Inefficiencies can hold your business back. But with the right tools and mindset, you can unlock your organization’s full potential. The secret? Lean Six Sigma - a results-driven, process-improvement framework that has transformed organizations worldwide.

The Introduction to Lean and Six Sigma program at Edwards Executive Education, part of the Operational Excellence Certificate Program, offers a powerful opportunity to master the principles of operational efficiency. You’ll learn how to:

• Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of business processes
• Apply analytical techniques and process improvement tools
• Identify and resolve critical operational challenges

Led by industry experts, this program equips you to streamline workflows, reduce waste, and foster a culture of continuous improvement keeping your organization competitive and agile.

 

Build In-Demand Process Improvement Skills

Whether you're facing bottlenecks, redundancies, or underwhelming results, this certificate program provides a proven approach to overcoming operational challenges. Participants gain practical knowledge in:

• Mapping and analyzing processes
• Eliminating waste and inefficiencies
• Driving high-quality, value-focused outcomes
• Leading change and solving problems effectively

The program consists of four integrated courses:

• Introduction to Lean and Six Sigma
• Mapping Operational Processes
• Measuring and Improving Operational Processes
• Enabling a Culture of Operational Excellence

Upon completion, participants earn The Operational Excellence Certificate, a credential that demonstrates your ability to lead meaningful change.

 

Experience Immersive, Hands-On Learning with Dr. Keith Willoughby and Amanda Dahl

Guided by Dr. Keith Willoughby and Amanda Dahl, you’ll engage in dynamic case studies, real-world examples, and hands-on activities. This immersive approach ensures you not only learn the concepts but also gain the confidence to apply them in your workplace.

Meet the Facilitators:

Dr. Keith Willoughby

Keith is the Dean of the Edwards School of Business and an expert in operational excellence. He earned his Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan, an MSc from the University of British Columbia, and a PhD from the University of Calgary. In 2015, his exceptional teaching prowess earned him the USask Master Teacher Award, the institution's highest recognition of teaching excellence. He is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (through the American Society for Quality) and was employed as a Senior Operations Research Specialist with the Saskatchewan Health Quality Council, an organization focused on enabling process and system improvement in provincial health care.

“Successful organizational outcomes are based on analyzing processes and systems.  Operational excellence is at the core of understanding processes, improving situations, and enabling success.  The principles featured in the Operational Excellence program are being applied by companies and industries here in Saskatchewan and across the globe.  Any company – from natural resource extraction to health care, from non-profits to financial services – can benefit when activities are explored with a process improvement mindset.  By adopting a “learn by doing” approach, participants in this program will gain valuable and relevant skills to empower employees and achieve organizational improvement.  We can show you how to overcome operational inefficiencies and stuck spots.”  (Dr. Keith Willoughby)

Dr. Willoughby's research offers invaluable resources for those passionate about operational excellence. His work covers a diverse range of topics, including resilient green supply chains, the use of spreadsheet simulations for process improvement, and strategies to enhance Speech Language Pathology services. He also applies advanced analytics to predict sports outcomes, such as those in the Canadian Football League (CFL).

One of his must-read articles, “Achieving Wait Time Reduction in the Emergency Department,” demonstrates the power of Lean and Six Sigma principles to reduce wait times and improve the patient experience in emergency departments. This publication was based on an actual case study in the province of Saskatchewan.

Amanda Dahl, PMP, ACP

Amanda is the owner of Boost Consulting and has over two decades of industry experience in operational excellence, program and project management, change management, strategic planning, business development, geoscience, and facilitation. Amanda holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) designation, is an Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP), has her Lean Greenbelt certificate and Six Sigma Black Belt trained, as well as PROSCI’s Change Practitioner certification. She currently serves as a Director of the Board for T2 Metals Corporation.

"Efficiency is the art of unburdening the unnecessary; effectiveness is the skill of identifying the necessary." (Amanda Dahl)

Amanda offers essential expertise in leading operational excellence initiatives, with a focus on process improvement. Throughout her career, she has led teams in the ongoing evaluation, development, and enhancement of operational processes at organizations like Cameco, Federated Co-operatives Limited,  the University of Saskatchewan, and currently for numerous clients through her consultancy, Boost Consulting.

In 2021, Amanda founded Boost Consulting to guide the shift from reactive to proactive strategies, fostering more efficient and effective work environments for clients in any industry, location, and companies of any size. She combines facilitation and technical expertise, a people-first approach, and diverse industry experience, making her an indispensable asset to her clients. Amanda is extremely passionate about facilitation; bringing knowledge to people is a realistic, helpful way.

 

Transform Your Organization

Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your career and drive lasting change. Join the Introduction to Lean and Six Sigma Program and learn from two of Saskatchewan’s leading experts in operational excellence.

The results:
Enhanced employee engagement. Faster project completion. Improved quality. Sustainable success.

 

About Edwards Executive Education at Edwards School of Business: 

As a part of the University of Saskatchewan, Edwards Executive Education develops and delivers transformative teaching and learning opportunities that elevate professionals, support innovative thinking, and encourage a culture of wellness. For over 40 years, we have offered training in key business areas including project management, operational excellence, financial management, executive retreats, half-day seminars, leadership development programming, and in-house or custom training. Please visit edwards.usask.ca/execed for more information. 

---

Back to Executive Education News