Applying Design for Six Sigma to Software and Hardware Systems

6. Project Schedule Risk

Position within DFSS Flow

Among the risks associated with new product development that were discussed in Chapter 3, perhaps the risk that has the largest ongoing influence and impact on the new product development is the schedule risk. Like an uninvited ghost at a dinner party, it can haunt the entire new product effort, doing its level best to deflate the enthusiasm, drain the vigor, and inject fear and trepidation among the team.

Project schedule risk is also a major barrier to buy-in for Design for Six Sigma, as discussed in Chapter 2. Managers, project managers, and team members may be concerned that the rigorous methods involved with Design for Six Sigma might require too much time and lead to schedule slippage. ...