Six Sigma

Abstract: Part I: An Executive Overview of Six Sigma. Chapter 1: A Powerful Strategy for Sustained Success. Chapter 2: Key Concepts of the Six Sigma System. Chapter 3: Why Is Six Sigma Succeeding Where Total Quality "Failed"? Chapter 4: Applying Six Sigma to Service and Manufacturing. Chapter 5: The Six Sigma Roadmap. Part II: Gearing Up and Adapting Six Sigma to Your Organization. Chapter 6: Is Six Sigma Right for Us Now? Chapter 7: How and Where Should We Start Our Efforts? Chapter 8: The Politics of Six Sigma: Preparing Leaders to Launch and Guide the Effort. Chapter 9: Preparing Black Belts and Other Key Roles. Chapter 10: Training the Organization for Six Sigma. Part III: Implementing Six Sigma: The Roadmap and Tools. Chapter 12: Identifying Core Processes and Key Customers (Roadmap Step 1). Chapter 13: Defining Customer Requirements (Roadmap Step 2). Chapter 14: Measuring Current Performance (Roadmap Step 3). Chapter 15: Six Sigma Process Improvement (Roadmap Step 4). Chapter 16: Six Sigma Process Improvement (Roadmap Step 4A). Chapter 17: Expanding & Integrating the Six Sigma System (Roadmap Step 5). Chapter 18: Advanced Six Sigma Tools: An Overview. Conclusion: Twelve Keys to Success.

Abstract: Six Sigma is the most powerful breakthrough management tool ever devised, promising increased market share, cost reductions, and dramatic improvements in bottom-line profitability for companies of any size.

Abstract: Understanding the key features, obstacles, and shortcomings of the six sigma method allows organizations to better support their strategic directions, and increasing needs for coaching, mentoring, and training. It also provides opportunities to better implement six sigma projects. This paper examines the evolution, benefits, and challenges of six sigma practices and identifies the key factors influencing successful six sigma project implementations. It integrates the lessons learned from successful six sigma projects and considers further improvements to the six sigma approach. Effective six sigma principles and practices will succeed by refining the organizational culture continuously. Cultural changes require time and commitment before they are strongly implanted into the organization.

Abstract: Partial table of contents: S4 DEPLOYMENT STRATEGY PHASE Six Sigma Overview and Implementation S4 MEASUREMENT PHASE Basic Tools Probability Overview of Distributions and Statistical Processes Basic Control Charts Process Capability and Process Performance S4 ANALYSIS PHASE Visualization of Data Comparison Tests: Continuous Response Bootstrapping Variance Components S4 IMPROVEMENT PHASE Benefiting from Design of Experiments (DOE) Variability Reduction Through DOE and Taguchi Considerations S4 CONTROL PHASE Other Control Charting Alternatives Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (EWMA) and Engineering Process Control (EPC) Control Plan and Other Strategies Pass/Fail Functional Testing Appendices List of Symbols Glossary References Index.

Abstract: Six Sigma is a phenomenon that is gaining wide acceptance in industry, but lacks a theoretical underpinning and a basis for research other than “best practice” studies. Rigorous academic research of Six Sigma requires the formulation and identification of useful theories related to the phenomenon. Accordingly, this paper develops an understanding of the Six Sigma phenomena from a goal theoretic perspective. After reviewing the goal theory literature, these concepts, when applied to Six Sigma, suggest some propositions for future research. This paper can help serve as a foundation for developing scientific knowledge about Six Sigma.