Reflective Analysis – Six Sigma

REFLECTIVE ANALYSIS – SIX SIGMA

1.0 INTRODUCTION: WHAT IS SIX SIGMA?

Out of the necessity to achieve perfection Bill Smith, the then Motorola Executive, coined the phrase Six Sigma which has now been adopted by various organizations spread across various industries across the globe as an approach to measure quality that strives near perfection. Some call it a methodology, some an approach while others term it as a quality program. Whatever the annotations, Six Sigma is a disciplined, data-driven approach and methodology for eliminating defects (driving towards six standard deviations between the mean and the nearest specification limit) in any process - from manufacturing to transactional from product to service.

Theoretically, this seems like a methodology that could enable the best of our capabilities by eliminating errors. But what about the human side of it?

2.0 REFLECTIONS:

The PROS:

- Leverages universal methodology: The five phases of Six Sigma implementation methodology Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control (DMAIC), is somewhat a universally adopted style of executing any process. Different disciplines might use varied terminologies, but the manner of investigating and fixing systems remain the same.

- Creates Distinctive Quality Matrix: Being born out of the need to create true quality matrix by answering the question of “How Well?” is the process being executed. Many fail to understand this and substitute for a productivity metric by answering the question “How many?” instead.

- Partnership with Finance: Six Sigma effectively merges the two main languages of business, money and strategy. Process improvements are validated through statistics which is then translated into its corresponding estimated dollar values. This translation of improvements into financial figures makes it easier for the leadership to understand its benefits all the way to the bottom line.

- Enhancing Problem-Solving Capabilities: Some chronic problems cannot be solved by the front lines “investigating incidents”. Six sigma aids in implementing a rigorous methodology that an organization/management can use to apply all its resources to enhance problem-solving capabilities and eventually improve processes. (Wetzel 2016)

The CONS:

- Hinders Creativity: I believe that, the human brain is used to function as the creative tool. It is the only system that has the