Six Sigma is a methodology for continuous improvement that aims to reduce process variation. It was developed by Bill Smith at Motorola in 1986 and focuses on eliminating defects through statistical analysis and process improvement techniques. The goal is 3.4 defects per million opportunities. Six Sigma uses DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) as its core problem-solving methodology. It can be integrated with project management processes and tools to help define requirements, manage risks and optimize processes.

1. Six Sigma
Team 7 - CIS 560

2. Introduction
- Developed by Bill Smith
in 1986
- Official launch in 1987 at
Motorola
- Six Sigma - mean
average of a process

3. What is Six Sigma
Methodology for continuous improvement
Transfers from a reactive quality process to a proactive
process concept.
Achieved through a set of statistical and quality tools
Focus on cyclically improving processes to enhance
product quality
3.4 defects per million opportunities
It is not a standard, it is a best practice

4. Six Sigma Objectives
Six Sigma’s sole focus is to effectively eliminate variation in products and
processes.
Through the doctrine of Six Sigma, product output variations are reduced to the
extent that a spread of “12 Sigmas” (6 of them being on each side of the
average) is acceptable.
These tolerances are typically created during the design phase of the process or
by the customer.

5. Video: DMAIC
Video - DMAIC

6. Phases of Six Sigma
1. Define - Define the system, Voice of the customer, specifically requirements and
goals
2. Measure - Measure key aspects of the current process and collect relevant data
3. Analyze - Analyze the data to investigate and verify cause and effect relationships
4. Improve - Improve or optimize the current process based upon data analysis using
techniques such as design of experiments or mistake proofing
5. Control - Control the future state process to ensure that any deviation from target
are corrected before they result in defects.

8. DMAIC vs DMADV
DMAIC. This method is used primarily for improving existing business processes.
The letters stand for:
Define the problem and the project goals
Measure in detail the various aspects of the current process
Analyze data to, among other things, find the root defects in a process
Improve the process
Control how the process is done in the future.
DMADV. This method is typically used to create new processes and new products or services. The letters stand for:
Define the project goals
Measure critical components of the process and the product capabilities
Analyze the data and develop various designs for the process, eventually picking the best one
Design and test details of the process
Verify the design by running simulations and a pilot program, and then handing over the process to the client

9. “Belt” Levels of Six Sigma

10. Six Sigma & PM Process Groups (Initiating)
- The Initiation process group in project management relates most directly to
“Define” in Six Sigma.
- This first phase or process includes preparation of a project charter and assignment
of a project manager.
Source: iSixSigma

11. Six Sigma & PM Process Groups (Planning)
Project Plan Development, Scope Planning, Scope Definition
- “Requirements failures” in project planning: Six Sigma’s DFSS method which includes many
language processing tools that help to reveal latent and unstated requirements
Project Time and Cost Management
- Six Sigma tools help prevent “expectations failures” caused by poor estimates and inadequate
exploration of prioritization and feature selection issues.
- Tools: analytical hierarchy process, conjoint analysis and concept selection scorecards that
promote fact-based conversations between the project team and the customer.
Source: iSixSigma

12. Six Sigma & PM Process Groups (Planning)..cont
Quality Management
- Six Sigma’s emphasis on predicting and managing “capability” together with tools such as defect
containment scorecards promotes understanding and managing the economic consequences of
escaped defects.
- Six Sigma tools such as combinatorial methods and Markov chains can be applied to improvement
of testing processes.
Risk Management
- Six Sigma tools: Monte Carlo simulation
Source: iSixSigma

13. Six Sigma & PM Process Groups (Execution)
Execution Process
- Six Sigma can complement product project execution
primarily in the areas of risk management and in
optimization through application of tools such as design of
experiments (DOE), which can be used to find “what’s best”
solutions.
Source: iSixSigma

14. Six Sigma & PM Process Groups (M&C)
Controlling Process
Six Sigma complements Controlling in two primary ways:
1. It solves problems at root cause, it tends to prevent problems from
reoccurring
2. In the final step of the DMAIC improvement process (Control), controls and
responses to special cause variation are institutionalized so that reaction to
control issues is both rapid and sound.

15. PMBOK
Integration
with Six
Sigma:
Source:
iSixSigma.com

16. Quality and Six Sigma