Archive for July, 2010

Six Sigma

Saturday, July 31st, 2010

Six Sigma

Six Sigma has become a culture and a way of life for many industries big and small, manufacturing and service industries alike.

The aim of Six Sigma is to achieve sustained improvements, which is possible through the use of tools and techniques and controls systems.

Reasons Why Six Sigma Has Endured Over the Years

Six Sigma has endured over a period of time due to the underlying fact that it is a methodology that aims to achieve long term success based on a very sound decision making process.

Another important reason is the discipline in effective execution of the project using a large variety of tools and techniques.

A major factor for the success of any organization is the innovativeness of those involved to bring about higher productivity levels.

Other reasons for its sustainability are listed here:

• Association with Finance: For any company to have greater levels of productivity and profitability as well as higher levels of savings, it is necessary that the finance department be involved to validate any improvements.

In a Six Sigma project, the finance department is involved mainly to estimate, validate or control phases. For a quality initiative, when the statistical figures are converted into financial terms, top management also finds it easier to relate to them and get involved in the different phases as required.

A comparison process that is measurable can ensure better participation of team members and bring about better results.

• Based on quality metrics: Six Sigma is based upon quality metrics that will give team leaders the answers to how well a certain process has been accomplished.

However, sometimes Six Sigma projects also involve productivity metrics that answer the question ‘how many’. When quality metrics are defined, the Six Sigma project will surely succeed.

• Training for a select few: Six Sigma training is not conducted throughout the organization for all employees. A few employees with good technical and social skills are selected for Six Sigma trainings.

These members are seen as future leaders and are trained in facilitation, statistical tools and other methods. These members also learn about project management and can tackle different improvement initiatives.

• Statistical thinking: Six Sigma is based on statistical thinking and not on intuition. However, there are times when team members fail to understand the concept of variation and standard deviation.

This leads them to resort to intuition-based decision-making.

• Suits all types of organizations: The best thing about Six Sigma is that it does not have a one-size-fits for all settings.

It can be molded to suit the needs of organizations of all sizes and types.

• Applied training: The Six Sigma training methodology is given as a week of training and another 3 weeks of applying techniques learned to get hands-on experience.

This methodology helps to bridge knowledge and achieved skills.

• Process improvements: Six Sigma allows the organization and management to invest in eradicating chronic problems and to improve the infrastructure.

Trained teams work towards investigating and preventing root causes of problems and improve processes in numerous ways.

With such a sound approach to problems faced by organizations, Six Sigma has every reason to grow in the years ahead.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions - Six Sigma Online (http://www.sixsigmaonline.org) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.

Friday, July 30th, 2010


Six Sigma - Not Just a Fad

Six Sigma has become a culture and a way of life for many industries big and small, manufacturing and service industries alike.

The aim of Six Sigma is to achieve sustained improvements, which is possible through the use of tools and techniques and controls systems.

Reasons Why Six Sigma Has Endured Over the Years

Six Sigma has endured over a period of time due to the underlying fact that it is a methodology that aims to achieve long term success based on a very sound decision making process.

Another important reason is the discipline in effective execution of the project using a large variety of tools and techniques.

A major factor for the success of any organization is the innovativeness of those involved to bring about higher productivity levels.

Other reasons for its sustainability are listed here:

• Association with Finance: For any company to have greater levels of productivity and profitability as well as higher levels of savings, it is necessary that the finance department be involved to validate any improvements.

In a Six Sigma project, the finance department is involved mainly to estimate, validate or control phases. For a quality initiative, when the statistical figures are converted into financial terms, top management also finds it easier to relate to them and get involved in the different phases as required.

A comparison process that is measurable can ensure better participation of team members and bring about better results.

• Based on quality metrics: Six Sigma is based upon quality metrics that will give team leaders the answers to how well a certain process has been accomplished.

However, sometimes Six Sigma projects also involve productivity metrics that answer the question ‘how many’. When quality metrics are defined, the Six Sigma project will surely succeed.

• Training for a select few: Six Sigma training is not conducted throughout the organization for all employees. A few employees with good technical and social skills are selected for Six Sigma trainings.

These members are seen as future leaders and are trained in facilitation, statistical tools and other methods. These members also learn about project management and can tackle different improvement initiatives.

• Statistical thinking: Six Sigma is based on statistical thinking and not on intuition. However, there are times when team members fail to understand the concept of variation and standard deviation.

This leads them to resort to intuition-based decision-making.

• Suits all types of organizations: The best thing about Six Sigma is that it does not have a one-size-fits for all settings.

It can be molded to suit the needs of organizations of all sizes and types.

• Applied training: The Six Sigma training methodology is given as a week of training and another 3 weeks of applying techniques learned to get hands-on experience.

This methodology helps to bridge knowledge and achieved skills.

• Process improvements: Six Sigma allows the organization and management to invest in eradicating chronic problems and to improve the infrastructure.

Trained teams work towards investigating and preventing root causes of problems and improve processes in numerous ways.

With such a sound approach to problems faced by organizations, Six Sigma has every reason to grow in the years ahead.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions - Six Sigma Online (http://www.sixsigmaonline.org) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.

Six Sigma - Not Just a Passing Fancy

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

Six Sigma - Not Just a Passing Fancy

Six Sigma has become a culture and a way of life for many industries big and small, manufacturing and service industries alike.

The aim of Six Sigma is to achieve sustained improvements, which is possible through the use of tools and techniques and controls systems.

Reasons Why Six Sigma Has Endured Over the Years

Six Sigma has endured over a period of time due to the underlying fact that it is a methodology that aims to achieve long term success based on a very sound decision making process.

Another important reason is the discipline in effective execution of the project using a large variety of tools and techniques.

A major factor for the success of any organization is the innovativeness of those involved to bring about higher productivity levels.

Other reasons for its sustainability are listed here:

• Association with Finance: For any company to have greater levels of productivity and profitability as well as higher levels of savings, it is necessary that the finance department be involved to validate any improvements.

In a Six Sigma project, the finance department is involved mainly to estimate, validate or control phases. For a quality initiative, when the statistical figures are converted into financial terms, top management also finds it easier to relate to them and get involved in the different phases as required.

A comparison process that is measurable can ensure better participation of team members and bring about better results.

• Based on quality metrics: Six Sigma is based upon quality metrics that will give team leaders the answers to how well a certain process has been accomplished.

However, sometimes Six Sigma projects also involve productivity metrics that answer the question ‘how many’. When quality metrics are defined, the Six Sigma project will surely succeed.

• Training for a select few: Six Sigma training is not conducted throughout the organization for all employees. A few employees with good technical and social skills are selected for Six Sigma trainings.

These members are seen as future leaders and are trained in facilitation, statistical tools and other methods. These members also learn about project management and can tackle different improvement initiatives.

• Statistical thinking: Six Sigma is based on statistical thinking and not on intuition. However, there are times when team members fail to understand the concept of variation and standard deviation.

This leads them to resort to intuition-based decision-making.

• Suits all types of organizations: The best thing about Six Sigma is that it does not have a one-size-fits for all settings.

It can be molded to suit the needs of organizations of all sizes and types.

• Applied training: The Six Sigma training methodology is given as a week of training and another 3 weeks of applying techniques learned to get hands-on experience.

This methodology helps to bridge knowledge and achieved skills.

• Process improvements: Six Sigma allows the organization and management to invest in eradicating chronic problems and to improve the infrastructure.

Trained teams work towards investigating and preventing root causes of problems and improve processes in numerous ways.

With such a sound approach to problems faced by organizations, Six Sigma has every reason to grow in the years ahead.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions - Six Sigma Online (http://www.sixsigmaonline.org) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.


Designer: REQ: PM - Six Sigma Black Belt : Capital Markets Exp …

Six Sigma Project manager black belt : NYC: FULL-TIME/ Contract To Hire Client is looking for 2 Six Sigma certified Black Belts with about 3 years experience leading projects. MUST have Six Sigma Black Belt Certification …


Deanna Sanabria » Blog Archive » Six Sigma Black Belts – Salary …

They need to know and use the statistical tools and reports of Six Sigma, which are useful in decision making. Six Sigma Black Belts are also considered to be change agents. They are expected to successfully implement Six Sigma projects …


Velocity Consulting Shares Six Sigma Expertise in New Carbon …

Velocity Consulting Shares Six Sigma Expertise in New Carbon Footprint, Greening Supply Chain Text. Six Sigma Executive provides guidance in Executive Order 13514, Federal Contractor implementation resource.


Six Sigma Demand Generation | Marketbright Blog

We recently heard Chris Waldo of Ingersoll-Rand (IR) talk about applying manufacturing’s Six Sigma process to demand gen. If you’re a Marketbright customer,


Event: Health Care Conference, Using Lean Six Sigma as a Path to …

(University at Buffalo: Buffalo, NY) — Health care managers interested in operational excellence are invited to the University at Buffalo’s (UB) health care improvement conference, “Sustaining Improvement: Using Lean Six Sigma as a …

Six Sigma - Not Just a Passing Fancy

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

Six Sigma - Not Just a Passing Fancy

Six Sigma has become a culture and a way of life for many industries big and small, manufacturing and service industries alike.

The aim of Six Sigma is to achieve sustained improvements, which is possible through the use of tools and techniques and controls systems.

Reasons Why Six Sigma Has Endured Over the Years

Six Sigma has endured over a period of time due to the underlying fact that it is a methodology that aims to achieve long term success based on a very sound decision making process.

Another important reason is the discipline in effective execution of the project using a large variety of tools and techniques.

A major factor for the success of any organization is the innovativeness of those involved to bring about higher productivity levels.

Other reasons for its sustainability are listed here:

• Association with Finance: For any company to have greater levels of productivity and profitability as well as higher levels of savings, it is necessary that the finance department be involved to validate any improvements.

In a Six Sigma project, the finance department is involved mainly to estimate, validate or control phases. For a quality initiative, when the statistical figures are converted into financial terms, top management also finds it easier to relate to them and get involved in the different phases as required.

A comparison process that is measurable can ensure better participation of team members and bring about better results.

• Based on quality metrics: Six Sigma is based upon quality metrics that will give team leaders the answers to how well a certain process has been accomplished.

However, sometimes Six Sigma projects also involve productivity metrics that answer the question ‘how many’. When quality metrics are defined, the Six Sigma project will surely succeed.

• Training for a select few: Six Sigma training is not conducted throughout the organization for all employees. A few employees with good technical and social skills are selected for Six Sigma trainings.

These members are seen as future leaders and are trained in facilitation, statistical tools and other methods. These members also learn about project management and can tackle different improvement initiatives.

• Statistical thinking: Six Sigma is based on statistical thinking and not on intuition. However, there are times when team members fail to understand the concept of variation and standard deviation.

This leads them to resort to intuition-based decision-making.

• Suits all types of organizations: The best thing about Six Sigma is that it does not have a one-size-fits for all settings.

It can be molded to suit the needs of organizations of all sizes and types.

• Applied training: The Six Sigma training methodology is given as a week of training and another 3 weeks of applying techniques learned to get hands-on experience.

This methodology helps to bridge knowledge and achieved skills.

• Process improvements: Six Sigma allows the organization and management to invest in eradicating chronic problems and to improve the infrastructure.

Trained teams work towards investigating and preventing root causes of problems and improve processes in numerous ways.

With such a sound approach to problems faced by organizations, Six Sigma has every reason to grow in the years ahead.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions - Six Sigma Online (http://www.sixsigmaonline.org) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.

Six Sigma - Not Just a Fad

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

Six Sigma - Not Just a Fad

Six Sigma has become a culture and a way of life for many industries big and small, manufacturing and service industries alike.

The aim of Six Sigma is to achieve sustained improvements, which is possible through the use of tools and techniques and controls systems.

Reasons Why Six Sigma Has Endured Over the Years

Six Sigma has endured over a period of time due to the underlying fact that it is a methodology that aims to achieve long term success based on a very sound decision making process.

Another important reason is the discipline in effective execution of the project using a large variety of tools and techniques.

A major factor for the success of any organization is the innovativeness of those involved to bring about higher productivity levels.

Other reasons for its sustainability are listed here:

• Association with Finance: For any company to have greater levels of productivity and profitability as well as higher levels of savings, it is necessary that the finance department be involved to validate any improvements.

In a Six Sigma project, the finance department is involved mainly to estimate, validate or control phases. For a quality initiative, when the statistical figures are converted into financial terms, top management also finds it easier to relate to them and get involved in the different phases as required.

A comparison process that is measurable can ensure better participation of team members and bring about better results.

• Based on quality metrics: Six Sigma is based upon quality metrics that will give team leaders the answers to how well a certain process has been accomplished.

However, sometimes Six Sigma projects also involve productivity metrics that answer the question ‘how many’. When quality metrics are defined, the Six Sigma project will surely succeed.

• Training for a select few: Six Sigma training is not conducted throughout the organization for all employees. A few employees with good technical and social skills are selected for Six Sigma trainings.

These members are seen as future leaders and are trained in facilitation, statistical tools and other methods. These members also learn about project management and can tackle different improvement initiatives.

• Statistical thinking: Six Sigma is based on statistical thinking and not on intuition. However, there are times when team members fail to understand the concept of variation and standard deviation.

This leads them to resort to intuition-based decision-making.

• Suits all types of organizations: The best thing about Six Sigma is that it does not have a one-size-fits for all settings.

It can be molded to suit the needs of organizations of all sizes and types.

• Applied training: The Six Sigma training methodology is given as a week of training and another 3 weeks of applying techniques learned to get hands-on experience.

This methodology helps to bridge knowledge and achieved skills.

• Process improvements: Six Sigma allows the organization and management to invest in eradicating chronic problems and to improve the infrastructure.

Trained teams work towards investigating and preventing root causes of problems and improve processes in numerous ways.

With such a sound approach to problems faced by organizations, Six Sigma has every reason to grow in the years ahead.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions - Six Sigma Online (http://www.sixsigmaonline.org) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.


Peter Drucker's Favorite Leadership Book by William Cohen, Ph.D.

Peter Drucker’s Favorite Leadership Book by William Cohen, Ph.D. - Doris Drucker, Peter Drucker’s widow, is 99 years young. She is bright, charming and energetic. She exercises with weights, plays a mean game of tennis and travels the …


Six Sigma Certification Programs

Six Sigma Certification Programs Professional Certifications and Degrees.


Properly Planning a Six Sigma Project by Thomas S. Ostasiewski, PE …

Properly Planning a Six Sigma Project by Thomas S. Ostasiewski, PE, PMP - Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “Plans are nothing; planning is everything.” Certainly he wasn’t talking about Six Sigma projects, but this little statement applies …


TPS-Lean Six Sigma- by Hubert K. Rampersad and Anwar El-Homsi …

App Name:TPS-Lean Six Sigma- by Hubert K. Rampersad and Anwar El-Homsi,Developer:AppsPublisher.com,Category:Books,Release:2010/7/27,Compatible with iPad.Requires iOS 3.2 or later.


Manufacturing Journalist Tr Cutler Profiles Vrm and Six Sigma in …

Vendor Relationship Management or VRM is the reciprocal of CRM (Customer Relationship Management). VRM provides manufacturing enterprises a wide range of.

Six Sigma - Not Just a Passing Fancy

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

Six Sigma - Not Just a Passing Fancy

Six Sigma has become a culture and a way of life for many industries big and small, manufacturing and service industries alike.

The aim of Six Sigma is to achieve sustained improvements, which is possible through the use of tools and techniques and controls systems.

Reasons Why Six Sigma Has Endured Over the Years

Six Sigma has endured over a period of time due to the underlying fact that it is a methodology that aims to achieve long term success based on a very sound decision making process.

Another important reason is the discipline in effective execution of the project using a large variety of tools and techniques.

A major factor for the success of any organization is the innovativeness of those involved to bring about higher productivity levels.

Other reasons for its sustainability are listed here:

• Association with Finance: For any company to have greater levels of productivity and profitability as well as higher levels of savings, it is necessary that the finance department be involved to validate any improvements.

In a Six Sigma project, the finance department is involved mainly to estimate, validate or control phases. For a quality initiative, when the statistical figures are converted into financial terms, top management also finds it easier to relate to them and get involved in the different phases as required.

A comparison process that is measurable can ensure better participation of team members and bring about better results.

• Based on quality metrics: Six Sigma is based upon quality metrics that will give team leaders the answers to how well a certain process has been accomplished.

However, sometimes Six Sigma projects also involve productivity metrics that answer the question ‘how many’. When quality metrics are defined, the Six Sigma project will surely succeed.

• Training for a select few: Six Sigma training is not conducted throughout the organization for all employees. A few employees with good technical and social skills are selected for Six Sigma trainings.

These members are seen as future leaders and are trained in facilitation, statistical tools and other methods. These members also learn about project management and can tackle different improvement initiatives.

• Statistical thinking: Six Sigma is based on statistical thinking and not on intuition. However, there are times when team members fail to understand the concept of variation and standard deviation.

This leads them to resort to intuition-based decision-making.

• Suits all types of organizations: The best thing about Six Sigma is that it does not have a one-size-fits for all settings.

It can be molded to suit the needs of organizations of all sizes and types.

• Applied training: The Six Sigma training methodology is given as a week of training and another 3 weeks of applying techniques learned to get hands-on experience.

This methodology helps to bridge knowledge and achieved skills.

• Process improvements: Six Sigma allows the organization and management to invest in eradicating chronic problems and to improve the infrastructure.

Trained teams work towards investigating and preventing root causes of problems and improve processes in numerous ways.

With such a sound approach to problems faced by organizations, Six Sigma has every reason to grow in the years ahead.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions - Six Sigma Online (http://www.sixsigmaonline.org) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010


Six Sigma - Not Just a Passing Fancy

Six Sigma has become a culture and a way of life for many industries big and small, manufacturing and service industries alike.

The aim of Six Sigma is to achieve sustained improvements, which is possible through the use of tools and techniques and controls systems.

Reasons Why Six Sigma Has Endured Over the Years

Six Sigma has endured over a period of time due to the underlying fact that it is a methodology that aims to achieve long term success based on a very sound decision making process.

Another important reason is the discipline in effective execution of the project using a large variety of tools and techniques.

A major factor for the success of any organization is the innovativeness of those involved to bring about higher productivity levels.

Other reasons for its sustainability are listed here:

• Association with Finance: For any company to have greater levels of productivity and profitability as well as higher levels of savings, it is necessary that the finance department be involved to validate any improvements.

In a Six Sigma project, the finance department is involved mainly to estimate, validate or control phases. For a quality initiative, when the statistical figures are converted into financial terms, top management also finds it easier to relate to them and get involved in the different phases as required.

A comparison process that is measurable can ensure better participation of team members and bring about better results.

• Based on quality metrics: Six Sigma is based upon quality metrics that will give team leaders the answers to how well a certain process has been accomplished.

However, sometimes Six Sigma projects also involve productivity metrics that answer the question ‘how many’. When quality metrics are defined, the Six Sigma project will surely succeed.

• Training for a select few: Six Sigma training is not conducted throughout the organization for all employees. A few employees with good technical and social skills are selected for Six Sigma trainings.

These members are seen as future leaders and are trained in facilitation, statistical tools and other methods. These members also learn about project management and can tackle different improvement initiatives.

• Statistical thinking: Six Sigma is based on statistical thinking and not on intuition. However, there are times when team members fail to understand the concept of variation and standard deviation.

This leads them to resort to intuition-based decision-making.

• Suits all types of organizations: The best thing about Six Sigma is that it does not have a one-size-fits for all settings.

It can be molded to suit the needs of organizations of all sizes and types.

• Applied training: The Six Sigma training methodology is given as a week of training and another 3 weeks of applying techniques learned to get hands-on experience.

This methodology helps to bridge knowledge and achieved skills.

• Process improvements: Six Sigma allows the organization and management to invest in eradicating chronic problems and to improve the infrastructure.

Trained teams work towards investigating and preventing root causes of problems and improve processes in numerous ways.

With such a sound approach to problems faced by organizations, Six Sigma has every reason to grow in the years ahead.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions - Six Sigma Online (http://www.sixsigmaonline.org) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.

Selecting An Ironing Board - What To Look For

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

An ironing board is, without doubt, a mundane item of household equipment to which the majority of people give very little thought. However, it is an essential item for any household and, if you choose the wrong one, then you might end up with badly pressed garments, take more time than you need to when ironing and even put unnecessary strain on your back.

Most people today use steam irons - or even steam generator irons, which are becoming ever more popular. In this case you definitely want to get an ironing board which has a mesh construction. This allows the steam to pass through the fabric of the garment being ironed, through the cover of the ironing board and through the top of the board itself. It helps to prevent the ironing board cover becoming soggy due to condensation after a few garments have been ironed.

The cover of the ironing board should present a smooth surface to facilitate ironing. It should be secure and not prone to slipping. An elasticated cover, possibly with one or two cross-ties at the centre, is generally a good design which won’t move about as you iron. A metalised cover will reflect some of the heat and this will help to smooth the underside of the garment whilst the top surface is being ironed.

The size and shape of the board that you select will depend, to a large extent, on the type of things that you usually iron. Whilst a smaller board may be easier to store and work around, it will normally mean that the garment being ironed needs to be repositioned more frequently. Ironing the shoulders of shirts and blouses will be easier if there is a marked taper on the “pointy” end of the board.

Scissor action legs are pretty much the norm. It should be possible to adjust the height to a level that suits you and doesn’t cause any back strain. If you like to iron from a seated position then legs which have a curve on them - so that you don’t bang your knees on them - are a good idea. The legs should provide good support. A broad T-piece, or legs that splay to a good width and have a connecting bar, are usually good options.

The support for the iron should be strong enough to support the iron’s weight. For a traditional steam iron a wire frame type of arrangement is generally sufficient. Due to their large base units, steam generator irons can be quite a bit heavier than normal steam irons. A slightly longer board which just uses a heat resistant plate on its surface may be better for this type of iron. Alternatively, the base unit could be placed on the floor - as long as the connecting hose between the base unit and the iron is long enough to allow this.

Ironing is a thankless task at best. Cut it down to size with a Tefal steam generator iron - you’ll be delighted at just how much time you can save.

Six Sigma - Not Just a Passing Fancy

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

Six Sigma - Not Just a Passing Fancy

Six Sigma has become a culture and a way of life for many industries big and small, manufacturing and service industries alike.

The aim of Six Sigma is to achieve sustained improvements, which is possible through the use of tools and techniques and controls systems.

Reasons Why Six Sigma Has Endured Over the Years

Six Sigma has endured over a period of time due to the underlying fact that it is a methodology that aims to achieve long term success based on a very sound decision making process.

Another important reason is the discipline in effective execution of the project using a large variety of tools and techniques.

A major factor for the success of any organization is the innovativeness of those involved to bring about higher productivity levels.

Other reasons for its sustainability are listed here:

• Association with Finance: For any company to have greater levels of productivity and profitability as well as higher levels of savings, it is necessary that the finance department be involved to validate any improvements.

In a Six Sigma project, the finance department is involved mainly to estimate, validate or control phases. For a quality initiative, when the statistical figures are converted into financial terms, top management also finds it easier to relate to them and get involved in the different phases as required.

A comparison process that is measurable can ensure better participation of team members and bring about better results.

• Based on quality metrics: Six Sigma is based upon quality metrics that will give team leaders the answers to how well a certain process has been accomplished.

However, sometimes Six Sigma projects also involve productivity metrics that answer the question ‘how many’. When quality metrics are defined, the Six Sigma project will surely succeed.

• Training for a select few: Six Sigma training is not conducted throughout the organization for all employees. A few employees with good technical and social skills are selected for Six Sigma trainings.

These members are seen as future leaders and are trained in facilitation, statistical tools and other methods. These members also learn about project management and can tackle different improvement initiatives.

• Statistical thinking: Six Sigma is based on statistical thinking and not on intuition. However, there are times when team members fail to understand the concept of variation and standard deviation.

This leads them to resort to intuition-based decision-making.

• Suits all types of organizations: The best thing about Six Sigma is that it does not have a one-size-fits for all settings.

It can be molded to suit the needs of organizations of all sizes and types.

• Applied training: The Six Sigma training methodology is given as a week of training and another 3 weeks of applying techniques learned to get hands-on experience.

This methodology helps to bridge knowledge and achieved skills.

• Process improvements: Six Sigma allows the organization and management to invest in eradicating chronic problems and to improve the infrastructure.

Trained teams work towards investigating and preventing root causes of problems and improve processes in numerous ways.

With such a sound approach to problems faced by organizations, Six Sigma has every reason to grow in the years ahead.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions - Six Sigma Online (http://www.sixsigmaonline.org) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.

Six Sigma - Not Just a Fad

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

Six Sigma - Not Just a Fad

Six Sigma has become a culture and a way of life for many industries big and small, manufacturing and service industries alike.

The aim of Six Sigma is to achieve sustained improvements, which is possible through the use of tools and techniques and controls systems.

Reasons Why Six Sigma Has Endured Over the Years

Six Sigma has endured over a period of time due to the underlying fact that it is a methodology that aims to achieve long term success based on a very sound decision making process.

Another important reason is the discipline in effective execution of the project using a large variety of tools and techniques.

A major factor for the success of any organization is the innovativeness of those involved to bring about higher productivity levels.

Other reasons for its sustainability are listed here:

• Association with Finance: For any company to have greater levels of productivity and profitability as well as higher levels of savings, it is necessary that the finance department be involved to validate any improvements.

In a Six Sigma project, the finance department is involved mainly to estimate, validate or control phases. For a quality initiative, when the statistical figures are converted into financial terms, top management also finds it easier to relate to them and get involved in the different phases as required.

A comparison process that is measurable can ensure better participation of team members and bring about better results.

• Based on quality metrics: Six Sigma is based upon quality metrics that will give team leaders the answers to how well a certain process has been accomplished.

However, sometimes Six Sigma projects also involve productivity metrics that answer the question ‘how many’. When quality metrics are defined, the Six Sigma project will surely succeed.

• Training for a select few: Six Sigma training is not conducted throughout the organization for all employees. A few employees with good technical and social skills are selected for Six Sigma trainings.

These members are seen as future leaders and are trained in facilitation, statistical tools and other methods. These members also learn about project management and can tackle different improvement initiatives.

• Statistical thinking: Six Sigma is based on statistical thinking and not on intuition. However, there are times when team members fail to understand the concept of variation and standard deviation.

This leads them to resort to intuition-based decision-making.

• Suits all types of organizations: The best thing about Six Sigma is that it does not have a one-size-fits for all settings.

It can be molded to suit the needs of organizations of all sizes and types.

• Applied training: The Six Sigma training methodology is given as a week of training and another 3 weeks of applying techniques learned to get hands-on experience.

This methodology helps to bridge knowledge and achieved skills.

• Process improvements: Six Sigma allows the organization and management to invest in eradicating chronic problems and to improve the infrastructure.

Trained teams work towards investigating and preventing root causes of problems and improve processes in numerous ways.

With such a sound approach to problems faced by organizations, Six Sigma has every reason to grow in the years ahead.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions - Six Sigma Online (http://www.sixsigmaonline.org) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.