Comprehensive:

Six sigma is a very comprehensive methodology, which includes the best practices from other traditional quality techniques. The Six Sigma DMAIC Methodology looks at the whole project life-cycle including Define, Measure, Analyze, Inform and Control with well-defined tools and methodology at each stage (we will be learning more about the Six Sigma Methodology at a later stage in the course). Since the Six Sigma Methodology is so comprehensive and very well defined, it can be used by

·         Companies across different business areas including Manufacturing, Finance, Technologies, Construction, Engineering etc.

·         Companies of different sizes – big, medium sized or even small companies with less than 30 employees

 

Project based approach:

Unlike traditional quality techniques, six sigma explicitly uses concepts of project management, and has several benefits of a project. All six sigma projects have a defined start and end date, and a pre-defined project charter with goals, objectives and deliverables. Project planning tools like project plan, Gantt charts, PERT, planning trees etc are used for managing the project and require proper knowledge of the different project management knowledge areas:

·         Project integration management

·         Project scope management

·         Project time management

·         Project cost management

·         Project quality management

·         Project human resources management

·         Project communication management

·         Project risk management

·         Project procurement management

 

Cohesive Process based approach

Detailed process maps created during initial stages of six sigma projects provide an overview of complex processes in an organization, help identify relationship and interdependencies between the processes and facilitate identification of problems. Six Sigma methodologies can evaluate different processes within an organization including people, equipment, environment, materials etc. and identify the best projects to provide maximum benefits to the organization. This helps in getting a holistic view of the organization and identifying potential problem areas – six sigma projects can then be used to fix the problems identified.

 

Quantitative approach:

Since several traditional quality approaches did not use rigorous quantitative methods, it was very difficult to measure the costs and benefits derived from those quality initiatives. By using rigorous quantitative and statistical techniques, six sigma provides mathematical analyses to determine which project offers the maximum benefit at lowest cost. All six sigma projects have measurable and quantifiable goals and associated costs. Quantitative six sigma concepts also help ensure that the project goals align with the organization goals and there are long-term benefits from the six sigma project.

 

Commitment from all levels of the organization:

Six sigma formalizes an organization structure for six sigma projects and ensures commitment from all levels of the organization to achieve the quality goals. All the stakeholders – customers, senior management, project team and other employees have a vested interest in the successful implementation of six sigma projects.

·         Executive Management (also referred to as Deployment Champions) is responsible for sponsorsing the project and allowing for commitment of organization resources to the six sigma project.

·         Master Black Belts and Black Belts act as consultants and experts in Six Sigma. They are also responsible for providing guidance and coaching others in the organization about the six sigma philosophy.

·         Six Sigma Green Belts serve as a liaison between the Black Belts and the project team. They perform the operations required for the six sigma project and work with the project team ensuring that appropriate deliverables are met. 

·         The project team works in executing the actual work of the project through guidance provided from six sigma green belts and six sigma black belts.

·         Subject Matter Experts in different fields (e.g. Finance, Human Resources etc.) may be involved in providing expertise wherever required.

Proper training and motivation is provided to all the people involved with the six sigma project to ensure successful project implementation.

 

Having a well-defined organization structure helps in creating a feeling of “shared ownership and responsibility” - which can be critical in successful project implementation. More importantly, with a well defined project hierarchy with pre-defined roles and responsibilities, all six sigma stakeholders know their tasks and work towards successful project implementation.