Six Sigma Success Factors

University of Minnesota professor, Roger Schroeder, publishes Six Sigma: Definition and Underlying Theory paper that focuses on its success as a quality management process. ...

... "Parallel-meso structures: Six Sigma operates as a parallel organization, which is the organizational structure dedicated to improving the organization, but incorporates both micro and macro level decision making authority that allows multilevel integration of strategic projects. Strategic Project Selection: Six Sigma organizations develop formal mechanisms to select Six Sigma projects. These mechanisms, sometimes called project hoppers, involve senior management to filter out Six Sigma projects that do not have financial or strategic implications. " ...

Via University of Minnesota: In-depth analysis of Six Sigma phenomenon

Toyota Kaizen Carries Through to Motorsports

Toyota uses kaizen techniques to coordinate continuous improvement across its motorsports teams. The teams have confronted major challenges with this mindset. The knowledge of new race teams is leveraged across the organization. ...

... "Kaizen, a Japanese term commonly translated as continuous improvement, has been the ethos for Toyota's Motorsports operation. The way kaizen is achieved by the various teams in all three levels of NASCAR racing is by working together as one as much as possible. " ...

Via FOX Sports: NASCAR

TQM Total Quality Across the Organization

Total quality management requires a rethinking of the organization. The workforce should be enabled through training and mentoring. Roles should be defined to monitor quality in the process. And, the organization should understand how the customer values quality. ...

... "Put simply, Total Quality Management (TQM) is the process of instilling quality throughout an organisation and its business processes. " ...

Via Economic Times: Quality management

Quality Role in Six Sigma Organization

Quality needs to be repositioned in a Six Sigma culture and organization model. Quality leader(s) can create a strategic view of quality in the business. The quality team has a role in operations to ensure focus on those variables that are critical to quality from a customer perspective. Don't ignore the opportunity to rethink the quality organization as Six Sigma is implemented. ...

... "Strategic quality work begins with an understanding of where the company and its products fit in the marketplace. The vice president of quality or the quality manager must join top management in setting the strategic direction of the company. " ...

Via Qualilty Mag: Quality Evolution

IBM Lean Organization Changes

IBM deploys lean into its enterprise, which results in some pruning of the organization. ...

... "IBM, however, confirms that Lean is simply a Six Sigma business practices effort that has nothing to do with layoffs. Lean is a collection of Six Sigma business processes used by a number of leading companies to improve speed, quality and responsiveness to customers ... " ...

Via The Register: IBM Redefines With Lean

Six Sigma Organizational Effectiveness

Leadership team includes position on organizational effectiveness, building on an foundation of lean six sigma. ...

... "Sean Andersen, as the Leader of Organizational Effectiveness Practices, will be responsible for leading Lean Six Sigma process improvements spanning operations, technology, and implementation. " ...

Via Global Services: Organizationl Effectiveness

Organizational Development Supports Lean Initiative

Companies are well-served by investing in their talent - recruiting, retaining, and aligning to enterprise initiatives. ...

... "At AEP, when a new approach is being introduced, such as lean manufacturing, everyone in the facility has some level of training to have a company-wide knowledge base. " ...

Via Connecticut Business Journal: Create Employee Connection to Your Organization