General Articles and Information
1.5 Sigma Process Shift Explanation
Why is 6 sigma 3.4 ppm, not 2 ppb? The calculation of process sigma after a process improvement project should be reported as short-term sigma. This article explains why and how to perform the calculation. This topic was revisited and more information has been provided. From iSixSigma.
Applying Lean Manufacturing To Six Sigma
The relationship between Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma has been questioned in the past. This case study of a digitizing document process clearly demonstrates that Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma can be combined for optimal results. From Niraj Goyal and iSixSigma.
Applying Six Sigma to Improve Diagnostic Imaging
Despite the many amazing advances in imaging technologies, the benefits may not be fully realized if process problems, patient backlogs, productivity issues or other concerns distrupt diagnostic imaging operations. Six Sigma provides an answer. From Carolyn Pexton.
Applying Six Sigma to Software Implementation Projects
Six Sigma can be applied to software implementation projects as well as software development. Two project scenarios that feature common pain points provide examples of how Six Sigma can address software implementation issues. From Gary A. Gack.
Are You New To Six Sigma?
Find answers, links and resources to all your basic Six Sigma questions. From iSixSigma.
Art of Integration with the Help of Lean and Six Sigma
It may seem un-Six Sigma-like to use art concepts in a discussion of Lean/Six Sigma and the merger of two large financial institutions. But in fact, any serious approach to integrating two complex organizations can benefit from thinking in terms of art as well as science. From Bryan Carey.
Ask the Expert - The Topic: Six Sigma – The Way We Work
Mike Carnell, Six Sigma Program Manager for BHP Billiton Base Metals, offers his views on 'Six Sigma – The Way We Work' and the possibilities and problems of institutionalizing Six Sigma in an organization's processes until it becomes the way the organization works. From Mike Carnell.
Ask the Expert - The Topic: Six Sigma Adoption and Cultural Issues
Jack Finney, president and CEO of Six Sigma Academy, offers his perspective on Six Sigma adoption and cultural issues - from strategies to convince resistant employees to maintaining a positive culture as the initiative matures and employees turn over. From Jack Finney.
Ask the Expert - The Topic: Six Sigma and Return on Investment
John Lopez-Ona, president and CEO of Six Sigma Qualtec, offers his perspective on Six Sigma and return on investment - from how to measure ROI in a Six Sigma initiative to the critical success factors in achieving a satisfactory ROI. From John Lopez-Ona.
Ask the Expert - The Topic: Six Sigma Vision
Praveen Gupta, CEO of Quality Technology Company, explores the topic of Six Sigma vision -- from visions for SixSigma initiatives and building support with 'quick wins' to alternatives to the ubiquitous vision and mission statements. From Praveen Gupta.
Ask the Expert - The Topic: Starting a Six Sigma Initiative
Forrest Breyfogle, president and CEO of Smarter Solutions, Inc., offers his perspective on starting a Six Sigma initiative -- from what can be learned from successful deployments to required resources and leadership to the role of top management. From Forrest Breyfogle.
Changing The Way GE Does Work
From the 1997 annual report, highlighting five case studies (matching colors quickly, creating a better CT tube, redesigning a refrigerator process, making consistency pay off, clearing paperwork for customs) displaying the benefits of Six Sigma. From GE.
Clinic Uses Six Sigma to Improve Quality
A women’s clinic in Bowling Green, Ky., uses the Six Sigma quality improvement process to reduce patient wait time and ensure that all patients receive glucose tolerance tests for pregnancy-related gestational diabetes. From Coding-Compliance.com.
Comparing and Blending ISO9000 and Lean Six Sigma
Though each methodology was originally seen as distinct from the other, businesses are now coming to see that there are valuable synergies between ISO9000 and Lean Six Sigma. And the two can be blended to achieve maximum effect. From Bryan Carey.
Creating a Lean Six Sigma Hospital Discharge Process - An iSixSigma Case Study
A lengthy and inefficient process for discharging in-patients is a common concern of hospitals, as well as patients and their families. A solution to that problem can be found in the application of Lean Six Sigma methodology. From Chuck DeBusk and Art Rangel, Jr..
Defining Six Sigma For Your Business Or Organization
What is Six Sigma? Why do we need Six Sigma? Explaining Six Sigma is no easy task, but as a Quality professional we are expected to clearly articulate the benefits and necessity. If you can't, you risk losing believers within your business. Use this simple 3 step explanation to help guarantee your success. From Zack Swinney and iSixSigma.
Designing for Six Sigma
This article is a great overview including a description of process capability as it relates to a sigma level. From Control Engineering.
Develop Correct Six Sigma Project Metrics
One of the crucial elements of the project charter in the define phase of a Six Sigma project is the selection of project metrics. Proper project metrics should reflect more than just business and customer measurables. From Shree Phadnis and iSixSigma.
Framing the Need to Improve Health Care Using Six Sigma Methodologies
Health care today is a vast web of complexity and contradiction. It offers astounding advances in technology and treatment, but is overburdened by inefficiencies, errors, resource constraints and other issues that threaten the accessibility and safety of patient care. Six Sigma can make a difference where other methodologies have failed to deliver results. From Carolyn Pexton & GE Medical Systems.
Healthcare Must Adapt The Sigma View Of Analysis
Healthcare is far from accepting Six Sigma but it may do well to look at the sigma way of analysing processes writes Dr. Harish Nadkarni. From Express Healthcare Management.
How to Make Interbank Image Exchange a Reality
More and more banks are using Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) to help them to take full advantage of such modern processes as electronic check presentment, thereby reducing expenses and increasing profits. From Eric Castaline and Tony Kneisley.
Implementing Six Sigma
How can you make quality part of the culture, not just the procedure? Here's a phased approach using a balanced scorecard. From Uwe H. Kaufmann and Quality Digest.
Integrating Lean and Six Sigma
The power of an integrated roadmap is yours for the taking. Both the Lean and Six Sigma methodologies have proven over the last twenty years that it is possible to achieve dramatic improvements in cost, quality, and time by focusing on process performance. Integrating Lean and Six Sigma can help to overcome the limitations of each approach applied exclusively, but you must overcome competing initiatives and camps. From Thomas Bertels and Aon Consulting.
Interview with a Black Belt: Charleston Area Medical Center & GE
An interview with both a Black Belt in training and a Master Black Belt on the topics of becoming a Black Belt and issues facing the Belts. From Westgard QC.
Is Health Care Ready for Six Sigma Quality?
Can health care approach the near perfection of Six Sigma in actual practice? Health care now frequently produces defects at rates as high as 500,000 per million, but enough examples of improvement exist to conclude that we can do much better. From Milbank Quarterly.
Is Six Sigma Falling Short Of Expectations?
Yes. Companies expect to use Six Sigma to identify and creatively solve their problems, but that's not what it was designed to do. No. Six Sigma can help you examine your business processes, grow closer to your customers, increase your productivity, and reap returns. From Optimize Magazine.
Is Six Sigma for Real? Question Deserves Solid Answers
Many quality improvement methods talk about measuring and improving, but what specifically makes Six Sigma more valuable than the others and then, in this case, applicable to IT? Success with Six Sigma requires solid answers. From Gary Gack.
Is Six Sigma Just For Large Companies? What About Small Companies?
Almost all Quality professionals have heard of the benefits of Six Sigma Quality. Companies like GE, Motorola, and AlliedSignal have already saved billions of dollars with their Six Sigma Quality initiatives. But is Six Sigma for small companies as well? Yes and No -- read the requirements and decide for yourself. From Charles Waxer and iSixSigma.
Is This a Six Sigma, Lean, or Kaizen Project?
Executives who develop a working knowledge of Six Sigma, Lean, and Kaizen are much better prepared to build the right infrastructure and lead their organizations to both financial and human success. From Terence Burton and iSixSigma.
Leveraging Six Sigma To Improve Hospital Bed Availability
Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center has embraced Six Sigma as their process improvement methodology. This article documents a Six Sigma project to reduce the time between when a discharge order is written for a patient and when that hospital bed becomes available again. From Rosalie Sager and Eric Ling, GE Medical Systems.
Measuring Six Sigma Results in the Healthcare Industry
In 1998 an oft-cited article asked, "Is Health Care Ready for Six Sigma?" After a half-dozen years of Six Sigma experience since, it is clear that the healthcare industry has answered the question. Healthcare was ready for Six Sigma. From Carolyn Pexton.
Missing One Putt Every 163 Years
Six Sigma Quality is making a big difference at GE and AlliedSignal/Honeywell. Here are the tools that help drive a common language. From Automotive Manufacturing and Production.
My Business Is Different, Six Sigma Won't Work
If you think Six Sigma won't work for your company, you're either ignorant or refuse to change. Every business process can be measured, improved and controlled using the six Sigma methodology. From Zack Swinney and iSixSigma.
Optimize Existing Processes to Achieve Six Sigma Capability
Combining statistical process control and analysis techniques with an understanding of process capability will help you achieve continuous improvement and possibly a six sigma capable process. From Control Engineering.
Overcoming The Improvement Paradox
Why most improvement programs end in failure and what you can do to build a sustainable process improvement program. From Keating et al., MIT.
Process Sigma Calculator
Calculate your process sigma with this handy calculator. From iSixSigma.
Profile in Six Sigma Leadership: James G. Springfield
James G. Springfield, president and CEO of Valley Baptist Health System in Harlingen, Texas (USA), shares his thoughts on the concerns of healthcare administrators today and his vision of healthcare's future. His views offer a profile in Six Sigma leadership. From Carolyn Pexton.
Raising the Bar - A Quality Model for Hospitals
Following a nationwide trend of hospitals searching for a better tool to measure quality, Pullman Memorial Hospital has added an internationally recognized process improvement strategy, "Six Sigma" to its quality evaluation tools. From Pullman Memorial Hospital.
Reducing Cycle Time for Six Sigma Projects
While Six Sigma continues to evolve, the most often cited complaint is long project cycle times. The obvious expense of eight to nine month (or longer) Black and Green Belt projects is opportunity lost. For example, a project that produces cost savings at a run rate of $30,000 per month leaves $150,000 on the table when it takes nine months versus four months to complete. This article discusses why projects are extended beyond expected timeframes, how better planning upfront can help, and how to generate faster quick wins with low hanging fruit and solutions deployment. From Rick Tucci & Leap Technologies.
Remembering Bill Smith, Father Of Six Sigma
Bill Smith, the Father of Six Sigma, has influenced business students and corporate leaders worldwide with his innovative Six Sigma strategy. From iSixSigma.
Sick Sigma?
Six Sigma is being used in lots of new ways. Some critics call this trend dangerous. From Context Magazine.
Six Sigma - A Socio-Technical System
Six Sigma is both a social and technical system. To be effective, the social and technical systems must integrate and assist one another. This article features two case studies on failed Quality initiatives and how a socio-technical system balance would have helped. From Quarterman Lee and iSixSigma.
Six Sigma and City Government - City Of Fort Wayne
The City of Fort Wayne, Indiana, has committed to implementing Six Sigma and has made tremendous strides. This site contains the mayor's Six Sigma presentation, as well as other projects. From City Of Fort Wayne.
Six Sigma and Lean Production
Determining the correct methodology for your needs is not always easy -- Thomas Pyzdek is here to help. From Quality Digest, written by Thomas Pyzdek.
Six Sigma Applies to IT, as Evidenced by Success
Recapping some of the successes that have been achieved with Six Sigma in IT and describing some of the IT activities to which Six Sigma can be applied, should clearly answer the question 'Does Six Sigma apply to IT?' with a resounding 'yes!' From Gary Gack and Six Sigma Advantage.
Six Sigma Catapults Hospitals to Next Level of Quality
Many hospitals with successful quality improvement programs recognize the need for a higher level of rigor. They are embarking on a cultural change using Six Sigma concepts and principles to catapult themselves into a higher dimension of quality. From Jackie Luchsinger, Cris Taylor and Marie Weissman.
Six Sigma Certification, Who Can Do It?
Six Sigma certification is a funny concept. Everyone wants to be certified, but nobody really understands what it means in the industry and how it might enhance your resume outside your current company. This article helps the reader understand who can certify, what certification means, what Six Sigma certification requirements exist, and much more. From Charles Waxer and iSixSigma.
Six Sigma Deployment
Six Sigma deployment success is built on an infrastructure foundation. Learn to align projects to business strategy, and use a balanced DMAIC framework as your key to successful Six Sigma deployment. From Shree Phadnis and iSixSigma.
Six Sigma Goes Corporate
After years as a manufacturing-process whiz kid, Six Sigma is gaining new luster as a tool in business-process planning. And IT can play a key role. From David Enck, Forrest Breyfogle and Optimize.com.
Six Sigma In Education
In education, Six Sigma pertains to improving the quality of matter taught, the character generated of the pupils, and the quality of study and school life. It is a system by which principals and teachers can instill process excellence across the entire organization. From Dheeraj Mehrotra and iSixSigma.
Six Sigma Is Just A Fad
Most likely you've heard that Six Sigma is just a fad. But should we add Six Sigma to the list of growing management fads? Various people say yes, but those that truly understand and are comprehensively trained would argue otherwise: Six Sigma resurrected quality and, in fact, has taken it to a new level. This article presents both sides of the story. From Zack Swinney & iSixSigma.
Six Sigma Is Primarily a Management Program
It has roots to statistical process control, but has evolved into much more in the business world. From Quality Digest, written by Thomas Pyzdek.
Six Sigma Opportunity Counting
The nature of Six Sigma opportunity counting and related metrics like DPMO and sigma levels can be confusing. This article contains ideas to help with opportunities and defect counting on your Six Sigma project. Part 2 discusses the Correct Method To Count Six Sigma Opportunities. From iSixSigma.
Six Sigma Organizational Architecture
Successful Six Sigma Quality programs are built on a solid organizational foundation. The organizational structure and rewards/recognition system needs to be clearly identified and communicated to successfully implement Six Sigma Quality. From iSixSigma.
Six Sigma Q&A
Get answers to all your Six Sigma Questions with this list of frequently asked questions. From iSixSigma.
Six Sigma Questions and Answers
Thomas Pyzdek has put together a list of Q&A from conferences he's presented at -- such as how much time does it take to change 'bottom line thinking' and what does it cost to implement Six Sigma? From Pyzdek Consulting, Inc.
Six Sigma Shortcuts
You can implement Six Sigma however you wish -- just don't expect grand results. Here's a list of shortcuts that will help ensure that your Six Sigma deployment fails. From Thomas Pyzdek and Quality Digest.
Six Sigma Survey: Breaking Through The Hype
QD surveyed their readers and collected information on the success of their implemented Six Sigma programs, as well as the relationship to TQM. From Quality Digest.
Six Sigma Tools, Methods and Culture Are Here to Stay
Is Six Sigma just a fad? Without proper leadership, what is labeled Six Sigma in some organizations may indeed fall by the wayside. However, done right, the tools, methods and culture that are true Six Sigma will be here for decades to come. From Kelly Bailey.
Six Sigma Trends: Management Of Six Sigma Deployments
The arguments presented in this article lead to one conclusion: there is little or no chance to succeed with a Six Sigma deployment by doing it from the bottom-up, or by perceiving it as just another total quality management initiative. The quickest and most effective way to success is through business case management and project-based top-down training. From Dr. Elena A. Averboukh and iSixSigma.
Six Sigma Trends: Next Generation of Projects
Trends in Six Sigma DMAIC projects indicate that higher level tools will be necessary in the future. Iterations within one project life cycle will also be more important Learn about other trends. From Dr. Elena Averboukh and iSixSigma.
Six Sigma Via Context
Some business documents are nearly meaningless due to lack of context. Every Quality document should be fully self-contained or reference applicable context elsewhere. Learn more about adding context to your content to achieve exponential gains. From Kim Niles and iSixSigma.
Six Sigma, Data Mining and Dead Customer Accounts
This article discusses how dead accounts provide a wealth of data that can be mined to reduce the defects of your process. From Quality Digest, written by Thomas Pyzdek.
Solving the Dilemma Created by the No-Show Patient
Patients who fail to show up for their exams interrupt the scheduling process and disrupt the delivery system. Healthcare facilities must control no-shows to realize process efficiencies and minimize missed revenue opportunities. From David Yarbro.
Statistical Six Sigma Definition
The Six Sigma methodology is well rooted in statistics and statistical mathematics. Learn why six standard deviations is worthwhile for your organization to measure. From iSixSigma.
Strategies for Improving Patient Safety in the Hospital
The healthcare industry is behind other high-risk industries in ensuring basic safety. And while no single magic solution exists, valuable lessons can be learned from those who have gained some ground in the quest for excellence in healthcare. From Carolyn Pexton.
Sustain The Six Sigma Gain
To get the best return on your Six Sigma investment and keep customers competitive and content, you need to sustain the gain. So how do you do it? How do you avoid the seemingly inevitable outcome of decreasing momentum and declining participation? There are a few key indicators and guidelines that you can put in place to prevent that from happening and to keep the energy level high. From Greg Brue and The CEO Refresher.
Taking the Six Sigma Plunge
Sticking your toe in the water may not be enough to determine if Six Sigma will be successful at your company. A long term solution may be what you need. From Quality Digest, written by Thomas Pyzdek.
The Six Sigma Revolution
This document explaining the revolution of Six Sigma also presents the infrastructure and roles of the MBB, BB and GB. From Pyzdek Consulting, Inc.
The Value of Six Sigma
'Six Sigma is not about quality for the sake of quality,' as Thomas Pyzdek writes -- it's about delivering value to the customer. From Quality Digest, written by Thomas Pyzdek.
Top 10 Tips For Managing Six Sigma
How does an organization manage the Six Sigma process for delivering outstanding Business Results? Ritesh Chatterjee, Six Sigma Leader for Owens Corning India Limited, provides his top 10 lessons learned for deploying Six Sigma within a business or organization. From Ritesh Chatterjee and iSixSigma.
Turning Top Management Reluctance into Six Sigma Support
Not every organization is so lucky as to have senior management fully on board from the start of a Six Sigma program. There are, however, a couple of proven ways to turn on management support for a continuous improvement program organization-wide. From Tom Devane.
Understanding Six Sigma Deployment Failures
A recent iSixSigma Discussion Forum question asked if there have been any Six Sigma deployments that have failed. This article defines the term failure from a company's viewpoint, and discusses the reasons why Six Sigma deployment failures can occur. Learn to identify failures before they happen to your company. From Mike Carnell and iSixSigma.
Using Six Sigma to Achieve a Cultural Transformation
Changing the culture of a hospital is the "hard stuff," and it is absolutely necessary—if, for example, you want to remain in the top 1% of an all-hospital database for patient satisfaction. From Press Ganey Associates, Inc.
Using Six Sigma To Improve The Film Library
Case study displaying how Six Sigma was used to improve a film-based radiology department at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. {Adobe Acrobat PDF format) From American Healthcare Radiology Administrators.
Using Six Sigma to Solve Issues in Public School System
Of all the innovative applications for Six Sigma, none may be as interesting as one being used in Colorado – applying Six Sigma to all aspects of a public school system. And all aspects includes the heart of any school district – the classroom. From Mary Ruff.
What Is Six Sigma Certification?
What is Six Sigma certification? How can I get Six Sigma certified? Where can I get Six Sigma certified? Is Six Sigma certification transferable if I leave a company for another? This article will help answer these questions regarding the ubiquitous and confusing Six Sigma certification. From Charles Waxer and iSixSigma.
What is Six Sigma?
A Six Sigma methodology overview and resource article. From iSixSigma.
What Makes Six Sigma Work?
Consultants are earning seven figure salaries, CEOs are claiming billions of dollars saved, conferences are popping up everywhere, and yet one can argue that Six Sigma is not much different than TQM. Is Six Sigma just the latest management buzzword or is Six Sigma a Quality Management program that really works? What makes Six Sigma work? From Kim Niles and iSixSigma.
Why Six Sigma Is Not Enough
Defining Six Sigma in typical defect/opportunity fashion may not be enough for your customers, and it wasn't the spirit that Motorola originated. From Quality Digest, written by Thomas Pyzdek.
Why Six Sigma is not TQM
Mnay suggest that Six Sigma is just a reorganized TQM initiative. Thomas Pyzdek tells us the differences. From Pyzdek Consulting, Inc.
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