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Chapter 1
Introduction
Begin
The General Manager of a large surface coal mine has decided to launch a
Lean Six Sigma (LSS) improvement effort. Prior to launching the new initia-
tive, however, he calls a small group of his top managers together to estab-
lish specific program goals. “What is it that we’re really trying to accomplish
here?” he asks the assembled group.
One person suggests that a major objective of the initiative should be to
cut costs. Everyone agrees. Another person proposes eliminating unnec-
essary process waste. Again, there is complete agreement. A third person
offers that the LSS effort should focus on reducing process cycle ti ...