10
Implementation of FIT SIGMA: Making it Happen
10.1 INTRODUCTION
When we began to write the chapter on implementation in Quality Beyond Six Sigma (Basu and Wright, 2003), I had just returned from a Six Sigma conference at the Café Royal London. A female delegate at the conference commented, ‘A Six Sigma programme is like having a baby – very easy to conceive but difficult to deliver!’ The implementation of Six Sigma, FIT SIGMA and for that matter the instigation of any change programme is indeed a bit like having a baby. It is very pleasant to conceive, but the delivery of change can be a tricky process. According to Carnall (1999), ‘the route to such changes lies in the behaviour: put some people in new settings within which they have to behave differently and, if properly trained, supported and rewarded their behaviour will change. If successful this will lead to mindset change and ultimately will impact on the culture of the organisation’.
10.2 SELECTION OF TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
Regardless of the quality programme that an organisation may choose to adopt, a selection of tools and techniques will be essential to progress the initiative. Therefore, the big question has to be: which tools to use and which ones do you start with? Here are three simple tips.
First, you should have a complete toolbox at hand. Just as a good golfer will not compete in a championship with just one iron, we recommend that you should acquire a full bag of irons (tools) and clubs (techniques). That is, ...
