Six Sigma survey: breaking through the Six Sigma hype

Measuring Business Excellence

ISSN: 1368-3047

Article publication date: 1 September 2002

206

Citation

(2002), "Six Sigma survey: breaking through the Six Sigma hype", Measuring Business Excellence, Vol. 6 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/mbe.2002.26706cae.006

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2002, MCB UP Limited


Six Sigma survey: breaking through the Six Sigma hype

Six Sigma survey: breaking through the Six Sigma hype

Dusharme, D. (2001), Quality Digest (USA), Vol. 21 No. 11,p. 27, ISSN 1049-8699

Recounts outcomes of Quality Digest's reader survey regarding Six Sigma experience, including comments by consultants on them. Finds, inter alia, that: a small number of firms have Six Sigma; small firms do not opt for it, possibly because larger organizations have substantial scope for improvements and staff to dedicate; most companies have implemented it only recently; and management support is critical. Remarks on perceptions regarding Six Sigma's contribution to profitability and job/customer satisfaction, and on its tools and techniques and complexity. Declares Six Sigma's focus on saving money distinguishes it from total quality management. Lists some of the cash savings made. Notes some companies use Six Sigma certification as a condition for employee promotion. Concludes Six Sigma aficionados are totally committed to it – but common-sense can go a long way regarding improvements.

Comment: This survey provides some interesting data on Six Sigma in medium-sized organizations.

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