First project choice

Eddie,
Most frequently, when a SS program starts, there is a lack of importance on choosing the first project(s).  The scope is of such a magnitude that you may hear them referred to as “world hunger” or “boil the ocean” projects (i.e. improve the customer experience).  As a result, they last longer than what can be easily justified and do not have a very good ROI.  Choosing an easy project simply for the sake of completing 1 SS project reflects poorly on the BB and the program.
Having said that, don’t jump in too deep.  If you are just beginning a SS program at your company, devision, etc., there will be LOTS of opportunities that will have a nice ROI that will also allow you to gain a greater degree of understanding on how the tools work for you.  Most companies operate at a 3 to 4 sigma level and as a result spend between 15% and 25% of each dollar on COPQ.  This means the opportunities are there, you just have to look in the right spots.
Best wishes!
 

Hello Bobby,
From my own experience I would say it would be nice to have a project about an operation/process that you know very well, such as the one you were working in prior to you Black Belt assignment. This gives you the opportunity to focus on the course material and makes it easy to translate the methodology to your own situation.
But watch out for the trap: please don’t be lead by your knowledge of the operation/process. Let the data do its work and show you where to work on.
Also make sure you use all the methodology steps, even if you don’t need them for your project. Now (during course) is the time to learn and make mistakes. Don’t rely on the fact that you will have other pro’s (MBB/Champ/BB); they will all tell you another story. No one can tell you more about 6Sigma than your instructor can. So don’t hesitate to ask.
Good luck on your BB-course.
René van Leeuwen