What is the source of the name Air Academy Associates?
What is the relationship between Air Academy Associates and Digital Computations?
What makes Air Academy's classroom training different?
How does Air Academy evaluate its training services?
Why doesn't Air Academy use Minitab like many other service providers?
What are the requirements to be able to purchase Air Academy training manuals if Air Academy is not providing the training support?
What are the requirements to be an Air Academy consultant?
What is the source of the name Air Academy Associates?
The original co-founders of Air Academy, Dr. Mark Kiemele and Dr. Steve Schmidt, were professors in the math and computer science departments at the U.S. Air Force Academy. When they formed a consulting and publishing firm (after having consulting and training experience with defense contractors while on active duty) they chose Air Academy Press & Associates as the company name. Textbooks are still published under the Air Academy Press & Associates name though the company now does business as Air Academy Associates, LLC. Many company names in the north Colorado Springs area include a reference to the Academy. In fact, one of the major north/south routes through the city is named Academy Boulevard.
What is the relationship between Air Academy Associates and Digital
Computations?
Air Academy and Digital Computations (owner of www.sigmazone.com website) are co-developers and co-copyright holders on multiple software packages which we use in our training services and which are available for sale to the general public through our Customer Service function. The relationship between the two companies has been in existence since 1992.
What makes Air Academy’s classroom training different?
Throughout our materials and training, we use the KISS (Keep It Simple Statistically) principle, which makes the material very easy to understand and the training valuable but enjoyable. Our KISS strategy is world-renown for obtaining the maximum amount of knowledge and ROI by optimally minimizing statistical complexity. Extensive use of Rules of Thumb makes the ability to think statistically a reality for practitioners. We also use a knowledge-based pull system for the use of the tools which gets to an even finer level of granularity than DMAIC.
How does Air Academy evaluate its training services?
At the conclusion of each of our consultant training sessions class participants complete an evaluation form which rates us on a scale of 1 to 5 in a number of areas to include course objectives, instructor delivery, covered topics, training manual, group exercises, and overall course value. We review the evaluations from each session and input the responses into a database which allows us to review stats by course, consultant, client, etc. The response data is used to help us improve our materials and our performance as the instructor scores are part of our consultant evaluation process.
Why doesn’t Air Academy use Minitab like many other service providers?
Our experience tells us that the best way to move an organization forward is through simple, easy-to-use software that is an extension of something they are already familiar with and for which they have no fear factor. We have found that Excel is a software package that most everyone has and has used and that it is a great base upon which to establish a suite of Six Sigma software. Ease of use, cost, complexity, capability, and the culture of the organization are all factors in selecting
software. We believe that if special training is needed to use a software package, then that software is too complicated, consequently we have integrated our Excel-based software into our training programs. We have no objection, however, to students using whatever software packages their company has licensed for their work outside the classroom. Many of our customers have Minitab licenses. For a more detailed explanation of our position on software, see KISS Software Rationale.
What are the requirements to be able to purchase Air Academy training manuals if Air Academy is not providing the training support?
Only individuals who have successfully satisfied our Train the Trainer requirements are eligible to teach from our guides inside their employer company. Customers who have licensed our materials for unlimited use inside their organization are also restricted to utilizing trainers who have met our Train the Trainer requirements. The specific requirements are a function of the training materials the customer wishes to use and may include qualifications as a Black Belt, a passing score on a knowledge assessment, completion of our 7-day Train the Trainer course, and co-instruction with one of our consultants. Satisfying these requirements does not constitute an authorization to teach from Air Academy materials as an independent consultant. (See also requirements to be an Air Academy consultant.) For complete details, contact an Air Academy University staff member.
What are the requirements to be an Air Academy consultant?
In addition to meeting the requirements outlined in the prior question, Air Academy consultants must have a minimum of 5 years of successful teaching and consulting experience, preferably from within an organization committed to continuous process improvement, and a demonstrated commitment to Air Academy's KISS philosophy, software, and materials. For those interested in purchasing and utilizing Air Academy's training manuals as part of their own consulting business, you must meet the requirements outlined above and must execute an Independent Contractor agreement which details the royalties due to Air Academy for the use of our name.
For additional information about becoming an Air Academy consultant or using our
training manuals in your business, contact aapa@airacad.com.