Basic Concepts of the Six Sigma Methodology

Six Sigma techniques have been adopted by a wide range of manufacturing firms and have also translated successfully into other sectors, including retail, hospitality, financial services, high tech, transportation, government, and healthcare. Six Sigma is a management philosophy that emphasizes reducing variation, driving down defect rates, and improving customer satisfaction. The Six Sigma methodology is driven by team projects that have a clearly defined purpose and specific goals. The Six Sigma standard of quality has its basis in normal distribution theory. As an enterprise‐wide system, it follows that Six Sigma deployment requires the efforts of a crosssection of people filling various roles. These roles include Executive, Champion or Sponsor, Process Owner, and the Belt‐holders. The quality tools available to Six Sigma practitioners are vast. Six Sigma practitioners also leverage the Basic Seven and New Seven Tools. Along with the early adopters of the Six Sigma methodology, have all reported remarkable financial benefits.