5 replies to this topic

[Vishwadeep Khatri]

Most of the textbook definitions of Six Sigma talk about Six Sigma being a strategy, methodology, metric, philosophy etc. There is another definition that I use in my training programs frequently.

Lean Six Sigma provides you with world best methods of data driven decision making.

If you are working in an organization or running a business, it is inevitable that you shall need to use data in decision making. Some pointers that highlight the importance of data driven decision making are given below.

• Even if one uses brainstorming techniques with teams, one can generate and use data.
  
• The use of basic cause-effect approaches for analysis like fishbone diagram get strengthened only by effective use of data.
  
• All functions in an organization generate data of various kinds. It makes sense to learn correct methods and techniques that help in decision making for business success.
  
• Analysis of wastes in a process requires data (like cycle times, takt times, value added time, non value added time, productivity, etc)
  
• Finding whether internal/ customer requirements (or regulatory requirments) are met requires data driven techniques like hypothesis testing.
  
• Forecasting methods are essentially a set of data driven techniques.
  
• Comparison of two or more sets of data( for comparing vendors, technology, techniques, materials, processes, customer types, teams etc) is a common need.
  
• Market research or R&D makes us of data all the time.
  
• Problem Solving is strengthened by usage of data.
  
• Project Management requires data driven decisions.
  
• Performance management cannot be considered fair unless data is capured, analyzed and used properly.

To get more ideas on how Lean Six Sigma is useful in a specific Industry or Functional area, please make use of tags present at the top right section (found after clicking on forum tab above).

[T.Anand]

Thank you sir for a more holistic and broader definition for Lean six sigma..
Noted and easily understood

[Rajasekaran Sekar]

Thnq sir for dis simple and effective quote...

[vishalmudaliar]

Very useful inputs.

"Data" when stitched appropriately using a logical tool / platform, gets transformed in to meaningful "information" to be used in the various facets of business.

[dixit_amol]

Hello Sir,

Very rightly, your explanation of 'Six Sigma' simplifies the entire jargon. This definition / explanation will prove very useful while dealing with resistence within an organisation and re-iterating use of data collection for an analysis.

Thanks, Amol

[ADEBAYO OLAWALE WASIU]

that is very correct, thanks sir