Six Sigma --- Basics
Sigma is a letter in the Greek alphabet used
to denote the standard deviation of a process (Standard
deviation measures the variation or amount of spread about
the process mean).
A process with Six Sigma capability means
having twelve standard deviations between the upper and
lower specification limits. Essentially, process variation
is reduced so that no more than 3.4 parts per million falls
outside of the specification limits. The higher the Sigma
number, the lesser are the defects.
Sigma is a statistical expression that indicates
how much variation there is in a product. A performance
level of Six Sigma equates to 3.4 defects per million opportunities-not
perfect, but pretty close. A defect was defined as anything
that caused customer dissatisfaction. According to Robert
W. Galvin, Chairman of the executive committee of the Motorola
Management Board, Six Sigma signifies “near perfection”.
The six Sigma term also refers to a philosophy,
goal or methodology utilized to drive out waste and improve
the quality, cost and time performance of any business.
Six Sigma
Implementation is through projects. Project is defined
as a structured and systematic approach to achieving Six
Sigma levels of improvement. Projects are categorized as
The use of Six Sigma statistical tools is
taking hold in the chemical industry in the actual designing
process. Application of Six Sigma saves money in administrative
and service functions as well. Many companies are applying
the techniques in manufacturing to lower variability, which
cuts the number of defects, reducing operating costs and
increasing effective capacity. But they have also discovered
that Six Sigma techniques can be applies to improve other
areas—such as customer loyalty –providing a boost for the
top line.
Six Sigma … Leadership:
Is an executive briefing on Six Sigma Philosophy,
tools and techniques as well as its implications and lessons
learned. It provides participants with the knowledge to
create a more profitable and performance-oriented organization.
Six Sigma . . . Champion Training
Champions are senior management personnel
charged with driving and supporting Six Sigma to achieve
business and operational objectives by scrapping out waste
and increase customer satisfaction. They mentor and support
Black Belts and their concerned projects.
Six Sigma . . . Green Belt Training
An employee of an organization who participates
in Six Sigma team is referred to as Green Belt. A Green
Belt should attend Green Belt training to be effective.
Six Sigma . . . Black Belt Training
A Black Belt is a managerial level or technical
specialist who is assigned complete responsibility to implement
Six Sigma throughout the business unit.
Few institutes like Juran Institute offer
Six Sigma Black Belt Training and Black Belt certification.
To be certified Black Belts, candidates must successfully
complete improvement projects approved by the Institute
Instructor.
Six Sigma . . . Master Black Belt Training
The Master Black Belt participant should undergo
a series of teaching sessions and presentations where they
will have to demonstrate their teaching abilities of the
assigned Green and Black Belt programs effectively. Master
Black Belts are company-wide Six Sigma Quality experts.
Six Sigma provides companies with a series
of interventions and statistical tools that lead to breakthrough
profitability and quantum gains in quality, whether a company’s
products are durable goods or services
There is a need in the Indian Industry to
substantially upgrade its understanding and practice of
quality to compete in the international market. An Indian
company in partnership with GE has developed a sixteen-month
plan to implement Six Sigma.
Six Sigma is a stretch goal. The intent is
to have continuous improvement to keep striving. Company
restructuring or pumping in lot of money to succeed is not
the right direction. Six Sigma is attainable with time and
strong dedication.
Further Reading: The journal for Quality
and Participation, Vol 23 No 2, By Douglas & Erwin.
