Six sigma zone

Hello Franco,

Its a new web site isn't it; they were sending me emails way before it launched asking if I wanted to advertise with them. It's looks nice and has a clean layout with plenty of information - it should be successful. To be honest I didn't think it would be as there are many well established six sigma web sites out there already (isixsigma etc.). Judging by the take up on advertising there is room for at least one more. The clamour for everything six sigma continues…

Regards,
Simon

Hello Franco,
The clamour for everything six sigma continues…

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Dear Simon,

a quality colleague of mine is currently into electronics.

His company is ISO 9001 & 14001 registered and currently running for Six sigma and Lean Enterprise too.

He keeps telling me that Lean Enterprise is having a much greater impact on team working and efficiency than Six sigma. He thinks Six sigma is just marketing of good old ideas. Black belt, green belt and so on are expensive qualifications useful for managers and job seekers but little or no long term effect seemed to have on the company's performance.

As a matter of fact we all know that Gauss lived a couple of centuries ago.

Lean Enterprise has stimulated process optimization and better human relationships with positive long term effects.

These are not my words, but I trust him.

Mr Z, I'm no expert on lean or six sigma, but I do often wonder about the cultural aspects of six sigma with regard to teamwork and involvement. Whenever I hear the term ‘six sigma black belt' I get this picture of a maverick guy sticking his 'I know better than thou' nose into other peoples business.

As usual I'm probably way off the mark.

It would be good if someone could tell us about the soft skills that are learned and employed by a six sigma black belt.

Regards,
Simon

I have a love hate relationship with statistics and standards. I'm kinda of the wall when it comes to these subjects.
There's much said about SPC, Six sigma, Lean and standardized business models yet, it has to be said, they are all great "tools".
Used according to a businesses needs and expectations these tools can have great impact to: the bottom line and long term business plans.

Six sigma has had some great success at organizations such as Motorola, GE et al.
If an organization uses the tools of Six sigma, Lean and standardized business models as part of an organizational and cultural "system", long term success may be ensured.

The problem for many medium and small sized companies regarding the validity of using and infusing Six sigma, Lean and standardized business models into their existing business models, may be one of financial constraint.

The main issue I have with strategies that come along and claim great things for the business world, is one of short term gains rather than, the long term gains of sticking with a sensible business model.
Six sigma, Lean and standardized business models are excellent tools, as long as they are seen to be part of the bigger business system that is viewed in the long term.
Six sigma has been given a bad name in some quarters regarding, the abuse of the tools of sigma to ensure short term gains. the short term gains satisfy the shareholders and no one else.

I endorse Jay Arthur's approach to Six sigma, he has made Six sigma accessible to the common man and, there's no martial arts involved at all.
Wallace.

If an organization uses the tools of Six sigma, Lean and standardized business models as part of an organizational and cultural "system", long term success may be ensured.

Yes that's the key Wallace - spot on!

I endorse Jay Arthur's approach to Six sigma, he has made Six sigma accessible to the common man and, there's no martial arts involved at all.

Are we due an update on Jay Arthur's six sigma e-zine?

Regards,
Simon

Are we due an update on Jay Arthur's six sigma e-zine?

Yeah,
I'll post them when I get decent Ezines that don't have too many advertisements.
Wallace.

OK thanks Wallace.

Regards,
Simon