Pragmatic Six Sigma

Many companies send their employees to six sigma training and certification classes and then begin their implementation process thinking that this is all that they need to do in order to help make their company more successful. While this is of course the best way to ensure that a company gets its six sigma implementation off the ground it is important that the company that wishes to take on Six Sigma does so wholeheartedly across the board.

Once a company begins implementing and applying the Six sigma principles these should be reinforced not only by those employees who are upper management and the leaders of the company but also Six Sigma needs to be included throughout the company as a common thread. Employee evaluations should be rewritten to include six sigma and to evaluate employees not only on their actual work ethic but on the Six Sigma implementation process as well. Offering employees assessment and accountability for their role in Six Sigma in the company will help them to keep focus on what is really important and their role in it.

Recognition should also be a part of implementing six sigma into the culture of your organization and this means acknowledging not only the individuals who are helping to get the greatest results but those teams that are excelling in the program and are taking their projects to the next level. It is ever so important to make six sigma acknowledgement a part of the climate of your organization as this will truly help to create a growth culture.

Categories: Case Studies

Six sigma is by far one of the biggest things to surface in the business world and as a result it is something that many business owners and managers have questions about. When it comes to this program there are many who are claiming that Six Sigma has not only helped them to make their company more profitable but also that this process is one that has also helped them to save quite a bit of money from the point it was implemented.

So what makes Six Sigma so much better from any other methodology that has come before or since? Well, quite honestly this program only seems on the surface to be a bit different from TQM but it is actually a completely different program in the following ways.

For starters those atop of companies using Six Sigma have to have the training to support leadership. While there are several different tiers of management and belts those who are at the top of the Six Sigma food chain need to be black belts and master black belts. This really helps them to guide their lower level employees to success.

Training for Six Sigma is like no other program. It is both extensive and costly but the amount that companies can make and save by using this program are even greater than that and can result in a huge profit even within the first year of 6 Sigma implementation. Training is mostly based on managing projects, solving problems, and of course, statistical analysis of problems.

Metrics is another thing that makes Six Sigma stand out from other programs of this nature. As a matter of fact metrics in this system not only factor into the CTQ but they are also used when looking at the Defects Per Million Opportunities. All of these metrics help 6 Sigma to not only make the desired changes but also to improve the accuracy of its results.

All in all there are many things that make Six Sigma stand out and it is perhaps for these reasons that this program is so successful in many different companies world wide. While some companies have hardly heard of Six Sigma others are using it to bring their companies to new heights of success and to help them bring in incredible profits even during a downturn in the overall economy.

Categories: Case Studies

Six Sigma is a training program that has proven itself successful around the world. This program offers a number of benefits to any business or industry. This is a business management strategy that attempts to identify and remedy the issues that are associated with waste and variability in the manufacture and processes of any kind of good or service. It relies on an infrastructure that organizes management into different belts much like the system of martial arts. Six sigma is known for its ability to produce nearly 100% of the products of any firm with no errors. This improves the profitability of the entire organization, and there are many companies that can utilize online training for their benefits.

There are a few key components that are essential to understanding Six Sigma and the dramatic success it has provided to businesses in all types of industry. There is a clear focus on reducing the amount of errors that occur during the manufacturing process. It does this by ensuring the conditions under which the manufacturing occurs are the same at all times. When a business does not have any errors, it will naturally have a higher profit.

Online training is a great way for any company to embrace the ideals that are employed by Six Sigma trainers. They will provide all the information that is essential to ensuring that the data recorded in the manufacturing process can be used practically. Guess work and assumptions are often the major cause of errors during the process, and it is of primary importance to realize what information needs to be recorded. Another thing that is learned during online training seminars is the necessity of having managers that are not restricted to a certain area. Quality control is essential across all levels of an organization to be truly successful.

Six Sigma training is a great way for a business to increase its profit margin by minimizing the amount of waste and errors that accumulate during the manufacturing process. There are a number of things that are included in an online training program, and any organization can realize the increased profitability that is offered during these programs. They can learn which data is essential to the margins of error and this information can be used to increase the stability of the finished product. Online training courses are also designed to provide a convenience to organizations and can be taken at any time.

Categories: Case Studies

Six Sigma is a set of practices designed to improve manufacturing processes and eliminate defects that meets customer satisfaction. Motorola developed the core of Six Sigma in the 1986 inspired by the six preceding decades. Methods include quality control, zero defects, total quality management and statistical methods. Infrastructure within the organization is divided into categories such as black belts and green belts and so from beginner to expert. There are three steps that can mean effective Six Sigma training to achieve success.

#1 DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control)

This methodology has five phases.

• Define the existing problem and project goals and listen to the customer.
• Measure the key aspects of recent process and collect data that is relevant.
• Analyze and investigate data and determine relationships in an attempt to locate the root of the defect.
• Improve current process using techniques based on data analysis. Establish process capabilities and run tests in the design phase to eliminate errors,
• Control future processes and correct targeted errors from any defects. Statistical process control and monitoring the production by implementing control systems will result in fewer defects.

#2 DFSS (Design For Six Sigma)

This methodology has five phases.

• Define the goal with a design that meets customer demands.
• Measure and identify production and product process capabilities and risks and identify characteristics critical to quality assurance.
• Analyze the design and development and evaluate design and alternatives.
• Design details and plan for design verifications and optimizations.
• Verify the design via testing and production implementations prior to relinquishing to process owners.

#3 SIPOC (Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, Customers)

Starting with the customer and working towards suppliers delivers satisfaction with all parties concerned for a successful product.

• The name of the process should be agreed upon.
• Process outputs are tangible items produced by the process such as reports.
• Define customer processes who receive the outputs.
• Define the input process such as a customer’s request that triggers the process.
• Define supplier process and who inputs the supply. This processes maybe the customer and/or the supplier.
• Define sub-process that makes up the process which is the activities that are carried out to convert the outputs and inputs like a map.

Six Sigma and its infrastructures are ideal in any manufacturing process in order to achieve zero defects and a quality item for customers.

Categories: Case Studies

When one thinks of business processes, he or she generally thinks of a 6 sigma production process. However, business processes exist in many more places than just the production line. A process is simply making an output for customers from two or more inputs. The customers can be either internal or external. These outputs do not necessarily have to be physical and are often intellectual. Problem solving processes is one example of an intellectual output. The process of solving problems can change from one organization to the other. Some organizations choose brainstorming sessions whereas others choose interactive sessions. Another example of a process that does not produce a physical output is management processes.

Organizations choose different styles of management. Some organizations choose a relaxed management style, while others have rigid structures. Often times the management process correlates with the employees who work there. Knowledge workers usually have a more laid back management process, whereas production workers have rigid management based on specific working hours, breaks, and discipline. Finally, the production process is all the steps of making a product. The process generally spans from the supplier all the way to the customer. Production processes become rigid in organizations that produce the same product without change. The processes for businesses that make different or custom ordered end-products are generally more flexible. Either way the production process will include how to get the raw products from the suppliers, how to transform those raw supplies into a finished product, and how to get the finished product to customers.

Processes exist everywhere; in fact, just ordering food at a drive through involves several processes on the other end. Whoever takes the order has a process of communication, the kitchen has a process for making the food, and finally there is a certain process to package the food. Processes go beyond the professional world, sometimes processes become a part of everyday life. People use processes to prepare for work, shop for food, do laundry, and before bed. Processes are simply the way to achieve a desired outcome. Processes improve, are improvised, and sometimes get completely reorganized. Ultimately, processes keep everything from becoming unorganized chaos. Processes standardize the way inputs become outputs.

Categories: Case Studies

Believe it or not, it’s becoming easier than ever to ensure the financial validation of projects.

Yes, it’s true. Even in this day and age, validating financial projects accurately and effortlessly is not out of the question. Even more interesting is the fact there are a number of agencies which exist and can actually consult with businesses on how to better manage and financially validate any projects.

With that said, the Six Sigma Training website might just be one of the best options available when it comes to ensuring the financial validation of projects.

Quality improvement is an integral part of any business model. As scope of business is ever changing, staying up to date with current process is an absolute must for business owners, especially when it comes to the financial validation of a project.

With that said, Six Sigma Training’s website might just be one of the best resources available. Their site is not only user friendly, but also features a wide variety of information and resources pertaining financial validation and project management. Additionally, it should be noted the websites main function is to serve as a guide for process management, and in this case – processes to help assist with ensuring the financial validation of a project.

The great thing about taking advantage of Six Sigma Training’s website is they are among the best out there when it comes to not only examining solutions, but also checking to see who well they’ve done and then look further into adding improvements in order to work out any kinks.

The whole ideology behind Six Sigma Training is to place an emphasis on creating better process for businesses. As was previously stated, on such area Six Sigma specializes in is ensuring the financial validation of projects. Essentially, their goal is to make sure clients are making the best decisions possible when it comes to projects requiring a strong financial base.

Let’s face it. All too often a business will take the wrong approach when it comes to the financial management of projects. Validating whether or not the cost of a project is worth the amount of time, labor and money put into is absolutely vital to developing a successful process.

This is where Six Sigma Training can be useful. Their team can help guide business owners into developing the necessary process to help make their business more successful. Even better is the fact their training is easy to understand and efficient.

One of the best means of ensuring the financial validation of a project is by ensure the financial leader is correctly signing off on the actual savings from a project. During the control phase of a project, it’s up to the finance department to manage the reporting of metrics and any savings.

A metric should also be tracked long after a project is created. Such a responsibility should be placed on the shoulders of an authority leader; or, process owner if the duties are handed off by the project manager.

Categories: Case Studies

When developing a mentoring process, whether it is for six sigma black belt development or any other purpose, the basic elements are the same. The foundation upon which the process is built is the working relationship between mentor and protégé. For this reason, mentors must be selective when choosing their protégés. By its very nature, mentoring involves giving and receiving with the mentor serving as giver and the protégé the receiver. As opposed to a teacher-student relationship in a classroom setting, the mentoring process consists primarily of a teacher and a single student. Consequently, the student must be chosen from among those whose needs and career goals match up with the mentor’s abilities. Since the mentor will be investing a considerable amount of time teaching and coaching, the arrangement should be one that produces the maximum return on the investment of time and effort. Success here results in both growth on the part of the student and fulfillment on the part of the teacher.

Expectations must be set at the beginning of the mentoring relationship to avoid a sense of failure on the part of either person involved. The mentor should expect excellence from the protégé. Anything less would be a disservice. This does not mean, however that perfection is to be expected. Rather it means the mentor is to recognize the inherent talents the protégé possesses and build on them to cultivate excellence. This, by nature, occurs over time and to become too impatient can only lead to discouragement. There is a fine line between making unreasonable demands and challenging an individual to become the best that he or she can be. Knowing the difference comes as the mentorship builds and the ability to communicate openly and honestly develops. There may be times when open communication becomes painful but carefully matching one person’s needs with another’s talents up front will go a long way in making sure any occasional pain does not destroy the relationship. Instead, it becomes a building block for bigger and better things.

Categories: Case Studies

Most business people in the business arena today have no doubt heard of the term Six Sigma, and terms associated with the discipline such as “green belt” or “black belt”. Understanding this concept may require an explanation for the average person, however, in or out of the business world. It is much more than a fancy title or lofty concept.

Six Sigma can trace its’ origin back to the Motorola Corporation in 1986. The overall general concept of Six Sigma is to improve the quality of the “output” product, whatever it might be, by reducing the causes of defects or errors before they have a chance to occur. In its’ infancy, Six Sigma was created for manufacturing processes, but has since mushroomed to cover applications in almost every field of business today. It was conceived by Motorola executive Bill Smith, who borrowed and incorporated various methodologies of previous business concepts, such as TQM (Total Quality Management) and Zero Defects.

The guiding principles behind Six Sigma are built behind the concept that “continuous efforts to achieve stable and predictable process results are of vital importance to business success”, and that processes have certain characteristics that can be measured, documented, changed, and improved upon. The biggest factors that separate Six Sigma from other business improvement concepts are the fact that Six Sigma in fact focuses on measuring and quantifying results, and placing a great emphasis on leadership and infrastructure support.

The benchmark for a process to qualify as being 6 Sigma associated is a rate of 3.4 defects per million, as a manufacturing goal. In accomplishing these goals, many tools are utilized, such as analysis of variances, testing, experimenting, and training. The focus has been, and will continue to be, the measuring of data before and after concepts are implemented.

It is widely recognized in business today that Six Sigma and its’ concepts are a “must” for any corporation looking to improve on their quality and processes. One of its’ larger supporters, General Electric, has estimated receiving benefits from Six Sigma on the order of 10 billion in savings and return on investment during the first five years it was implemented . Six Sigma training is available throughout the world, and has a structure of various “degrees” that businesses try to achieve. It truly is worth the investment in time and money. Through the mentor program, any top flight executive can earn his "belt" with dedication to the concept.

Categories: Case Studies

In order to achieve sustained continuous improvement in any arena, involvement at shop floor level is critical. This holds true regardless of the 6 sigma organization type or nature of the project. The ideas discussed here not only relate to six sigma initiatives, but can be applied to safety, productivity, cost control, on time delivery, or anything else where improvement is desired . In today’s world, failure to improve will eventually lead to failure to stay in business.

Getting buy in from the associates on the shop floor will in itself overcome a number of obstacles. Consequently, giving thought to how the initiative is to be introduced may determine whether it is accepted willingly or resentfully. Associates must be shown that their knowledge is valuable and their ideas are not only welcomed but needed. They must understand that they are a part of the team. There can be no “us” and “them” if success is to be expected. There can only be “us”. Much like a sports team, the members fill different positions but each is necessary in order for the team to win.

The spirit of teamwork is not only vital in the implementation stage but necessary for sustainment as well. As with most initiatives, adjustments in the way tasks are carried out are necessary when things don’t go exactly as anticipated. A sense of ownership among the ranks will result in the determination to make the project work rather than writing it off as a lost cause. Each member comes to the table with a unique perspective drawn from the experiences of the past. Consequently, the odds are much greater that the needed breakthrough idea will come when all members are engaged. Management must realize that the real experts are the ones actually doing the job day after day and must regularly consult with them for ideas. Cultivating shop floor involvement on an ongoing basis will over time result in a change of culture. Once this is achieved, continuous improvement will become a way of life.

Categories: Case Studies

No matter the size of the company, no project will be completed successfully and on time unless the company's leaders are 100% behind it. They must not only be committed to it's success, they must champion it loudly, clearly and often. Important business activities must be directed from the top down. This doesn't mean micromanagement at all levels, it simply means commitment beginning at the top, flowing through all levels with each level's director in command.

For this to work, the business activity must be clearly defined by top management and communicated throughout the company. Following this, quantifiable objectives must be set at each level of the organization with the project's focus and requirements in mind.

Once the project has been launched, activity involved in all aspects of it needs to be audited each step of the way by someone outside of the project's parameters, not necessarily by someone or some firm outside of the business, but someone removed from the current business activity under way.

Each level of six sigma management needs to report on their progress on a regular basis, possibly monthly and at closer intervals as the project draws to conclusion. It is always the duty of management to make sure everyone involved in the project company wide is apprised of the progress of the activity and engaged in fighting for its success. None of this happens without the topmost leaders of the company fighting along with all those that have a part in it.

In many ways, running a successful company is like coaching a successful team. We are all tired of sports analogies, but there wouldn't be so much talk about it if there were nothing there. A coach of a successful football team knows he cannot depend on one player, he is coaching a team of eleven, not just one. For that team to win a game they must work together and be motivated to that kind of success by their leader, the coach. It may also be trite to say success breeds success, but it does.

Categories: Case Studies

The most compelling aspect of six sigma is that it strives to not only improve quality but also efficiency. While it is true that success requires meticulous attention to detail in order to improve quality and efficiency this does not imply complexity. In fact, more often, the opposite is true. One of the ways to achieve efficiency without the need for complex process is by using a mind map. Unlike the methods that were taught in school professional mind maps strive to use every facet of the human consciousness in order to better capture and retain information.

What is Mind Mapping?

Mind mapping is a graphics-based system of note taking, thought organisation, and brainstorming. This method helps to arrange and relate random ideas into more easily remembered tree-like diagrams. Lines, colours, logic, graphics, and even sounds stimulate the brain into storing information more efficiently. Unlike linear information capturing mind mapping requires less on process and more on inspiration.

What Are The Uses Of Mind Mapping?

In any office or meeting environment, one of the most important skills is efficient note taking. Mind maps allow users to make fast sensible notes about what others are saying as well as their thoughts on it. In group settings where brainstorming plays a big role mind mapping allows all the ideas to be captured in an organised manner without the constraints of formality. The most use of a mind map takes place during planning stages of projects. This usually carries through to the research and consolidation phases, especially where there is information from multiple sources. In all these instances, mind mapping lays a secure foundation for any work done.

How Does This Help?

All the planning in the world will mean nothing if no one remembers what he or she is supposed to do or the purpose thereof. In the fast paced information era of today there is little time to pour over volumes of data in order to glean an insight into what must take place. Mind mapping has a twofold benefit in simplifying the information capturing process. In the first instance, it makes it easier to transfer the information from the conscious onto paper. This enables people to reach a consensus on the overall objective of a project. In the second instance due to the stimulation of both sides of the brain, the information is capture mentally in a way that retains much better.

Categories: Case Studies

Do you wish there was a better way to manage your company to produce better results? If only there were a way to manage processes inside the company to produce better and more effectively. Well you're in luck! The six sigma training method has been used by companies all over the world to ensure that their business is running and operating at top speed. In this article we'll break down exactly what it is and find out if implementing this in your business will help you achieve success.

First, what is six sigma training? Basically it's a business management strategy that was formed in 1986 by the Motorola company to ensure bigger and greater business production. It uses different statistical methods to figure out what parts of the business can be eliminated or increased to see much bigger, faster, and better output. These businesses need authority and drive to make sure that run at full capacity at which they're capable of. With this management strategy you'll learn ways in which you can lead your employees to a bigger and faster company that provides top of the line production output.

The method in which this six sigma training is used is by the process of DMADV. Basically these are acronyms that represent a business method that has been tested and approved to increase business production. The 'D' in DMADV stands for Define. You need to define the inconsistencies of the company and find out what it is that the customer is not getting when doing business with you. Next the 'M' stands for Measure and Identify. You need to measure and identify exactly what it is you're trying to do with your company and find out what your business is truly capable of. Without knowing what you're capable of you don't know where you're going. Next the 'A' stands for analyze. You need to analyze and create new more effective ways in which your business production can be run. It's obvious that your old business process wasn't working so you need to analyze what did work and what didn't work and make a new process around that. The 'D' stands for design details. This means you need to test your new design to see if it works for your business. Last is 'V' for verify design. This means you verify the new business model and see if it's achieved greater success!

Categories: Case Studies

Six sigma is somewhat structured like a martial arts class. It is set up in such a way that it has a variety of different levels. Some feel that this creates a sort of class system but in a sense it is really just set up to follow the format that already exists in most companies. On the bottom rung are the worker bees. They are the people who are on the front line and in the trenches. They have no misconceptions that they rule the world. They are the average Joe employees who may seem low on the totem pole but whom without the company could not push forward. They are a necessary force that exists in the workplace and they are not only the ones who most frequently represent the company but those who really know what the customers want best. These are the yellow and green belts in the Six Sigma structure.

Black Belts and Master Black Belts are simply those employees that are already in charge. They are the upper level management, CEO’s, and owners that run things within the company on a day to day basis. They provide the structure and the guidance for employees on not only the level below them but on all different levels throughout the company. They are the managers and the leaders and hence they know their place within the company’s structure as well.

Six Sigma does not create levels within a company but works with the levels already in existence to create a common ground. An air of teamwork that helps unify the different employees and helps sew them together in a common cause of implementing change and creating a better user experience and a more profitable company. Overall, there are many different ways to implement and use 6 Sigma but none are designed to create a feeling of separatism.

Six sigma uses the strengths of all employees at all levels to implement the best and most effective changes in the process for the fastest and most effective results. Black belts and Master Black Belts are those employees who normally already handle the day to day running of the company but now with a new training perspective can truly help to boost the company to new levels using their already established leadership qualities.

Categories: Case Studies

Quebec is currently looking for a way to lower the increasing costs for healthcare, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The idea is to use and implement practices based on the Lean Six Sigma methods to aid with the universal healthcare costs in the Canadian province.

There are thoughts, from a report from PAHO, that Quebec will lower the yearly increase of costs over a three year period, which will help to continue with the healthcare program which is currently funded by the government. There are believes that the program will be reduced to 5 percent per year, instead of the 5.7 percent increase that was seen in the 2009-2010 period. The idea is that the savings will appear from being able to reduce the number of referrals that are unnecessary and to help with the outcomes of patients.

The Lean Six Sigma methods are being focused on the wasteful and ineffective practices in the Quebec system. There is going to be a promotion of teamwork between the professionals, which will help with produce care models and switching to medical records being kept electronically. This will also help to reduce the amount of money spent every year.

According to Yves Bolduc, the Minister of Health and Social Services in Quebec: “There is no perfect health system, but we are striving for both excellence and sustainability.” This was quoted at a presentation given at the headquarters of PAHO, which is in Washington, DC. It is believed that all of these practices will help Quebec to become “one of the best healthcare systems in the world” also quoted by Bolduc.

Quebec’s healthcare system, which is funded by the government, has been in place for over 4 decades – first placed in 1970. Since that, it is compulsory that anybody who is a resident – permanently or temporarily – is covered with the Quebec Health Insurance Plan. This is stated on the province’s government website.

The healthcare system has been proving successful and lead to fewer medical problems for the residents of Quebec, but the use of Six Sigma practices hopes to improve this. There will be fewer referrals that are unneeded and there will also be more professionals to work as a team and work on the problem – instead of constantly passing a problem between people. This will naturally help less money to be spent and will also help to improve the care of the patient.

Categories: Case Studies

Repeating the mantra of lean thinking and Six Sigma training is now beyond fashionable. Originally conceived as a system for improving manufacturing processes, proponents of Six Sigma struggled to broaden their scope in the early years of the movement. Today, a growing group seeks to imbue software development with the spirit of the lean revolution. Even after years of practice, applying Six Sigma to software development requires flexibility and imagination. This is due to the fact that, while manufacturing and engineering have developed steadily over the course of centuries, software development is a relatively new discipline. In addition, software development often toes the line between science and art. Shoehorning Six Sigma and software development takes dedication, yet it's usually worth taking the time and trouble to do so.

In the world of software development, Six Sigma serves two purposes. Firstly, adhering to Six Sigma principles insures faster software development. Secondly, Six Sigma ensures that, even as speed of development increases, quality of software will rise as well. Six Sigma experts have learned how to use statistical tools to improve each process that goes into the development of a software product. Even when using Six Sigma analysis, a predictable and repeatable process, it's important to remember that quality software requires spontaneity and flexibility. Properly used, Six Sigma will not stifle the creativity that is necessary for the job. Instead, Six Sigma gives software developers a safety net of sorts, weeding out bad ideas before they are acted upon.

In software, traditional quality methodologies emphasize making adjustments to already finished projects. Six Sigma takes a more preventive approach, introducing the concept of tollgates. Tollgates are prearranged stopping points in the development process. These stopping places are valuable opportunities for ruthlessly ironing out inefficiencies. At the very beginning of the development process, Six Sigma principles are vital for properly gathering requirements. Inefficient requirement gathering starts the development process out on the wrong foot altogether.

Although programmers are intelligent and hard-working, they can be a bit sensitive to criticism. When pointing out wasteful processes, it's important to couch the criticism in a setting of sincere appreciation for work well done. Of course, this diplomatic attitude will never sit well with some managers, who would likely agree with Machiavelli that it is better to be feared than loved. There is more than one way to manage a software development team, but severe managers should beware lest their own managing style becomes a wasteful process.

Categories: Case Studies

A recent news story revealed that several Canadian health officials had just finished touring hospitals in Washington State. Visiting from Saskatchewan, these officials were looking to study instances where Six Sigma had been applied to hospital management. This tour was planned as part of the research process for development of the new Saskatoon Children's Hospital, set to open in 2014. The visiting officials were reportedly quite impressed by the lean programs that were on display. Like many other observers, the visitors may have been amazed that lean principles have not been adopted by the American healthcare industry as a whole. The American Society for Quality has reported that only four percent of American hospitals have fully adopted lean methodology.

In general, the story of American healthcare over the past ten years has been one of waste and inefficiency. Resistant to change, American healthcare leaders have shown an almost prejudicial aversion to discussing waste reduction. As a class, they have failed to grasp the fact that reducing waste provides more funds for patients and better quality care. The American healthcare industry, as a strange hybrid of private and government systems, has wrought damage to countless patients through its lack of willingness to change. Although most individual members of the industry are quite altruistic and caring, the system as a whole holds no one accountable for spiraling, out-of-control healthcare costs. Even as individual workers act with grace and distinction, the system as a whole continues to waste resources that are needed for quality patient care.

It is comforting that more political leaders are demonstrating various degrees of support for lean methodology. Presidential candidate Newt Gingrich is perhaps the most prominent of these politicians, promising a complete governmental overhaul using Six Sigma. Whoever succeeds in the next election cycle, the healthcare industry must be made to deal with the problem of waste. The healthcare special interest groups that are firmly against change are both large and powerful. Proponents for fully socialized, government controlled healthcare are especially dubious of Six Sigma methodology, as it goes against their finely tuned faith in bureaucracy. This misplaced faith could eventually lead to a disintegration of the already stressed medical system.

Lean thinking naturally seems to preclude creating new layers of wasteful government control. Instead of seeing the profit motive as a base, negative force, healthcare administrators must recognize that less wasteful, more profitable hospitals will surely be able to offer a higher standard of care to patients.

Categories: Case Studies

Obviously when looking for a job you always want to put your best foot forward and if you already have Six Sigma training and certification then you will most likely want to use this on your resume. Unfortunately as widespread as Six Sigma truly is throughout the business world there are still many individuals and companies that not only are not utilizing this brilliant technique but that are oblivious to what it is and how it works.

When it comes to Six Sigma it is important that you not only list it as a plus on your resume but also that you plan to explain it thoroughly to your potential employers and also that you provide examples of your six sigma successes. This will help you much more than just listing six sigma on your resume, as this won’t likely mean much to someone working in the personnel department at the company that you are applying to.

Explaining 6 Sigma isn’t easy but it is important so make sure that you not only touch upon successful projects but that you also use the methodology to explain your ability to lead others and let them know not just what you have learned through your Six Sigma training but also the ways in which this has applied. You will want to make sure that you not only use relevant examples from the company that you had been working for but you will also want to make sure that you let the hiring manager know exactly how you feel that this will help you to do the job that you are applying for as well.

You will also want to show them the concepts and examples of the experience you have to make the entire Six Sigma thing more relevant to them and the ways in which they can use you and your know how to benefit them. Who knows perhaps when you get all done with telling them all the skills that you have acquired through this level of training and experience, maybe they will want to make a change in their company as well.

Especially when it comes to applying for a job in the current economy it is important to make sure that your resume is all it can be and this will mean listing everything and anything on there that can help you demonstrate the ways in which you can be an asset to a particular company. Anything business related as far as training, certification, or experience is likely to at least get you the interview and from there hopefully help you to obtain not only a job but the job of your dreams.

Categories: Case Studies

Six Sigma is not only the methodology that was developed by the Motorola Company in the 1980’s it is also a term that many different businesses and organizations use to measure quality as they strive to achieve better and better results until finally coming as close as possible as they can to perfection. 6 Sigma is a very disciplined approach that takes elimination of defects as its top goal and helps to refine and make the changes that are needed in order for true success.

In accordance with Six Sigma a company must not produce more than 3.4 defects per million and a 6 Sigma defect is one that varies from perfection at least as far as customer experience is concerned. An opportunity, according to Six Sigma is one that can help to reduce or eliminate defects resulting in a better customer experience overall and can be measured using process Sigma which uses the 6 Sigma calculator to accurately measure results that can then be further refined.

Objectives of Six Sigma methodology include implementation of a strategy that is designed to reduce variations and improve the overall product that is being produced. It utilizes the very standard concepts of DMAIC and DMADV as ways to measure what needs to be accomplished in what areas of a specific business to help produce the desired results. Defining and measuring begins with a series of why questions to help the company assess exactly what they need to address and in what areas of their business. Most companies begin with the largest areas of problems first and then further refine as they go.

Perhaps you are wondering why so many different companies use Six Sigma or perhaps you are actually thinking that Six Sigma may just be too expensive to train and then implement. Well it is important to acknowledge that Six Sigma has not only been proven effective in a variety of different marketplaces but has been used effectively by some of the largest and most successful companies in the world. In addition to this fact, it is also important to acknowledge that according to the Six Sigma Academy, black belts alone save companies approximately $250,000 per project and can successfully complete about 4-6 different projects per annum. This being said it is no wonder why such large and successful companies as Honeywell, Motorola, General Electric, and Bank of America use this methodology. It is one that has a lot to offer by way of significant results and is definitely a wise investment for your business.

Categories: Case Studies

Six Sigma has proven itself to be one of the most effective and comprehensive management strategies of our time but it is not without its critics and while many in the business world have used Six Sigma to improve their business and take it to new heights there are some who would tell you that Six Sigma isn’t really all that. The following are a few of the criticisms that 6 Sigma has faced.

To begin with the concept of the 5 whys has been questioned because many feel that even going through several different whys won’t necessarily lead individuals to the real root of the problem. As a matter of fact many people wonder if people get stuck in this process and then just grab at whatever issue is in front of them. There is also some concern that individuals may choose not to ask the right why questions and therefore this will result in a lack of knowledge.

Others have criticized Six Sigma for begin too narrow minded, however in most cases where 6 Sigma has failed to succeed it has been not due to short comings in the Six Sigma methodology or in the training but in the implementation which is why having in place a good coaching staff tends to make all the difference. When it comes to making the most out of this program it is the implementation process that will make or break the program for many companies.

A good example of this is in the recent issues within the Home Depot and their Six Sigma problems. Many have used this instance as a way of poking holes in the Six Sigma strategies when in fact the main problems lie within the way in which the program in this particular company was done in an absolute way as opposed to a way that was evaluating every aspect of the company. As a result, the Home Depot had to let their CEO over seeing the program go and hire on someone new but even they saw clearly that it was the individual that was to blame for the shortcomings and not Six Sigma shortcoming and this is probably why the company is still using Six Sigma today.

Six Sigma is a program that offers a lot of benefit to companies that use it correctly but good implementation and coaching are key to Six Sigma success. With so many companies attaining success with this program if a company is not succeeding with it then the problem is probably in the implementation. It is important that companies acknowledge their role in creating Six Sigma success and stop blaming a program that has shown measurable amounts of success across the board.

Categories: Case Studies

The debate about Six Sigma and the MBA has been going on for years. This debate has intensified in more recent years due to the poor economy and extremely competitive job market. Employers have definitely become more selective because they have their choice of applicants that have all types of credentials and backgrounds. In that case, it is reasonable that applicants are wondering whether they should pursue an MBA or a Six Sigma program. Here are things to consider before making a decision.

Six Sigma Facts

A Six Sigma certification is basically a certification program that trains people in the areas of quality control, efficiency, and productivity. There are different types of Six Sigma programs and a number of organizations offer these programs. Some companies will sponsor their employees to attend these programs and complete on site at the facility or online. During the program, the person will take some classes, take an exam, and usually complete a project as well. Here are some of the benefits of the program.

• - Hands on experience
• - Specific knowledge of Six Sigma regarding quality assurance, efficiency, and etc.
• - Usually a more proven track record
• - A perspective based on productivity

MBA Facts

MBAs have become more popular in recent years as many recent graduates have chosen to pursue this option. An MBA is obtained through the completion of a graduate school program where the student will attend a variety of classes in the first year and then they will select a specialty as they finish the second year and graduate. MBAs have a lot of flexibility in terms of positions because top companies are willing to hire them in a number of areas like marketing, finance, and accounting.

• - Broad knowledge about business in general such as accounting, finance, marketing, and etc.
• - Preparation for leadership positions
• - Theoretical knowledge
• - A perspective based on accounting and finance

A Comparison

There is really no answer as to exactly which program is best because it depends on the goals of the individual. Some companies say that they prefer Six Sigmas because they have hands on experience, but other companies will say that they prefer MBAs because they have a broad skill set. A person that is more interested in Six Sigma practices would obviously be better off pursuing that and the same thing goes for the MBA as well. It is true that some companies do tend to favor one over the other in certain situations, but that still depends on what the applicant is trying to do. The individual will have to take into account their personal experience, goals, as well the company that they would like to work for in order to make the right choice.

Categories: Case Studies