The Essential Six Sigma
- Publication:
- Quality Progress
- Date:
- January 2002
- Issue:
- Volume 35 Issue 1
- Pages:
- pp. 27-31
- Author(s):
- Lucas, James M.
- Organization(s):
- J.M. Lucas and Associates, Wilmington, DE
Abstract
The disciplined quality improvement features of Six Sigma methodology offers companies nearly all of the elements of Total Quality Management (TQM), and it is much easier to incorporate into a business system. In addition, Six Sigma utilizes technical methodologies on an as-needed basis and isn't perceived as a technical quality system imposed by technical specialists, such as is TQM. Six Sigma's goal is to eliminate nearly all defects from process, products, or services. The top-down nature of Six Sigma requires participation of everyone in the company. Employees selected for Six Sigma training should be those who thrive in a climate of constant change and who are open to new ideas. While it is important that individual Six Sigma projects are evaluated for financial impact, the cumulative financial effect on the organization is of prime importance. Companies that stress financial metrics are more likely to be successful than those who focus on other metrics. The success of Six Sigma implementation in companies such as GE will encourage others to follow suit. A sidebar article reproduces Six Sigma and Defects per Million Opportunities from an article by Mikel M. Harry.