages students to apply the theoretical principles to their own work and to consider how organizational processes may be improved. (3 credits)

This course introduces benchmarking strategies, presents benchmarking principles and leads students to make practical applications to their Bachelor’s Business Project. Topic basics include comparative performance benchmarking, performance benchmarking, and process flow comparisons. (3 credits)

This course surveys financial approaches utilized by organizations. Case studies illustrate the successful application of the models introduced and the reasons for change. (3 credits)

This course continues the institution-wide emphasis on established performance measures in work-related projects. The measures are driven by actual work experience and guided by NGS methodology on what constitutes a verifiable performance measure. Emphasis is placed on applying the NGS methodology to the completion of the project and progress assessment. (3 credits)

Semester 2:

QSM 358: Introduction to Benchmarking

QSM 408: Special Topics in Quality Management

QSM 475: Introduction to Financial Systems Management

QSM 362: Bachelor’s Business Project II

EDU 338: Bachelor’s Project Development I

9


MASTER OF SCIENCE IN QUALITY SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT

About the MSQSM NGS Master of Science (MS) programs are designed to provide graduate level instruction to professionals who either work in the broad quality field or who hope to acquire the skills necessary to effectively serve in that discipline.

A distinguishing feature of the program is the substitution of a team-based, work-related, project of significant result (the Master’s Business Project or MBP) which replaces the conventional master’s thesis. In order for a student to graduate, the project supervisor or champion and faculty juried review team must validate and formally attest that results have been achieved. In the tradition akin to a traditional oral defense of a thesis, students publicly defend their results before an audience of faculty and invited experts. The program is only offered in the group/cohort format.

Curriculum The curriculum consists of a 12 course, 36 credit, 3 semester program designed as an “integrated storyboard” developed after extensive consultation with diverse focus groups of prospective employers, organizational leaders and quality practitioners.

Semester 1 provides a foundation to guide students through the remainder of the curriculum. Topics include an overview of performance-based management systems, best practices, value stream mapping and a systems approach to strategic planning. Semester 2 helps students gain enhanced skills through a linked series of courses related to and supportive of MBP results. Topics include the DMAIC model, six sigma and lean thinking applications. Semester 3 provides practical methodologies for applying quality systems principles to assess organizational achievements.

The Master’s Business Project

The Master’s Business Project (MBP) demonstrates mastery of quality systems management principles by members of student teams designed to initiate process improvement measures. The application of those principles produces genuine results on actual business processes at sponsor organizations. Examples of the successes realized by an MBP include measurable reductions in steps, cycle time and costs. To meet degree requirements, students must ensure that their MBP’s demonstrate calculable improvements in the above areas.

*Specializations are not offered to cohorts in MA or to MA residents.


MS Quality Systems Management Course Descriptions

Semester 1:

Research shows that students benefit when they are provided “best practices” for academic success in their new degree program. The course reviews program highlights through the NGS Student Primer and Project Champions Guide, and provides helpful hints from alumni. Topics include team formation, project selection and the NGS Portal. Students preview upcoming courses and practice case study analysis. (3 credits)

Students gain a foundation to guide them through the remainder of the curriculum. The entire curriculum and the purpose of each course are discussed. The concepts of the Baldrige Criteria and Performance Excellence, which are the underlying goals of the curriculum and the linkage of the courses, are explained with models. Topics include an overview of quality-based systems management, process redesign, process mapping, project management, and contemporary applications such as software quality management. Teams of students complete an actual process improvement at a company or organization. (3 credits)

Strategic Planning is defined as anticipatory decision making. It is a process of articulating and envisioning a desired future and developing the procedures to mobilize the organization to achieve that future. This course introduces strategic planning methods and tools within the context of systems thinking and places emphasis on planning strategies that will help organizations shape their own future rather than passively wait for the future to shape them. This course will address basic definitions and methods, the typology of planning, the process of envisioning, how to overcome barriers to strategic planning and finally key implementation strategies and lessons learned from real-life public and private organizations. (3 credits)

Students identify the process to be improved for their Master’s Business Project, and declare either individual or high performance team formats. Specific projects are defined, the faculty review team assists each student with their Master’s Business Project, guides every project through the stages of definition, commitment from the sponsoring organizations, and project planning. (3 credits)

EDU 501: Best Practices for Master’s Education

QSM 570: Performance Based Management

QSM 581: A Systems Approach to Strategic Planning

QSM 550: Master’s Business Project I

11


“Teaming up for in-class assignments and the Master’s Business Project has helped to build camaraderie and networking with my fellow employees. The introduction and application of innovative quality tools helped to provide insight on how to apply continuous improvement processes within the workplace. Also, the convenient class schedule once a week allowed balance between work and family commitments. Stacey Timke Senior Analyst, Hamilton Sundstrand

In this course, the faculty team follows up in detail with individual students and teams on their progress during semester 1. Faculty members assess student progress on projects, work closely with specific student teams, and review team MBP Tracker input. Faculty prompt teams in a) project management and b) database research into materials related to projects. Readings are faculty-assigned database searches. Faculty meet teams at designated times online and in person. (3 credits)

This course provides the core elements of project management and links the tools and concepts to all the other courses in the curriculum. Students will learn how to clarify deliverables, generate schedules, estimate costs, assure resources, and plan even complex projects. The knowledge and skills learned are applied directly to each team’s Master’s Business Project. The concepts and tools of the course are supported by software. (3 credits)

Benchmarking discusses benchmarking strategies, presents benchmarking principles and leads students to make practical applications to their Master’s Business Project. Topics include comparative performance benchmarking, performance benchmarking, and process flow comparisons. (3 credits)

This progress monitoring point for faculty ensures that students have understood and integrated into their Master’s Business Projects the knowledge gained in this semester of the program, such as Benchmarking, Activity-Based Costing, and Six Sigma Applications. Students demonstrate their familiarity with electronic databases and their readiness to implement tangible improvements. (3 credits)

Semester 2:

EDU 638: Master’s Business Project Development I

QSM 548: Project Management

QSM 558: Benchmarking

QSM 562: Master’s Business Project II


Application of financial business theory and the cost of quality are the core concepts of this course. The focus is on cost accounting and understanding the hidden cost of inefficiency, internal and external failure. It is also focused on the financial implications of Lean operations, as well as calculating the cost benefit resulting from process improvements and reducing costs due to substandard service, failure of products or defects. (3 credits)

Statistical Applications uses applied statistical analysis to improve work-related projects. By reviewing how major national and global organizations employ these tools in diverse industries, students are guided to use statistical analyses in their own improvement projects. This course builds on the data collection skills developed in semester one, and students will use their own Master’s Business Project-related data to tangibly measure improvements at their organizations.

Lean Thinking, Value Stream Mapping, and the Toyota Production system are reviewed in detail. Students learn how to identify their organization’s value stream, and how it fits into their Division’s value stream. Current State and Future State maps are created. Opportunities for improvement are graphically displayed, waste is identified, and business process solutions are developed with a linkage to the data. Instruction is provided in throughput improvement methodologies, including throughput analysis, and Just In Time production, as applied to business and manufacturing processes. (3 credits)

This course introduces supply chain management practices within the context of systems and process thinking, and places emphasis on planning strategies that help organizations optimize material, information, and workflow. Topics include the Supply Chain Fundamentals, Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCORÒ) Model, Strategic SCM initiatives, SC Integration, SC Maturity and Networks, and Best Practices that characterize best in class companies. Class discussion and case studies are an important part of learning and students will be asked to relate supply chain management approaches to their own organization. Tools and techniques for understanding, analyzing and redesigning supply chains and their networks will be discussed and practiced. (3 credits)

A faculty review ensures that the Master’s Business Projects meet NGS requirements have demonstrated practical understanding of applied systems management, and have achieved tangible financial results supported by statistical and financial analyses at their employer or sponsor. (3 credits)

Semester 3:

QSM 572: Financial Systems and Lean Accounting

QSM 543: Business Process Analysis

QSM 639: Supply Chain Management

QSM 566: Master’s Business Project III

13


DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION IN QUALITY SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT*

About the DBAQSM The National Graduate School of Quality Management’s Doctor of Business Administration program provides comprehensive, doctoral-level instruction (theory and application) in business administration discipline with a focus in Quality Systems Management (QSM). The primary focus of the program is to develop leadership competencies in the body of knowledge known as Quality Systems Management (QSM) through the application of a holistic systems approach to leading and managing organizations and achieving continuous improvement as measured by tangible returns on investment. Student learning will be enhanced and demonstrated through the process of completing the coursework and a Doctoral Dissertation Project performing rigorous applied action research that must generate tangible results and add to the Quality Systems Management body of knowledge. Doctor of Business Administration in Quality Systems Management graduates will acquire in-depth knowledge, skills, and abilities enabling them to serve as QSM experts at senior levels within organizations.

Curriculum The DBAQSM requires the completion of 60 credits and is designed to be completed over a 30-month period. Key components of the program include 2 in-residence blended courses, 14 online courses, and the completion of an individual Doctoral Dissertation Project, which is conducted in parallel to the program.

Students may choose a specialization in Homeland Security & Defense or Health Systems for cohorts of sufficient number.

The curriculum consists of 3 stages:• Stage 1: Students will present proposals for their Doctoral Dissertation Projects to their

Dissertation Chairs for approval.• Stage 2: Students will develop proposals that consist of the first three chapters of

the Doctoral Dissertation Projects that include an introduction, literature review, and research methodologies.

• Stage 3: Students will implement their projects’ designs and document the results in Chapter 4 and conclusions and recommendations in Chapter 5. Upon successful completion of Chapters 1 through 5, students present their Doctoral Dissertation Projects in a final “Oral Defense” before the DBA Dissertation Committee.

The Doctoral Dissertation Project

Whereas traditional programs delay the dissertation process until the end, NGS requires its students to begin that work at the beginning to ensure that they receive the assistance necessary to refine and implement a high-quality project.

Projects must yield tangible, quantifiable results. Doctoral Projects have pre-established “performance measures” that are significant and highly visible in the value stream of the students’ sponsoring organization. Typically, Projects yield more than a ten-to-one (10:1+) Return On Investment (ROI) on the student tuition investment.



Identification of a potential project; analyze and synthesize research on the topic; produce a concept paper for the project to be presented to the dissertation committee. (3 credits)

Leaders in the specialized field of study are invited to share their insights on leadership and best practices that led to success or failure of themselves or their organizations. Students will visit the organizational web site and complete extensive electronic research before each lecture. (4 credits)

Principles of statistics for quality professionals including probability distributions, sampling, and hypothesis testing are covered to focus on the design of experiments for Six Sigma and Lean methodologies in diverse industries. (4 credits)

This course presents current management practices using Quality Systems Management Tools and Methodologies to drive continuous improvement and performance excellence in For-Profit Business organizations. In addition to researching and analyzing “best practice” strategies adopted by Business entities, doctoral students will research and build a foundation of knowledge on current societal, economic, legal and ethical issues affecting quality in the Business Sector. Emphasis will be placed on an analysis of how quality has influenced and continues to evolve within the Business Sector at small, medium, and large business enterprises. (4 credits)

Semester 1:

DOC 850: Doctoral Dissertation Project I - Prospectus/Concept Development

QSM 840: Research Methodologies and Scholarly Writing

SSM 874: Statistical Principles, Lean, Six Sigma and Project Management

QSM 850: QSM in Business Research and Application

DBA Quality Systems Management Course Descriptions

”As as quality professional, my clients depend on me to be knowledgeable and to stay abreast of the best in quality standards and innovation to help solve their most pressing challenges. At NGS as a student in the Doctorate of Business Administration program, I have access to the industry’s best and brightest who enhance my knowledge and research skills through action research. The program has given me the opportunity to apply Quality Systems Management principals to make an impact on continuous improvement initiatives in the federal government and at my company. NGS was the perfect fit for my career and professional development.”

Kim L. Brown-Jackson, M.B.S., CQIA, Strategy, Learning & Human Capital Project Manager

15


This Doctoral Dissertation check point ensures program studies project integration, facilitating the transition from data gathering to final output for the project, including the appropriate selection, application and interpretation of data and metrics. Emphasis placed on quantitative doctoral research. Presentation to the dissertation committee will be required. (3 credits)

This course presents both an internal and external view of the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence. Through the analysis of case studies and extensive literature research, students will identify how the criteria have evolved over the past 20 years from its initial focus of quality control in manufacturing to the current comprehensive application to all areas of business in all sectors: Business, Healthcare, Government, and Education. Emphasis is placed on using the criteria model both as an award assessment tool and as a management tool driving both day-to-day operational decision making and strategic planning for the future sustainment of organizations. (4 credits)

Discussions include benchmarking strategies with benchmarking principles presented to lead students to make practical applications to doctoral dissertation projects. (4 credits)

This course presents current management practices using Quality Systems Management Tools and Methodologies to drive continuous improvement and performance excellence in Healthcare organizations. In addition to researching and analyzing successful “best practices” adopted by Healthcare organizations, doctoral students will research and build a foundation of knowledge on current societal, economic, legal and ethical issues affecting quality in the Healthcare Sector. Emphasis will be placed on an analysis of how quality has influenced the evolution of healthcare standards by which health care organizations are expected to perform established by The Joint Commission (TJC), formerly the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). (4 credits)

This Doctoral Dissertation check point ensures project progress and targeted research. Presentation to the dissertation committee will be required. (3 credits)

Semester 2:

DOC 862: Doctoral Dissertation Project II - Proposal Development

QSM 884: Organizational Assessment/Baldrige and Strategic Planning Research and Application

QSM 858: Benchmarking & Reengineering

QSM 885: QSM in Healthcare Research and Application

Semester 3:

DOC 866: Doctoral Dissertation Project III - Original Research Execution


Advanced principles of finance and accounting are taught with applications to business management. (4 credits)

This course examines whether two contemporary nations utilize quality systems principles and best practices. There is extensive online research and the accumulation of annotated references. Organizational leaders appear online or through Pod Casts. (4 credits)

This course presents current management practices using Quality Systems Management Tools and Methodologies to drive continuous improvement and performance excellence in Government and other Non-Profit Organizations. In addition to researching and analyzing “best practice” strategies adopted by Government Agencies at the Federal, State, and Local Levels and other Non-Profit Organizations, doctoral students will research and build a foundation of knowledge on current societal, economic, legal and ethical issues affecting quality in government and non-profit organizations. Emphasis will be placed on an analysis of how quality has influenced leadership practices and continues to evolve within government and non-profit organizations. (4 credits)

This capstone course in the DBA program prepares students for the final presentation to Dissertation Committee which will include steps taken to test results over time for sustained results. (3 credits)

This course provides a checklist of success elements required for systems thinking and implementation. Antithetical movements such as smokestack thinking are introduced through case studies. Student exercises involve creating organizational alignment between voice of the customer and voice of the process. (4 credits)

This course provides additional opportunity for faculty to introduce and lead discussion on QSM related topics of special interests. Students should prepare for extensive online research and will create a benchmark list of annotated bibliographies in the subject area. (4 credits)

Students must present at a recognized Quality Conference or Forum. All presentations must receive Dissertation Committee approval prior to presentation. The colloquium can be taken at any time during the DBA program. (4 credits)

QSM 872: Financial Management/Cost of Quality

QSM 860 : Global Quality Systems and International Standards

Semester 4:

DOC 867: Doctoral Dissertation Project IV - Final Report/Oral

QSM 847: QSM System Design

QSM 808: Integrated Studies in Quality Systems Management I

DOC 854: Colloquium

Curriculum is subject to change

QSM 869: QSM in Government Research and Application

17


BLACK BELT IN SIX SIGMA CERTIFICATE*

About the Black Belt in Six Sigma Certificate

The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt is one of most sought after business credentials today. The NGS Six Sigma Black Belt Program is designed for professionals who wish to lead Lean Six Sigma projects and enhance their capability as complex problem solvers.

Our graduates will have the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to be successful as Lean Six Sigma experts and advisors to senior leaders. During this program our students apply their classroom instruction to a real world project demonstrating their mastery of the Lean Six Sigma tools and their ability to provide measurable operational and financial results.

Curriculum The Black Belt in Six Sigma non-credit Certificate Program is an integrated five month, four course curriculum, which together provide a cohesive body of knowledge about six sigma principles and best practices. Attendees are required to complete a work-related project of pre-defined scope which is monitored and closely supervised by academic advisors. The program is offered only in cohort group format. Our faculty are Master Black Belts who have decades of experience in the field of Lean Six Sigma.

The course covers in-depth the methodologies and tools associated with the Define, Mea-sure, Analyze, Improve and Control steps. Students will learn advanced six sigma statistical analysis techniques and be able to apply the latest Lean concepts to their workplace. The course also focuses on developing project management and team leader skills.

The NGS Black Belt Certificate is “Valid for Life”. NGS understands the body of knowledge in the field is changing and expanding. The School recommends, but does not require, the return to the institution for current programs after three to five years, to assure the students have the most contemporary and newest knowledge available. Refresher course(s) are of-fered to previous attendees at a “special” rate.

Black Belt in Six Sigma Prerequisites

• 5 years minimum of work or military service• Green Belt experience or NGS MS in QSM is recommended but not required• Familiarity with the principles and best practices of quality systems• Project Management experience as team leader or team member• Familiarity with data gathering concepts and techniques• Familiarity with statistical concepts and best practices• Access to the internet and a computer for personal use that is adequate to process

required software and assignments• A workplace project



Learn what Six Sigma and Lean methodologies are and how organizations employ these process improvement methodologies in diverse industries such as manufacturing, service, healthcare and government/defense. Stu-dents are guided to apply these methods to their own improvement proj-ects integrating lean and six sigma concepts and tools in order to produce measurable process improvement and financial results.

This course covers the practical application of concepts and tools associ-ated with Lean Thinking, Theory of Constraints and Kaizen. Students will develop skills in identifying and mapping Value Streams, eliminating waste, establishing customer driven pull systems and improving information and product/service flows. They will learn techniques to manage organization-al system constraints and reduce bottlenecks. Instruction will include the appropriate application of these approaches to the manufacturing and busi-ness office environments. Students will also learn about implementing the Kaizen philosophy and the related procedures to engage the workforce in continuous improvement projects. Students will apply the appropriate Lean based tools to their projects, and demonstrate they can explain and mentor others in the use of these tools and concepts.

Application of financial business theory and the cost of quality are the core concepts of this course. The focus is on cost accounting and understanding the hidden cost of inefficiency, internal and external failure, the financial im-plications of Lean operations. As well as calculating the cost benefit resulting from process improvements and reducing costs due to substandard service, failure of products or defects.

This course introduces and applies Design of Experiments (DOEs) and pro-cess improvement methods and tools. It also teaches and provides opportu-nities to apply methods to fix and sustain the actual performance improve-ments made and prepares students for the deliverables for their projects. The areas of Six Sigma which will be covered in this course include: Fail-ure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA) – Improve; Quality Function Deployment (QFD) – Improve; After Project Process Monitoring – Control; Control Plans – Control; and Project Closure – Control.

Black Belt in Six Sigma Course Descriptions

SSM 674: Six Sigma Applications & the DMAIC Model

SSM 643: Advanced Practical Application of Lean Thinking

SSM 572: Black Belt Advanced Analysis Methods and Systems

SSM 575: Black Belt DOE, Improve and Control Methods

19


Application Requirements:

Bachelor of Science Degree Completion • Associate degree or 60 college-credit equivalents and transcript from an accredited institution meeting 36 cr. minimum General Education Core requirements. Applicants without an Associates degree but have over 60 college credits must submit an official high school transcript. The accreditation must be recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Association (CHEA); • Substantive work or military experience (résumé); • Two letters of recommendation; • Personal statement regarding commitment to achieving project-related results; • Access to and familiarity with computers (including the Internet); • Intended degree specializations are required to be declared no later than the end of the second course; • MA resident submission of Proof of Health Insurance and Proof of Immunizations; • Affirm commitment to the academic honor pledge “In the pursuit of the highest standards or academic integrity and accomplishment, I pledge to be honest in all academic endeavors and to perform with the utmost level of academic integrity.”

Masters of Science Degrees / Doctor of Business Administration • Degree and transcript from an accredited institution - Bachelor’s degree for MS applicants and Master’s

degree for DBA applicants. The accreditation must be recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Association (CHEA); • Substantive work or military experience (Résumé); • Two letters of recommendation; • Two brief statements describing 1) your commitment to teamwork and collaborative learning and 2) your commitment to achieving tangible results (Master’s); One 8-10 page essay articulating why you want to pursue a Doctor of Business Administration with The National Graduate School of Quality Management. If you have a research interest, we ask that you incorporate your interest within the topic of the essay. (DBA) • Access to and familiarity with computers (including the Internet); • Intended degree specializations are required to be declared no later than the end of the second course; • MA resident submission of Proof of Health Insurance and Proof of Immunizations; • Affirm commitment to the academic honor pledge “In the pursuit of the highest standards or academic integrity and accomplishment, I pledge to be honest in all academic endeavors and to perform with the utmost level of academic integrity.”; • For DBA -Dissertation topics require approval of the Academic Affairs Curriculum Committee


Contact Information

Enrollment Management 800.838.2580 Ext. 125

DBA Admissions 800.838.2580 Ext. 166

Financial Aid 800.838.2580 Ext. 509

How to Apply

Visit www.ngs.edu

Click “Apply Online”

Complete application - Be sure to include resumé, statement of commitment, and two letters of recommendation

Submit official transcripts for all coursework to:

Keeper of Records186 Jones Road Falmouth, MA 02540

Optional for BSQSM: If student has earned at least 60 credits but no associate’s degree was con-ferred unofficial transcripts can be assessed to ensure qualification to enter program. Please call an Admissions Counselor for more details.

After acceptance, get started by attending the online webinar orientation

Earn your Degree with NGS!

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.6.

800.838.2580 EXT. 125 I [email protected] I WWW.NGS.EDU

Documents

he G School of Q MaNaGeMeNT DEGREE PROGRAM informationfiles.ctctcdn.com/c0bb8d8c001/dce57a46-9e7e-40a3-a... · 3 Burlington Woods #100 Burlington, MA 01803 Phone: (855) 886-3272