Continuity, Wide Scope And Cultural Approach: The Features That Make Six Sigma Methodology So Unique

The benefits of the Six Sigma methodology are often discussed. It is a novel methodology beyond any doubt, not just a mere rearrangement and restatement of old concepts and techniques. It is true that it employs time tested statistical methods and complements other available project management standards and programs. But Six Sigma is a robust methodology aimed at continuous improvement, unlike other project management practices which strive to achieve quality enhancement on a project by project basis. The data driven methodology of Six Sigma enables companies to measure their performance and quality both prior to and following implementation of projects. Measurement and analysis afford companies to establish the root causes of variations, so that the production process can be improved and the performance can excel; then customer satisfaction excels and profits soar.

Thus the success of Six Sigma is based on the continuous process of analyzing and improving, and here activities cannot be done piecemeal. For this reason team work is so important in implementing Six Sigma projects; everyone is involved throughout the process, from Green Belts to Black Belts and their supervisors Master Black Belts, and the continuity of the methodology is the key to success, as the changes introduced to enhance quality and meet customer demands are indeed profound, far-reaching and substantial.

Project managers are well acquainted with the daunting activities that have to be performed in the course of working on the project: data acquisition and analysis, solving of a variety of problems, evaluation of processes, tracking of measurements, and finally quantitative evaluations. Six Sigma is not just a supplement to aid them. Its tools are much wider in scope and applicability; the focus is on pinpointing and tackling root causes of problems on a continuous, project by project basis. In addition to the wider scope, the methodology is characterized by profoundness and precision. The scope, financial targets, anticipated profits etc. are outlined, which is yet another difference from the traditional project approach: with Six Sigma, the control phase, or DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control), incorporates the specific measurements, pinpoints the specific problems and provides appropriate measurable solutions. In addition to continuity there is yet another unique feature that contributes to the success of Six Sigma: cultural methods such as TQM (Total Quality Management). With this method, continuous quality improvement is paramount again.

In accordance with the idea of team work as essential for the success of Six Sigma projects, the concept of TQM is that the quality of production or services is the joint result of the efforts of everyone involved in the production as well as the consumption. In order to achieve the utmost customer satisfaction, all of these persons, from the workforce, to suppliers and customers, give their share. Thus, thanks to its continuous approach to project implementation, and aided by cultural methods such as TQM, the Six Sigma methodology achieves the organization of the entire scope of activities and the entire company staff, in order to meet and even exceed customer expectations.


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Casey Trillbar is the editor of SixSigmaTrainingGuide.com, which is a website aimed at supplying articles, information and resources to people considering undergoing Six Sigma Certification. http://www.sixsigmatrainingguide.com