How And When To Choose The Right Six Sigma Training

The term "Six Sigma" may seem difficult to comprehend at times, but is actually very easy to explain. The term is derived from a character in the Greek alphabet, which is used for representing a standard variation in statistical mathematics. Statistically, Six Sigma can be defined as a near perfect method of production that restricts the number of defects to less than 3.4 for every million opportunities that exist for a defect to occur. This makes Six Sigma one of the preferred quality management techniques for achieving near perfect business processes through process improvement.

Data Driven And Disciplined Approach

Six Sigma follows a disciplined and data driven approach for eliminating defects in any type of business process, whether it is the product manufacturing process or after sale customer service. The two most commonly used methodologies in quality improvement projects are the DMAIC process (define, measure, analyze, improve, control) and the DMADV process (define, measure, analyze, design, verify). The former is used for improving the quality of business processes that have not met customer specifications and require improvement. The latter is used for developing new products or business processes that conform to 6-Sigma quality levels. Both the processes are carried out under the guidance of Green Belts and Black Belts, who in turn are guided by Six Sigma Master Black Belts.

Companies often want to know exactly how many benefits can be derived from Six Sigma training. Just to get an idea, one can look at the financial data of General Electric, one of the companies that have successfully implemented Six Sigma training. It is estimated that the total value of benefits derived from the training was close to a staggering $ 10 billion in the five years after implementation. It is estimated that on an average, Six Sigma Black Belts help companies save $ 230,000 per project. Given that most companies can execute 4 to 6 such projects per year, the total savings can translate into $ 920,000 to $ 1,380,000 per year.

Selection Process

After selecting the most appropriate type of training, a company needs to find the right consultant who has the necessary skills and experience in implementing Six Sigma programs. The selection of the training consultant will depend on the type of Six Sigma program that the company is planning to implement. Some programs are implemented all throughout an organization whereas others are implemented in a specific area only such as individual functional departments. The decision regarding the selection of the consultant needs to be made only after consulting other employees, as they are the ones who will eventually interact with the consultant during the implementation process.

After getting approval from the employees, it is advisable to seek references from business associates in other companies that have implemented such projects and can provide the necessary insights. Companies need to interview potential trainers and ask questions regarding their previous work relationships, referrals, total number of candidates trained by them till date, training materials used, earlier projects they have worked on, and their qualifications. This is essential since companies need trainers with a great deal of real-world experience. Companies need to inquire in depth about the type of training that the trainer is willing to provide. Usually, companies prefer training firms that operate online help desks for helping clients in dealing with problems that might arise after the training has been completed.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution's Six Sigma Online offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts

Six Sigma & Strategic Planning

Strategic planning, as applied to Six Sigma, implies that the drawing down of elaborate and systematic planning of areas of concerns that have far-reaching and tactical implications at the project selection stage. The purpose of strategic planning is to have produced fundamental decisions and actions that guide successful Six Sigma implementation.

An Overview Of Strategic Six Sigma

Many CEOs are skeptical about the outcome of Six Sigma, despite huge annual spending. A critical component which helps integrate the visions of the leader with the functioning of the organization is strategic programming derived from "strategy deployment mapping". This is said to produce an entirely new direction for the organization. The skepticism about the vision of building a future begins to gain momentum with the linking of visions to action plans and when it delivers tangible results. Six Sigma takes strategic planning to a different plane of thinking by delivering on this promise.

Success Begins With Planning

It should not be forgotten that the foundation for success is proper and adequate planning. Planning is the elaborate statement of vision by the leader of the company. This is true for both large corporations and smaller start-ups. The core of transforming organizational vision into tangible gains by employees has many steps to overcome obstacles on the path to achievement. Achievements will have to be translated to customer satisfaction for Six Sigma to be successful.

Sharing Of Vision

The vision which begins its journey with upper management needs to be shared by all the stakeholders. It may be difficult to demonstrate to employees that their actions relate to customer reactions directly. Another missing link that needs to be connected is the customer himself. The emphasis of Six Sigma is on factoring in customers & engaging them in defining needs. Deploying employees actively connects these disjointed needs. The powerful tools of Six Sigma highlight and simplifies the linkage between key elements, activities, strategies and finally the vision, paving way for smooth sharing of ideas. The methodology of Six Sigma communicates company vision effectively to all concerned in a language understandable by each of them.

Critical Mass

There is also a danger of leaders getting bogged down by trivial matters of day-to-day operations and numerous details. Two of the tools of Six Sigma (metrics), key requirements and differentiators, come to the rescue. These two metrics highlight the importance or irrelevance of some data and push for excellence on those that matter. The end result is helping leaders to envision the strategic importance of activities and steering clear of trivial, mundane things.

Deployment of Six Sigma can't be disconnected from strategic planning and financial activities, either. If the decision to implement Six Sigma is a result of strategic planning, it means the leadership has recognized the need for complete retooling of the organization, no matter what phase it is in.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution's Six Sigma Online offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts

Six Sigma and Statistical Methods

Six Sigma methodologies use statistical tools used to transform raw data into information. Based on the results, further actions are taken. Statistical tools and related aspects of Six Sigma methodology comprises about half of Six Sigma. In addition, Six Sigma places a lot of emphasis on graphical interpretation of data collected during the course of measurements.

The importance of statistical methods emanate from the fact that many hypotheses can be disproved with sufficient statistical data. The significance of statistical methods in Six Sigma increases with any increase in sample sizes. The statistical methods quantitatively facilitate evaluation of the performance of any process. The purpose of this being to tackle the cost of poor quality (COPQ) first, Six Sigma has a broader scope than the traditional cost effectiveness model.

Some Important Statistical Methods In Six Sigma

Variations in processes are measured in terms of deviation from the mean and data falling within the acceptable statistical limits. Graphical representation of this data helps companies to visualize things with greater accuracy. Let us examine a few of the most commonly used Six Sigma statistical methods.

Control Chart

The deviations within the acceptable limits (upper & lower) are due to common causes. Anything falling beyond the limits is attributable to some specific cause. For example, take the case of writing your name ten times. Although there are similarities, you probably won't be able to find any two signatures being exactly the same. The reason is an inherent variation that produces reasonable results within limits and is termed as 'common cause'. Special causes are those due to forced errors. A control chart has a mathematical mean line in the center and two limit lines. The third component of the Six Sigma control chart is the performance data, which is plotted over time.

You can seek special causes and track common ones through control charts by looking for:

* One set of data falling beyond the acceptable limits (special cause) * Greater than 6 data sets climbing or declining steadily within limits * Eight or more subsequent data sets falling on one side of the mean * Data falling alternately across the mean line

Interpretation emphasizes seeking out the special cause that brings stability to process variation. The real fun here lies in removing the common cause and induced variations also.

Brainstorming & Affinity Group Tool

Brainstorming generates and polishes creative ideas based on the principle that two heads are better than one. An affinity diagram is used to organize & develop brainstorming by fine tuning initial and raw thoughts and removing uncertainties. The advantage of this is that it obviously stimulates for generation of more ideas. The affinity diagram was not originally intended to be a quality management tool. First devised by Kawakita Jiro, the affinity tool emphasizes the need for sorting and titling the data only at the end. A typical affinity diagram organizes the brainstormed ideas on its left panel. On the right side are ideas neatly grouped into affinity sets. Reasons for an idea belonging to a particular set are not given particular importance, but all ideas are clarified. An idea may be present in a single group if it has any resemblance to another.

If there is one thing that summarizes the importance of statistical methods in Six Sigma, it can be none better than a saying, famous in Six Sigma circles - "In God we trust, all the rest bring data". Need we say more?

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution's Six Sigma Online offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.

Six Sigma Certification

Many questions arise in the minds of six sigma certification candidates. These questions range from the most strange to the most genuine concerns. There is a compelling need to explain things regarding the exam for the benefit of those who have questions but don't know where to find the answers. Here is brief outline of a few fundamental questions that are frequently asked about Six Sigma Certification.

What Is Six Sigma Certification?

Six Sigma Certification is documented proof that a person has acquired certain standardized capabilities with regard to the quality management technique that, when applied, works towards error/defect elimination and prevention. However, the certificate does not guarantee that a candidate has implementation skills, but only certifies competency in the subject matter. One can attain certification in any of the key roles (Master Black Belt, Champion, etc.).

Basis For Six Sigma Certification

Six Sigma Certification typically involves studying the related subject matter and passing an exam. Training institutes or companies provide certification tests and six sigma training courses. It is not unusual for new companies to have their employees test on a training institutes' tests. This completes the first part of the written test in the candidate's proficiency in the subject matter. Now comes the real test! Once having passed the written test, The candidate must work hands on a project or two in a practical environment. In this situation, the candidate must demonstrate that he or she is competent enough to implement the knowledge acquired in classroom six sigma training.

During the practical part of the exam, there is no benchmark for what passes or not. Not just this, but some companies may accept just one project and some others may not. This means that out of the three critical aspects of six sigma certification training, the written exam and the practical competency demonstration, a crucial third one may be said to be lacking seriously or non-existent, unless it becomes standardized. To complicate matters, there is no one single body to regulate or standardize all the critical aspects of six sigma certification.

Do I Need A Six Sigma Certification?

This is any individual's professional decision. Anyone wanting to get six sigma certification will need to think seriously about it. Sometimes candidates are chosen (or compelled) by their employer to take six sigma training and thereby attain six sigma certification. But many times, it is the other way around. Someone may decide to pursue six sigma certification for reasons such as attainment of a raise or promotion. Another may be prompted by the fact that six sigma certification will enhance their marketability. While each reason is an individual one, candidates must be result oriented, highly motivated in order to be successful.

What Will It Cost Me?

Again, this is a highly subjective question. It could cost you anywhere from $0 to $30,000 per person, depending on where you receive six sigma training. Again, the decision as to the trainer, location, and online or offline six sigma training method are other considerations as to cost.

What worked for one person may not work for another. When contemplating six sigma certification, there really are no generalizations that can be made. It all depends on who individual capabilities, location, and to some extent, your position in the corporation (or lack thereof).

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions - Six Sigma Online offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts

Six Sigma: Is It Just A Fad?

 

Fads have inevitably entered the business scene, but have vanished into oblivion even before they could make their mark. Some of them, even while having materialistic approaches and huge initial support, could survive no longer than a year. The list may be endless, but the recent ones and those that still linger on include: sensitivity training, quality circles, e-business, self-managed teams and a host of others. But is there a relevance of this debate regarding Six Sigma? Does it mean that the time for Six Sigma’s exit from the scene is near? Experts and those who are thoroughly trained are not blinking an eye in support of Six Sigma, but there is always another side to the story.

This article attempts to provide a pragmatic account of the relevance of Six Sigma to business processes today.

Arguments Against Six Sigma

Editor Scott M. Paton of Quality Digest, talks about Six Sigma when writing on ISO 9001:2000. He writes in agreement that Six Sigma is a fad, “Six Sigma. The latest management fad has so captivated corporate America that there's little time to devote to lowly standards compliance.” He suggests that it may not live much longer, citing its grandiose and lofty ideals. He alleges that ‘it is not serious enough to get the real work done.’

Another detractor, an author and COO at Spectra Logic Corporation in Boulder, Colorado, Scott Dalgeish, is more vocal in his disagreement of Six Sigma. His argument is that Six Sigma is a repackaged quality tool like many that have come and gone. He believes firmly and expresses openly that he believes that Six Sigma has been detrimental to businesses including his profession.

The main arguments given in support that Six Sigma is a fad are two:

1. The relationship which ASQ is entered into was with a single consultant, when they launched Six Sigma

2. Some terminologies are owned and trademarked by certain companies.

It needs to be said that these types of criticisms of Six Sigma are mostly made by those people and companies that are more resistant to change of any kind. More realistically, the quality improvements that are made and that have been documented through the use of Six Sigma statistical tools cannot be refuted.

Arguments In Favor Of Six Sigma

The foundation of this more practical side of the argument lies on the premise that the principles of economy have not died but carried through even when much is made out of the “new economy”. The notion that with every change one needs to learn everything afresh and shift priorities to suit the new principles grossly damages productivity and resources. One must keep in mind the huge investments made in technology in the 1990s, and the ‘snail paced’ recovery of the stock market and business overall.

Quality lives in the hands of people who are empathetic of the advantages of Six Sigma and not with those whose attitudes compel them to decry Six Sigma just because it shares commonality with earlier statistical quality tools. Six Sigma invigorated quality by transforming bottom lines positively, company after company. Some of the cynical views against Six Sigma appear to have been triggered by companies that have looked at quality in theory, and not based on results.

Companies are talking of quality, more and more, because Six Sigma, whose tools were created and perfected over nearly a century, has electrified the business environment and customers, which are the ultimate benefactors of its results.

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.