Question of the Week
Q: What is Lean Six Sigma?
A: Here's a concise definition from the book "Lean Six Sigma: Combining Six Sigma Quality with Lean Speed" by Michael L. George (McGraw Hill, 2002):
"Lean Six Sigma is a methodology that maximizes shareholder value by achieving the fastest rate of improvement in customer satisfaction, cost, quality, process speed, and invested capital. The fusion of Lean and Six Sigma is required because Lean cannot bring a process under statistical control and Six Sigma alone cannot dramatically improve process speed or reduce invested capital."
For an in-depth discussion read:
The Executive Guide to Understanding and Implementing Lean Six Sigma: The Financial Impact
by Robert M. Meisel, Steven J. Babb, Steven F. Marsh, and James P. Schlichting
A fundamental introduction to the concepts of lean enterprise and Six Sigma to executives, personnel new to quality, or organizations interested in introductory information on quality and process improvement.
Here are some articles from ASQ's archives to help fill out the picture:
Lean Six Sigma's Evolution
by Doug Mader
Quality Progress, January 2008
A history of Lean and Six Sigma deployment, from Motorola's first Six Sigma adoption in 1987 to the development of four major deployment models, with guidance on which might be right for your organization. Logged-in members/subscribers: Instant Access. Or you can buy a PDF.
Lean Lessons: In the Office: Where Lean and Six Sigma Converge
by Drew Locher
Quality Progress, October 2007
How Lean Six Sigma can improve the predictability of an office environment and improve the flow of information. Logged-in members/subscribers: Instant Access. Or you can buy a PDF.
Engaging Physicians in Lean Six Sigma
by Chip Caldwell, et al.
Quality Progress, November 2005
The special challenges of applying Lean Six Sigma in a healthcare setting. Open Access
Lean Six Sigma Leads Xerox
by Arthur Fornari and George Maszle
Six Sigma Forum Magazine, August 2004
How Xerox Corp.'s manufacturing and supply chain operations adopted Six Sigma and lean concepts in the late 1990s. Logged-in subscribers: Instant Access. Or you can buy a PDF.
Lean and Six Sigma – Synergy Made in Heaven
by James Bossert
Quality Progress, July 2003
Examples of how the combination of Six Sigma and Lean can enhance the production experience. Logged in members/subscribers: Instant Access. Or you can buy a PDF.
