Six Sigma Philosophy

There are number of six sigma approaches.  In some cases the differences are very significant.  Harry’s (2000) approach is taken as a sample for discussion in this chapter, because of its popularity.  However, there may be better six sigma approaches or you can develop one.

Six Sigma initiative is a management process with two objectives:

• Generate immediate improvements to profit margins, an effective problem solving methodology.
• Fundamentally change the way the people perceived and think about the future of the business (Harry 2000)

In short-term six sigma breakthrough strategy is a systematic road map for reducing variability in a process through assimilation and organization of information that increases bottom line results.

Harry’s Breakthrough Strategy

Harry’s Breakthrough strategy is an eight-step process –namely: recognize, define, measure, analyze, improve, control, standardize and integrate. This eight step methodology is to a large extent similar to the Juran’s Universal sequence for breakthroughs. In Juran’s approach the steps are used to solve the problems once identified and approved by the management. However Juran has not specified the steps to be followed by the management for identifying the projects and the management of the whole process.

Harry’s eight step methodology is not just meant for problem solving rather it is to be applied at the three levels – business, operation, and process.

At each level the steps are applied differently and the focus and time-line are different. The key is that the overall strategic business goals should act as a link between the three levels.

Six Sigma Implementation

The salient features of Harry’s approach to six sigma implementation are described below:

• Leadership is provided by a team of deployment champions, project champions at corporate and department levels respectively. This team is similar to Quality Improvement Council in Juran’s approach.
• The experts referred to as black belts, work full time on projects at process level to solve critical problems and achieve bottom line results. In Juran’s approach black belt is equivalent to the diagnostician.
• Black belts are trained by master black belts on statistics, quantitative benchmarking, process control techniques, experimental design and design for manufacturability.
• There is a well structured project management approach. The champions select projects based on business strategy and the projects are defined precisely and the gains calculated, prioritized, then meticulously implemented and reviewed.

To achieve the long-term cultural change, six sigma focuses on training all employees in the breakthrough strategy in such a way that they make the methodology integral to improving everything they do. Green Belts, work on six sigma projects as part-time activity. They have limited six sigma responsibility and their energies are focused on projects that tie directly to their day-to-day work.

This aspect of six sigma, is largely in agreement with Deming’s philosophy of participate style. Thus six sigma approach is a fine blend of Juran and Deming approaches.

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