Questions
* Article Question: According to the author’s standpoint, describe what are the differences between theory/application/focus factors when comparing six sigma, lean and theory of constraints. Please elaborate your answer without writing article sentences, use you own words and demonstrate a comprehensive analysis.
Making a comparison with a simple standpoint, the six sigma’s methodology is used to incremental improvement of existing processes, as it is the six sigma main tool, DMAIC. This tool is a strategy based on statistical quality, which gives much importance to data collection and accuracy of the data as a basis for improvement.
Each step in the methodology focuses on obtaining the best results possible to minimize
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* What factors are critical when choosing the right improvement strategy?
There three factors that must be evaluated in two different focuses to choose the right improvement strategy. First, identify the need of your organization in terms of relationship between the primary theory and the primary focus of the tools and methodology. Dave Nave calls it “the first effect or primary effect” in which the organization understands what are the tangible results want it for their company, such as: * Six sigma, if we focus on reducing variation, then we will have more uniform process output. * Lean, if we focus on waste removal, then flow time improve. * TOC, if the focus on constraints, then throughput volume will improve.
Second factor; identify the secondary effect in which it can be described by using a theory and primary effect results.
* Six sigma, focus on reducing variation and achieving uniform process results in less waste, less throughput time and less inventory. * Lean, focus on waste and flow time results in less variation, uniform output and less inventory. * TOC, focus on constraints and increased throughput results in less inventory and different accounting system.
Third factor, the selection of a process improvement methodology according to the organization’s culture. Here are some
Lean Six Sigma combines Lean’s time-focused waste-elimination philosophy to dynamic analytical problem solving toolkit of Six Sigma.
Lean Six Sigma is a combination of two business-improvement systems, Lean and Six Sigma. Lean refers to the reduction of waste, or the elimination of unnecessary steps to increase speed and productivity. Six Sigma is the reduction of variance to improve system performance. Ultimately, the depot’s bottom line is a process that frequently produces a high-quality product, on time and within or below established budgets, so that equipment can be returned to the Warfighter quickly and at the lowest possible cost to the taxpayer.
While looking to enhance quality levels, a group of Motorola engineers designed a set of quality management tools that utilized statistical data as an approach toward the reduction of defects, and the improved maintenance of quality (Reddy & Hutton, 2013). Focusing on process improvement and variation reduction, Six Sigma uses a measurement-based strategy to improve quality, based on a systematic methodology known by its acronym - DMAIC (iSixSigma, 2012). Once problematic issues are recognized, the DMAIC model strives toward finding a long-term solution through the five phases of defining systems. By measuring key aspects of the current process for data collection, analyzing the collected data and verifying cause and effect relationships, improving current processes from data analysis, and controlling operations to prevent impact in any future process disruptions (Wallace & Webber,
Six Sigma is a set of tools, processes and techniques that aid in the improvement of any
There are always pros and cons to any quality improvement methodology. For instance, the pros of Six Sigma tend to place extreme importance on leadership and its support for the success of the project. Another pro is the integration of different human elements, which include cultural change, and focus on the customer and their needs. “By using the concept of statistical thinking, Six Sigma encourages applications of statistical tools and techniques that reduce variability” (Harry, 2000). The cons of Six Sigma include, not having the quality data available, especially when a new process has been implemented without having the data available. Often the solutions that Six Sigma proposes can be costly and only a small
The lean philosophy centers on the elimination of waste in all forms in an organisation (Shpak, 2016). Lean is usually implemented by initially
The concept of Six Sigma was developed in the early 1980’s at Motorola Corporation (Harry and Schroeder, 2000). Six Sigma can be defined as a statistical measure of the performance of a process or product (Kumi et. al., 2006). It is used as a quality control mechanism, which seeks to reduce defects or variations in a process to 3.4 per million opportunities thereby optimizing output and increasing customer satisfaction (Sambhe, 2012). Sigma is representing the standard deviation, a unit of measurement that designates the distribution or spread about the mean of a process (Six Sigma Academy, 2002). In addition, the Six Sigma uniquely driven by close understanding of customer needs, disciplined use of fact, data, and statistical analysis, and diligent attention to managing improving, and reinventing business processes (Pande, P., et. al. 2000). The Six Sigma methodology uses statistical tools to identify the factors that matter most for improving the quality of processes and generating bottom-line results. The Six Sigma DMAIC (Define, Measure,
The Lean Six Sigma looks for ways on how to eliminate defects. In healthcare, a defect can be the difference between life and death. The Lean Six Sigma is used to improve patient safety by eliminating life-threatening errors. Lean Six Sigma uses a five-step approach to process improvement called the Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control (DMAIC). The DMAIC is an approach that is a data-driven quality strategy used to improve processes (ASQ, n.d.). The first phase, the define phase, is where the leaders would define the problem and begin to understand the needs of the customers. This is an important phase of the Lean Six Sigma because this is where the team would outline of their efforts for themselves and the leaders of the organization (goLEANSIXSIGMA.com,
1. Six Sigma is a management philosophy that sets objectives, collects data and analyzes results as a way to remove wasted expenses from its processes and help reduce the number of defective products produced. Six Sigma uses quality measures to strive for near perfection by eliminating errors and variables.
One of such strategy is the implementation of Six Sigma methodology in the organization. Six Sigma is a methodology that combines the gradual and continuous improvement with radical redesign. The process of Six Sigma begins by measuring the statistical variability within a process. This means that the causes of error can only be determined if you understand the critical requirement of either the internal or external customer. Six Sigma processes are designed to reduce process variability. Six Sigma helps the organization to achieve improved process flows and better
Six Sigma focuses on defect prevention; improving quality, cost savings, and reducing waste by helping
The term six sigma (6σ) began as an operational appraisal or a measure of quality. Utilizing six sigma, procedure objectives are established in parts per million (PPM) in every part of the manufacturing procedure. From the time when its source, six sigma has now progressed into a procedure for enhancing organizational proficiency and efficiency by concentrating on productivity, price decrease, and improved quality. Six Sigma is a fixated and quantifiable management discipline that utilizes a disciplined, data-driven approach to work to remove imperfections across every business area, together with management, service delivery, design, production and customer satisfaction, stressing breakthrough improvement for improved bottom line
The establishment of Lean Six Sigma is to take a gander at items/benefits through the client 's eyes and decide how enhancements can wipe out "waste". Lean Six Sigma takes after a thorough methodology of DEFINE… MEASURE… ANALYZE… IMPROVE… CONTROL. Through this procedure we distinguish the 7 sorts of waste that is, Overproduction, Inventory, Extra Processing, Motion, Defects, Holding up, and Transportation. A group is structured to direct an Action Work Out to actualize changes that will wipe out the waste. Since "Waste makes Waste" we should ceaselessly Kaizen (improve) to streamline and streamline our methodologies. We exceed expectations to model the Toyota Production System (TPS) with the aid of Shingijutsu specialists that show us the
Looking at the success of Motorola, many companies like Texas Instruments, Allied Signal etc started using Six Sigma methodology to bring organization-wide improvements.
The Six Sigma improvement method is problem-focused and its main objectives are decreasing scrap, earning income and creating value (Saghaei et al, 2012). Motorola developed this concept in 1986. There were three meanings of six sigma provided by Brue (2006). It is the level of quality that a process assures, it is a problem solving methodology and lastly it is a management philosophy. Alternatively it is also said to be a project driven approach to process and product quality improvement (Ray and Das, 2010). This approach ensures the process to be 99.9996% defect free. The performance level of a project can be obtained by subtracting the average of readings of errors in a process from the given specification