Process performance is universally described in practice by collecting data and calculating the mean (i.e. the mathematical average) performance. Unfortunately, the variation around the mean is almost never included when describing process performance. This is a critical oversight that is addressed by the Six Sigma methodology. Let me illustrate with an example that I often […]
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Most introductory courses in Six Sigma talk a lot about what Six Sigma is. In our Green Belt course I also include a discussion about what Six Sigma is not. I feel that this discussion is equally important when one is trying to understand the Six Sigma approach to problem solving and continuous improvement. The […]
Achieving zero defects is not a dream at all, but rather a realistic goal to be pursued. We expect and demand zero defects all the time in our personal life. For example, how often is it acceptable for a plane to crash instead of successfully landing at the destination airport? How often is it acceptable […]
Our Six Sigma courses include a number of lessons on hypothesis testing. The most common problems that I see with submissions for these assignments are related to how the null and alternate hypotheses are stated and how the results of the hypothesis test are expressed. The null and alternate hypotheses must be mutually exclusive, and […]
In our Green Belt course I introduce the concepts of process capability and process control. I find that many students have trouble understanding the difference between the two. This is compounded by the fact that the output of a process may fall into of four possible combinations of capability and control. Process capability looks at […]
Most students of Six Sigma first become exposed to the concepts and ideas that drive the approach when they enroll in a Yellow Belt or Green Belt certification course. In both of these courses as offered by Key Performance, I included an early assignment with the title “What Is Six Sigma”? In this assignment I […]
Six Sigma certification has become a valuable credential in the marketplace. Certification illustrates that candidates have done more than merely complete the training – it means they have truly demonstrated comprehension and application of the Six Sigma methodology, tools, and techniques. Higher quality standards, happier customers, waste reduction, improved efficiency and lower costs – you […]
I responded recently to a question that was posed about professional certifications. The questioner asked which one would be best to pursue given his job responsibilities, the Project Management Professional (PMP) or the Six Sigma Black Belt. My response was that he should consider both, and my arguments were as follows. Six Sigma is, fundamentally, […]
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