Introduction to the Philosophy of Six Sigma
Six Sigma (6S) purports to be a business strategy, evolved from the strict statistical interpretation of the words, "six sigma." On the surface, 6S could be taken as a collection of tools for continuously improving a company. That is, in fact, what it is. But, when a company learns to use the tools as a cohesive unit of improvement, it can become a business strategy. Other elements of strategy are necessary to complete this transformation, as the learning of 6S does not alter or improve a company's culture. If that culture is predisposed against the tools and philosophy of 6S, then the program is doomed to failure.
Even if a company is predisposed against 6S, the tools can often be effective without the weight of becoming a strategy. The individuals that learn, and apply, the tools will develop a more logical, cohesive ability to think. By improving the thinking contained in a company, the company will improve, even without appropriate support.
6S strives to achieve world class quality by eliminating variation in all processes. It aims to build "better products, faster, at a lower cost." (1) 6S accomplishes variation reduction through the application of statistical techniques in an orderly manner that is similar to both Deming's Value Chain and his PDSA cycle. The 6S value chain, however, takes the statement, "we are in business to make money" (2) as its central tenet, thus communicating the excitement throughout the business.
Day One
The first order of business was a general, around the room introduction of everyone. The class was 24 in number (10 Black Belts and 14 Green Belts). After the introduction, class begins with a discussion of the benefits from Six Sigma. The class is taught with Six Sigma being a business strategy...a viable approach, but I strongly believe that it is simply a collection of tools that are put into the proper perspective. They are taught as a strategy of tools that lead to continuous improvement.
Footnotes
(1) Cowher, Aimee; Six Sigma Black Belt Training: SSIntro.ppt; Sigma Services, Ltd., 1998, pg. 5.
(2) Cowher, Aimee; Six Sigma Black Belt Training: SSIntro.ppt; Sigma Services, Ltd., 1998, pg. 6.
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