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November 2001
Volume 1 • Number 1
* FULL TEXT *
Guest Editorial
Introducing ‘Six Sigma Forum Magazine’
By T. M. Kubiak, Customer Quality Engineering, Six Sigma Black Belt, Honeywell; Chair, ASQ’s Publications Management Board
tom.kubiak@honeywell.com
It is my honor, pleasure and privilege to introduce the inaugural issue of Six Sigma Forum Magazine—the only periodical dedicated to meeting the needs of Six Sigma professionals. The launch of this magazine represents the completion of a three-tiered strategy approved last year by ASQ’s Board of Directors. This strategy included the introduction of Six Sigma Forum, Six Sigma Black Belt certification and, finally, Six Sigma Forum Magazine. And I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to participate in each of these initiatives.
Six Sigma Forum, launched in May, is a multifaceted, interactive membership that focuses entirely on Six Sigma practices. It was created by a design group of Six Sigma practitioners to enable the growing community of Six Sigma professionals to share knowledge and solutions. The Forum provides world-class training, conferences, roundtables, current Six Sigma news and opportunities to exchange knowledge and information. Currently, membership is free, and of this writing, about 6,000 of your peers and colleagues have joined. For more information, visit www.sixsigmaforum.com.
Six Sigma Black Belt, piloted in May, is the newest certification to be added to ASQ’s existing family of certifications. Developed from a job analysis of Black Belts (BBs) along with a team of practicing Six Sigma professionals, the exam covers the breadth and depth of Six Sigma, making it a challenge for both BBs and Master Black Belts (MBBs) alike. More information can be obtained by visiting www.asq.org.
Last, but not least, Six Sigma Forum Magazine is launched as the flagship publication of Six Sigma Forum. It is the latest addition to ASQ’s thorough portfolio of magazines, journals and newsletters that cover the various disciplines of the quality sciences. The audiences of the new quarterly magazine are MBBs, BBs, Green Belts, as well as Six Sigma executives and Champions. The magazine’s mission is to cover the practical aspects of Six Sigma, from the basics to the boardroom. It will be written by your peers and colleagues and peer-reviewed by industry experts. Visit www.asq.org/pub/sixsigma.
I am very pleased to introduce A. Blanton Godfrey, dean and Joseph D. Moore distinguished professor, College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, as founding editor of the magazine. Godfrey, former CEO of Juran Institute, brings a wealth of Six Sigma knowledge, experience and insight to the magazine. He has been working diligently with both ASQ staff and the Publications Management Board (PMB) to ensure a timely, professional and world-class publication is delivered to you, the reader. To learn more about Godfrey and his intentions to continually develop the magazine, please read “From the Editor” on p. 6 and “About the Authors” on p. 10.
Six Sigma Forum Magazine is always seeking well-written papers from the Six Sigma practitioner, executive or Champion. Examples of suitable topics include case studies, use of tools and techniques, project selection, the various aspects of launching and managing a Six Sigma initiative, as well as just about any other aspect of Six Sigma. If you’re interested in writing a paper, please visit the author guidelines at www.asq.org/pub/sixsigma, or contact Godfrey directly.
The PMB, Godfrey and his Editorial Review Board (ERB, see p. 4) are committed to addressing the various needs of Six Sigma professionals. I am appealing to you to help us in this endeavor. Feedback is always welcome and encouraged. Please contact Godfrey, myself or any member of the ERB with suggestions that will continually improve your magazine.
