Staff Report
Published Aug. 10, 2012

Sanjay Ahire, a management science professor in University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business, has joined a select group of quality management professionals.

Ahire has earned the Master Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma. He joins fewer than 50 industry professionals nationwide who have attained that level of certification through the American Society of Quality.

Sanjay Ahire, USC management science professor

Lean Six Sigma is a managerial concept that results in the elimination of waste in the manufacturing and distribution of goods.

Ahire’s work on 75 Lean Six Sigma projects earned him the rank of Master Black Belt, the highest Lean Six Sigma expertise level one can achieve, the university said.

According to the society’s July issue of Quality Progress magazine, Ahire is the first academic to receive the honor. The organization has registered members in more than 140 countries.

"Obtaining ASQ’s Master Black Belt certification is a rigorous process designed only for those individuals who have strong leadership ability and possess a strong commitment to the advancement of quality," said James J. Rooney, the organization’s board chairman.

Ahire was cited for having a portfolio of consulting projects with organizations like General Electric, Johnson & Johnson and Walmart, and substantial experience in mentoring and training.

Ahire is a professor of management science in the USC-Global Supply Chain and Operations Management Program and the companion USC-Global Supply Chain and Process Management Center, which works with companies in South Carolina and elsewhere to identify and solve business challenges. He joined the USC faculty in 2006.