What is process improvement?

Process improvement is the series of actions you take to streamline a task, which makes its completion more efficient and helps to deliver a higher quality end result. This type of approach can be used for any task in life, but it's commonly used by companies trying to reduce costs by cutting waste and increasing the efficiency of workers. The constant focus on improving the processes that go into making a product also means the quality control department and product management teams are typically included.

What opportunities will learning process improvement make available to me?

Learning process improvement can help you advance in a quality control job you already have if you're new to the subject. It can also be included as part of a learning path if you want to become a project manager or process engineer. There are also job opportunities that require knowledge of process improvement, such as process improvement specialists, management positions, and Lean Six Sigma job training specialists. Data analysts and time study professionals also find opportunities to advance through the study of process improvement.

How can taking online courses on Coursera help me learn process improvement?

Taking online courses in process improvement on Coursera can help you get started in the field by offering opportunities to engage in learning that has real-world applications. The courses are set up to accommodate your current knowledge level, such as beginner level Six Sigma courses, and there are also more advanced value chain management courses that build on the early process improvement courses. You can earn Professional Certificates to add to your resume or fill in gaps in your knowledge by choosing the courses that fit your needs.

What skills or experience do I need to already have, before starting to learn process improvement?

You need to have solid reading and math skills before learning process improvement. You also need analytical skills and you need to be a person who pays close attention to details. If you're new to the topic, you have the option to begin with the fundamentals by taking beginner level Six Sigma courses. From there, you can build on the process improvement foundation and advance to the more complex intermediate and advanced level value chain management and Six Sigma green belt courses.

What are the benefits of taking an online Process Improvement course?

Online Process Improvement courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Process Improvement skills. Choose from a wide range of Process Improvement courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Process Improvement courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Process Improvement, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Best Process Improvement Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Process Improvement Course Catalog

Status: Free Trial
University at Buffalo
Data-Driven Process Improvement
Skills you'll gain: Process Mapping, Data Collection, Process Improvement, Business Process, Process Analysis, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Performance Measurement, Data Validation, Business Process Modeling, Business Analytics, Operational Performance Management, Gap Analysis, Organizational Strategy, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Internet Of Things, Data Integrity
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
240 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Illinois Tech
Operations and Process Management
Skills you'll gain: Process Improvement, Process Management, Business Process, Business Process Management, Process Analysis, Business Process Improvement, Performance Improvement, Quality Improvement, Continuous Improvement Process, Process Mapping, Quality Management, Workflow Management, Operational Excellence, Return On Investment, Change Management, Performance Measurement, Risk Management, Business Technologies, Project Management, Pareto Chart
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
171 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Preview
EDUCBA
Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt: Apply, Analyze & Improve Quality
Skills you'll gain: Lean Six Sigma, Quality Management, Process Analysis, Quality Improvement, Process Capability, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Process Flow Diagrams, Pareto Chart, Run Chart, Statistical Process Controls, Process Improvement, Statistical Analysis, Quality Control, Data Analysis, Data Analysis Software, Histogram, Scatter Plots
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
Business Analysis & Process Management
Skills you'll gain: Process Analysis, Business Process, Business Analysis, Workflow Management, Process Management, Process Flow Diagrams, Business Process Modeling, Stakeholder Management, Stakeholder Analysis, Computer Literacy
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
6.9K reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Preview
Coursera Instructor Network
How to Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Skills you'll gain: Standard Operating Procedure, Operational Efficiency, Lean Methodologies, Quality Assurance, Procedure Development, Operations Management, Safety Standards, Process Management, Process Optimization, Workforce Management, Continuous Improvement Process, Risk Management
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
32 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
SkillUp
Six Sigma for Process Improvement
Skills you'll gain: Statistical Process Controls, Lean Methodologies, Six Sigma Methodology, Risk Analysis, Quality Improvement, Process Improvement, Continuous Improvement Process, Process Capability, Business Process, Project Risk Management, Project Management, Root Cause Analysis, Product Design, Team Leadership
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
14 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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Packt
Process Improvement and Problem Solving
Skills you'll gain: Process Optimization, Process Improvement, Brainstorming, Continuous Improvement Process, Business Process Improvement, Root Cause Analysis, Creative Problem-Solving, Innovation, Operational Efficiency, Knowledge Transfer, Collaboration, Technology Strategies, Data Management
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
12 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Pennsylvania
Introduction to Operations Management
Skills you'll gain: Operations Management, Operational Efficiency, Process Analysis, Process Management, Process Improvement, Lean Methodologies, Workflow Management, Continuous Improvement Process, Capacity Planning, Quality Management, Supply Chain Management, Inventory Management System, Statistical Process Controls, Process Flow Diagrams, Root Cause Analysis
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
2.8K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Coursera Instructor Network
Value Stream Mapping
Skills you'll gain: Process Mapping, Strategic Thinking, Process Analysis, Process Management, Business Workflow Analysis, Operational Efficiency, Business Process Improvement, Process Improvement, Lean Methodologies, Waste Minimization
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
30 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Patient Safety
Skills you'll gain: Patient Safety, Design Thinking, Change Management, Institutional Review Board (IRB), Leadership, Conflict Management, Performance Measurement, Systems Thinking, Solution Design, Health Systems, Data Analysis, Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA), Risk Analysis, Value-Based Care, Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), Quality Improvement, Risk Management, Data Analysis Software, Project Planning, Patient-centered Care
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.8K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Pennsylvania
Improving Communication Skills
Skills you'll gain: Active Listening, Communication, Communication Strategies, Persuasive Communication, Verbal Communication Skills, Interpersonal Communications, Business Communication, Strategic Communication, Trustworthiness, Rapport Building, Goal Setting, Relationship Building, Non-Verbal Communication, Cooperation, Negotiation, Competitive Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.1K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
Board Infinity
Quality Improvement and Management
Skills you'll gain: Quality Management, Statistical Process Controls, Quality Management Systems, ISO 9000 Series, Quality Improvement, Customer experience improvement, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), Continuous Improvement Process, Process Improvement, Customer Insights, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
293 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks