Six Sigma Methodology | Six Sigma Model | 6Σ / 6σ

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What is Six Sigma?

Six Sigma (6Σ, 6σ) is a quality management methodology that provides businesses with the tools to improve the capability of their business processes. This increase in performance and decrease in process variation leads to defect reduction and improvements in profits, employee morale and quality of product. This quality measurement and improvement program was pioneered by Mikel Harry and Motorola. It focuses on the control of a process until the point of six sigma (standard deviations) from a centerline, or 3.4 defects per million items. It includes identifying factors which are critical for the quality as determined by the customer. It reduces process variation and improvement capabilities, increases stability and designs systems to support the six sigma goal.

The Six Sigma model is a highly disciplined approach that can help companies to focus on developing and delivering near-perfect products and services. It is based on the statistical work of Joseph Juran, a Rumanian-born US pioneer of quality management. The word "Sigma" is a Greek sign used for a statistical term that measures how far a given process deviates from perfection (standards deviation). If the sigma number is higher, you are closer to perfection. One sigma is not very good; six sigma is defined as only 3.4 defects per million. The central idea behind Six Sigma is that if you can measure how many "defects" you have in a process, you can systematically figure out how you can eliminate them. Thus you can almost come to "zero defects".

The Japanese origin of Six Sigma can still be seen by the system of "belts" which it uses. If you are new to Six Sigma and you go on a basic training, you get a green belt. Anyone who has the responsibility for leading a Six Sigma team is called a black belt. Finally there is a special elite group called Master Black Belts who supervise the Black Belts.

Five Steps in Six Sigma. Process

Typically, a Six Sigma process has the following five stages:

1. Definition. The first step in any Six Sigma project is to clarify the problem and narrow its scope in such a way that measurable goals can be achieved within a few months. Then a team is assembled to examine the process in detail, suggest improvements, and implement those recommendations. In the manufacturing world, project managers and their sponsors typically begin by defining what constitutes a defect and then establish a set of objectives designed to reduce the occurrence of such defects.
2. Measurement. In the second step of a Six Sigma project, the team gathers data and prepares it for high-level analysis.
3. Analysis. Once a process has been mapped and documented, and the quality of the hard supporting data has been verified, the Six Sigma team can begin the analysis. The team members usually start by identifying the ways in which people fail to act as needed, or by identifying the ways in which people fail to ensure effective control at each stage.
4. Improvement. Recommend, decide and implement improvements.
5. Control. In the final stage of a Six Sigma project, the team creates controls. These are enabling the company to sustain and extend the improvements.

Forum Forum discussions about Six Sigma. Six Sigma in an R&D context Is it possible to use Six Sigma to improve the quality of R&D processes? Or do R&D activities naturally defy systematic improvement efforts?... 27   8 comments Six Sigma DMAIC and DMADV Two Six Sigma sub-methodologies are called: DMAIC - Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control, and DMADV - Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, Verify. They are both systematic, structured and fac... 18   4 comments Statistical Process Control (SPC): PPK versus CPK According to many, Six Sigma is based on Statistical Process Control (SPC), a method of visually monitoring production processes. In Six Sigma, each business process must be measured and for this ofte... 18   5 comments The 5 x Why Method (The 5 Whys) DESCRIPTION OF THE 5 WHY METHOD The "5 x why" method has been developed by Toyota to perform an iterative Root Cause Analysis of production-related problems. The "5 x why" method is one of the availa... 18   35 comments Focus of Six Sigma: The 6 Rights Six Sigma management can focus on following 6 Right (Rights): - Right Support - Right Project - Right Road Map (DMAIC) - Right People (training) - Right Tools - Right Result (high performance, h... 16   1 comments Is Six Sigma Enough? (To Improve the Quality Level of an Organization...) In order to improve a process, or to get a new standard or higher quality level in an organization, is 6 Sigma a good approach? My partners say that 6 Sigma is just for solving actual problems (d=def... 14   10 comments Six Sigma for Marketing Six Sigma for Marketing (SSFM) is the newest Six Sigma variant. SSFM links interdependencies of strategic marketing, tactical & operational processes. It proactively drives growth (e.g., new offering... 13   1 comments Add Standardization to DMAIC Phases in Six Sigma (DMAICS) In my experience I implemented the Six Sigma process following 6 instead of just 5 phases. The first five are the classical phases (DMAIC) for the analysis, solution implementation and solution effect... 12   2 comments Six Sigma in Medical Transcription How can Six Sigma be used in the field of medical transcription? What are all the gradients that need to be worked on in medical transcription with Six Sigma? Editor: Medical transcription is the p... 11   4 comments Differences Between Six Sigma and TQM Although invented at Motorola, Six Sigma has been perfected at General Electric. GE is truly the home of Six Sigma. The factors differentiating Six Sigma from Total Quality Management are Six Sigma's:... 11   Evaluating Six Sigma Project Leaders How can I evaluate the talent of Six Sigma project leaders (presentation skill, answering, strategic thinking, and so on)? What grading and evaluation of the factors do you recommend?... 9   2 comments Disadvantages of Lean Six Sigma. Drawbacks Hello! I am a student and I am trying to investigate why not every company is willing to implement Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in their environment. I found out that some of them say that it is: 1. Too expe... 9   1 comments Best Practices Lean Six Sigma in Social Care I have been using Lean Six Sigma (I'm a Black belt) in Adult Social Care in the UK and to my knowledge I am the only person in the UK using this in this business area. It is proving to be extremely us... 8   2 comments Six Sigma Manufacturing Example Businesses who are not very active in quality management most of the time have a process quality from 2 or 3 sigma. This means a failure of about 66.700 products per million opportunities. At first si... 8   Quality Lessons in Dealing with Contractors In the last 2 years I learned the following lessons working with Home Remodeling contractors. Lesson One: Be careful who you hire. Top contractors find and keep top craftsmen while contractors that d... 8   1 comments Six Sigma for Retail What is best way to measure defects in a retail business in order to improve efficiency?... 7   5 comments 6 Sigma Timeframe/Period Hi..., I have a concern regarding the execution of 6 sigma... When a business has to move from one sigma level to another, for how long we have to measure and analyse and how long (approximately) does... 6   1 comments Six Sigma in Passengers Handling How can Six Sigma be applied to passengers handling services in air transportation at an airport?... 5   4 comments Six Sigma Black Belt Certification I would like to know to what educational degree one can compare a Lean Six Sigma (L6S) Blackbelt certification? Thanks for your input.... 5   6 comments Six Sigma In Inbound Call Center How can Six Sigma be used in an inbound call center? What are the basic parameters to be defined?... 5   5 comments 🔥 7 Key Principles of Six Sigma In brief, Six Sigma is a methodology that ensures quality processes are followed every time to reduce variations. The 7 key principles of Six Sigma The seven key principles of Six Sigma are: A... 4   Next Step after Voice Of Processes have been Defined? We have defined all the Voice Of Processes for our 6Ϭ Lean Manufacturing project. What should be our next step to construct a 6-Sigma Project charter in line with VOP?... 4   1 comments Organizational Development + Six Sigma or Lean Have any of you integrated tools from Organizational Development with the use of Lean and Six Sigma. I would be interested to hear your reactions and experiences.... 3   4 comments Should Six Sigma start after Lean Implementation? My perception to Six Sigma is that it should start after Lean Implementation, at least basic (Stability Phase and Continuous Flow), then can go in parallel, since Lean helps set the standards and Six ... 3   1 comments Good Practitioner Books on Lean - Six Sigma, S&OP? Hi all, short question, currently I am working in a pure logistics field but would like to develop my supply chain knowledge further. Especially looking at job adverts the topic lean and Six Sigma are... 3   1 comments Lean 6 Sigma in Laboratories Hello, I want to know about Lean 6 Sigma in as I am laboratory supervisor. How can I use this approach to reach to high quality in my organization?... 2   1 comments Start a new topic about Six Sigma Sign up for free

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Best Practices The best, top-rated topics about Six Sigma. Here you will find the most valuable ideas and practical suggestions. 🥇 3 Additional Six Sigma Levels Besides the Sigma levels 1 to 6, we can actually also distinguish between 3 other levels of using Six SIgma: A. Use Six Sigma as a statistical measurement unit (comparable to degrees or dollars) B. ... 81   🥈 The Basis of Six Sigma? Statistics and Discipline Many of the tools of Six Sigma (and the concept of lean manufacturing with which Six Sigma is most closely identified) can be found in statistical process control, total quality management, statistics... 62   2 comments 🥉 Implementing Six Sigma: Roles The following names (some are from martial arts) are used for Six Sigma professional roles: Sponsor - Senior executive who sponsors the overall Six Sigma Initiative. Leader - Senior-level executive ... 37   5 comments Sustaining Momentum of Process Improvement over Time Improving business processes using methods like Lean, Six Sigma and Agile often works well initially, however quite often the gains fade very quickly, according to recent research by Holweg and all. ... 15   2 comments The Cost of Poor Quality: Tools for Effective Control & Reduction Which Six Sigma tools are effective to determine and reduce the cost of poor quality (in the manufacturing sector)? Since there are lot of quality tools used in industries, selecting correct, effect... 14   7 comments Tools for Finding Root Cause in 6 Sigma Which tool is preferable in Six Sigma methodology to detect or find the root cause from special cause variation and then solve accordingly? And how to differentiate if the tool is suitable to use for ... 13   7 comments Preparing Six Sigma: Requirements In order for Six Sigma to be successful in an organisation, the concept should be embraced from the grass roots to top management. Involvement of all stakeholders should be emphasised, as data is gen... 12   4 comments Evaluating Six Sigma Projects How can I evaluate the quality of 6 Sigma projects (logical think, creative, right tools, effectiveness and so on). What grading and evaluation of the factors you recommend?... 12   4 comments Six Sigma Effectiveness Please, can someone evaluate the effectiveness of Six Sigma process improvement methodology.... 11   7 comments Hypothesis Testing in DMAIC Projects Is hypothesis testing a must in DMAIC projects? Why (not)?... 11   10 comments

Expert Tips Advanced insights about Six Sigma. Here you will find professional advices by experts. Consultancy Tips Teaching Tips Practical Implementation Tips Six Sigma Implementation Principles Implementing Six Sigma Succesfully In the article 'Six Sigma - the route to business excellence' (Management Services, Winter 2005), John Morgan argues tha... Six Sigma Approaches / Steps Compared DMAIC, DMADOV, DMAEV, DABTL Commonly Six Sigma projects focus on re-designing processes and systems and improving performance of existing systems. W... Good Six Sigma Project Management Six Sigma Project Characteristics In their article 'Six Sigma in Service Organizations' (International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 2... Hypothesis Testing in Lean Six Sigma Explained SS Hypothesis Testing How to do simple hypothesis testing in lean six sigma? How to simplify the basic roadmap in a hypothesis test? Using th... 6 Management Responsibilities in 6 Sigma Six Sigma Implementation, Best Practices The six imperative responsibilities top managers must take on in the early stages of a Six Sigma process: 1. Develop a ... Human Sigma Improving Employee-Customer Encounters Although Six Sigma is an extremely powerful tool in manufacturing contexts, it falls short when it comes to the employee... Six Sigma in Service Organizations Benefits According to Jiju Antony ('Six Sigma for Service Processes', Business Process Management Journal, Vol. 12, No. 2, 2005),... How Six Sigma Supports TQM TQM, Six Sigma Forrest B.Green suggests in a paper called: Six-Sigma and the Revival of TQM that Total Quality Management (TQM) is unde... Six Sigma Lessons Learned Process Improvement of Six Sigma Projects Although six sigma programs typically start of well, they all too often fail to have a lasting impact as participants gr... Six Sigma in Service Organizations Challenges and Difficulties Although the adoption of a Six Sigma business strategy in service organizations can lead to considerable benefits, follo... 3 Critical Success Factors for Six Sigma Projects Getting results out of a 6 Sigma project 3 Critical Success Factors of a Six Sigma project are: 1 Executive Engagement: - Support consistently the organization ... 3 Six Sigma Variants Differences in Six Sigma Approaches Behind the success of 3 major companies who innovatively applied Six Sigma in Supply Chain Management there are differen... Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA) Testing Measurement Systems, Improving Measurement Systems, Assessing Measurement Systems WHAT IS MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS ANALYSIS (MSA)? MSA is a type of experiment whereby you measure the same item or object rep... Generic Six Sigma Project Ideas Identifying LSS Projects Here are some general 6 Sigma project ideas: • Reduce expenses at… • Reduce scrap… • Reduce downtimes… or increase up... Design for Six Sigma Supply Chain & Quality In addition to the two common key methodologies: DMAIC and DMADV of Six Sigma, there is another separate approach which ... How to Make Value Stream Map? Tips Making a Value Stream Map, Creating a Value Stream Map Hi, here's a great explaining youtube clip on tricks for making a VSM. Enjoy!... DMAIC Approach is Sequential, But... Six Sigma Implementation The DMAIC approach is designed to allow for flexibility and iterative work, if necessary. As more is learned through thi... The DMAIC Process Step by Step Example Six Sigma Implementation, DMAIC Process In order to better illustrate the DMAIC process, consider the case of a janitorial company that wants to boost the calib... Lean Six Sigma Programs Driving Innovation Based on an analysis of Caterpillar and other companies that used lean Six Sigma programs to drive broad-based innovatio... CCR and CTQ Six Sigma Method What Key Overall Requirements are there? Requirements come from the customer (VoC) and the business (VoB), depending on... Six Sigma Improvement Team Composition and Procedure Six Sigma Six Sigma teams should be multidisciplinary. The diversity of perspectives in the team — which includes someone with exp... Appropriate Sample Sizes in Six Sigma Six Sigma The first question faced by a statistical consultant, and frequently the last, is, “How many subjects (animals, units) d... Radical Innovations Assessing Your Level of Preparedness According to the article “Using a Lean Six Sigma Approach to Drive Innovation” by George Byrne, Dave Lubowe and Amy Blit... Control Charts and Control Limits Controlling the Process Elements of a Control Chart There are three main elements of a control chart 1. A control chart begins with a time ser...

Information Sources Various sources of information regarding Six Sigma. Here you will find powerpoints, videos, news, etc. to use in your own lectures and workshops. Six Sigma Dictionary (250 terms) 6 Sigma Terms Short explanation of 250 six sigma terms. By Luis Garcia Guzman.... Great Truths about Six Sigma Introducing SIx Sigma Humorous introduction to Six Sigma with cartoons from various cartoonists.... Six Sigma Explanation Business Process Improvement Definition of “Six Sigma” Six Sigma Best Practice Implementation framework Key Ingredients for a Successful Six Sigma ... Lean Assessment Tool Lean / Six Sigma Assessment Spreadsheet calculates current and future Lean and Six Sigma scores based on scoring in 28 criteria. Generates Lean Over... Six Sigma Intro Introduction to SS Introduction presentation by lakhanpalv.... Y=f(x) + E DMAIC Project Control This document guides and helps you through the DMAIC process using the well known Six Sigma formula Y=f(x) + e.... Six Sigma Calculator Calculating DPM and PPM Determine the process performance in terms of Defects Per Million (DPM) or Parts Per Million (PPM).... Business Process Management and Improvement: Six Sigma, BPR and (R)Evolutionary Change Process Management, process Improvement, Business Process Reengineering, BPR, Six Sigma Presentation about process management, particularly process modeling simulation and design. The presentation focuses on ... SS Origins and Destinations Six Sigma and Sustainability Presentation by Prof. Rick Edgeman explains DMAIC, DFSS, the role of 6 Sigma in biophysical sustainability, environmenta... Introduction to Project Quality Management Quality Management, Project Quality Planning, Project Quality Assurance, Project Quality Control Presentation about Project Quality Management. A large part of the presentation is about Six Sigma as a quality manageme... Overview Six Sigma Six Sigma Method Presentation defines Six Sigma as a disciplined, data-driven approach and methodology for eliminating defects in any pro... 8 Wastes Assessment and 5S Analysis in Office Environments Lean, 5S , WASTE In the office environment, our work does not take place on our desks, but on our computers and in our digital networks. ... Six Sigma Demystified Powerpoint MEASURE – SIX SIGMA IMPROVEMENT METHODOLOGY A. Ask each Customer: What do you need from the service / product we provi... Using the Whys Method Six Sigma, Toyoda, Toyota, Lean Production, Root Cause Analysis To solve a problem effectively, you need to drill down through the symptoms to the underlying cause. Sakichi Toyoda, one... Plan for Every Part Lean Production, Parts Management, Value Stream Mapping, Continuous-flow Manufacturing Business Managers are making progress in realising flow as more they learn about VSM (Value Stream Mapping) and continuo... Jidoka Lean, HoT Japanese manufacturing techniques have had a major affect on the approaches taken in manufacturing and management in man... Continuous Sampling Planning Sampling The concept of continuous sampling planning originated in 1943 by Dodge. Known as CSP-1, continuous sampling is used whe... Battle of Champions in Performance Improvement: Six Sigma versus Lean Performance Improvement Lean Six Sigma While both Six Sigma and Lean focus on waste reduction as a key aim (recognizing waste comes in many forms), this is the... Six Sigma Diagram Quality Assurance Download and edit this 12manage PowerPoint graphic for limited personal, educational and business use. Republishing in ... Certifications from Various Accreditation Agencies Six Sigma Certifications The attachment gives an overview of existing Lean Six Sigma Certifications. When you want to find or become yourself a ... Errors in Hypothesis Testing Errors in Hypothesis Testing An article with example how we can circumvent errors in Hypothesis testing. Setting the value of α is not automati... A Guide to Control Charts Applying Control Charts, Types of Control Charts Control charts have two general uses in an improvement project. The most common application is as a tool to monitor proc... Rolled Throughput Yield Calculating Yield of a Process Rolled Throughput Yield allows us to expose the "hidden factory" by providing visibility into the yield of each process ... Sample Size Calculation Calculating Sample Size, Determining Sample Size The first question faced by a statistical consultant, and frequently the last, is: “How many subjects (animals, units) d... Design of Experiments (DOE) Designing Experiments, Designing Statistical Experiments Quality managers who understand how to apply statistical tools for Design of Experiments (DOE) are better able to suppor... Six Sigma Capability Studies Determining the Six Sigma Level For many years industries have used Cp, Cpk, Pp and Ppk as statistical measures of process quality capability. Some segm...

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