25 Need-To-Know Management Models

Chapter 15

Six sigma

• Why use it? Six sigma is used to improve the operational performance of an organisation by identifying and dealing with its deficiencies.
• What does it do? Six sigma claims that focusing on reduction of variation (beyond the sixth sigma) will solve process and business problems.
• When to use it? Six sigma projects can help achieve better financial results by improving quality and process reliability.
• What questions will it help you answer? Which financial improvements and cost savings can be achieved? What efficiencies can be gained by reducing variation in processes?

The big picture

The name six sigma originates from statistical terminology. Sigma is the mathematical symbol for standard deviation. Six sigma is a measure ...