Continuous Improvement

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing environment, continuous improvement is essential for staying competitive and responsive to evolving demands. This course introduces foundational tools and techniques—such as Lean principles, problem-solving frameworks, and quality improvement methods—that empower engineers to rethink processes and eliminate waste. Participants will gain the mindset and skills to lead initiatives that enhance performance across safety, service, and operational KPIs.

Learning Outcomes:

Apply Lean manufacturing principles and identify the eight types of waste in processes.
Use structured problem-solving tools to define issues, analyze root causes, and implement effective solutions.
Leverage quality improvement tools like affinity diagrams, tree diagrams, and prioritization matrices to drive measurable change.

Who Should Attend:

Manufacturing and process engineers seeking to improve operational efficiency.
Quality engineers and continuous improvement professionals.
Team leads and supervisors responsible for driving productivity and performance.

Course Details: RA01826-D858

Course Outline

1 – Importance of Kaizen and Quality

2 – Problem Solving Techniques

3 – Principles of Lean Manufacturing

4 – Affinity Diagrams and Interrelationship Digraph

5 – Tree Diagrams and Prioritization Matrices

6 – Eight Quality Improvement Tools

Course Schedule

Instructor and Program Director

Instructor
Terry Mann
senior lecturer
Terry Mann is a senior lecturer with the UW-Madison College of Engineering, and has an active consulting practice assisting companies in the implementation of ISO quality and environmental management system requirements. He is an Exemplar Global Principal QMS Auditor, EMS Auditor, Medical Device Auditor and Senior ASQ Certified Quality Auditor. Terry teaches courses on quality engineering topics, including ISO Standards, Six Sigma, operations management, statistical process control, design of experiments, cellular manufacturing, and facilities layout. He earned his Master of Science degree in Manufacturing Systems Engineering from the UW–Madison.
Program Director
Susan Ottmann

Total Credits:

CEU .3,

PDH 3,

Applies to this Certificate:

Manufacturing Excellence,

Course Administration

Fee Information

Fee covers course materials and online instruction.

Payment Options

If you are planning to attend an Interdisciplinary Professional Programs course, payment is required at the time of registration. Below are the payment options:

Pay by Credit Card

Enroll online and pay by credit card.

Search for the course on the website and then click on the Enroll Now button from the course webpage.
Enter all necessary course attendee information and payment information on the course enrollment page.
You will receive an email to confirm successful enrollment and payment.

Enroll over the phone and pay by credit card.

Call CERC Registrations at 608-262-2451.
Provide the registrations representative with:
- the course name, dates, and/or course number.
- the necessary course attendee information and payment information.
You will receive either a mailed document or an email to confirm successful enrollment payment.

Pay by Check

Mail in a completed registration form and check payable to UW Madison.

Fill out a registration form (found either in the back of the course brochure you received in the mail or here).
Prepare a check, made payable to UW Madison.
Mail the registration form and check to: CERC Registrations 21 N Park St, Ste 7101 Madison, WI 53715
You will receive either a mailed document or an email to confirm successful enrollment and payment.

Pay by Purchase Order

Request Purchase Order information from registration@cerc.wisc.edu
- If a fee quote is needed, contact custserv@interpro.wisc.edu first
You will receive an invoice from UW–Madison Business Services for payment, usually within 3–5 business days

Military

If using SF-182 form, please call our registration number at 608-262-2451 or email registration@cerc.wisc.edu for details and instructions.

Event Cancellation

We reserve the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen events. If we cancel a course, participants will be notified via email or phone and will be given the option for a full refund or to transfer their registration and any fees paid to another course. We are not responsible for non-refundable plane tickets, hotel reservations, and other travel related expenses. For enrollee Course Cancellation, refer to notes on course page.

Cancellation Policy

Once you have accessed the online course materials, no cancellations or refunds are permitted.

Create a custom learning experience

We can deliver this course as an on-site learning experience tailored to your organization’s specific training needs.

Continuous Improvement

Learning Outcomes:

Who Should Attend:

Stay Connected

Course Details: RA01826-D858

Course Outline

Course Schedule

Instructor and Program Director

Course Administration

Fee Information

Payment Options

Pay by Credit Card

Enroll online and pay by credit card.

Enroll over the phone and pay by credit card.

Pay by Check

Mail in a completed registration form and check payable to UW Madison.

Pay by Purchase Order

Military

Event Cancellation

Cancellation Policy

Create a custom learning experience

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Past Courses

Continuous Improvement