A Six Sigma Program Under Way

Six Sigma Forum Magazine vol. 8 issue 2 - February 2009

Abstract: After reviewing the implementation progress of the Navy’s Lean Six Sigma (LSS) program, the Secretary of the Navy noted two areas that needed to be emphasized in order to ensure the institutionalization of LSS into Navy culture. The first instruction was to start with projects that were of short duration and easy to complete in order to instill confidence and build momentum. Secondly, the Navy’s high-impact core value streams should be identified and measured. Navy Region Northwest (NRNW) saw this as an opportunity to stress its own LSS program, focusing on more training and installing a program deployment group in a way that would add real value to decision making and results. During the ensuing fiscal year, increased training expanded the base of Champions, Green Belts, and Black Belts and installed a program deployment group with responsibility for portfolio development, training, and monitoring progress. Results support the approach, and the U.S. Navy is reviewing the NRNW measurement system for expansion nationwide.

Keywords: Six Sigma; Lean manufacturing; Military; Program development; Process improvement; Measurement; Metrics