Six Sigma Overview and Roles

Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of Six Sigma?

Conformance to standards

Rework to ensure final quality

Customer-centric and data-driven approach (correct)

Meeting performance standards

What does the 99.9997% yield represent in the context of Six Sigma?

The percentage of sales that represent the cost of poor quality

The percentage of products that meet customer requirements (correct)

The percentage of processes that are optimized

The percentage of defects per million operations

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the Conventional Strategy?

Emphasis on optimizing independent variables (correct)

Rework to ensure final quality

Focus on conformance to standards

Assumption of correct performance standards

What is the primary objective of the 'Analyze' phase in the DMAIC methodology?

To determine the root cause of defects Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of the Problem-Solving Methodology?

Optimize independent variables to control dependent variables Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of Six Sigma tools?

To scope and choose projects Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a deliverable in a Six Sigma presentation?

Process Map – high level Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of a successful Six Sigma transformation?

Widened scope of quality definition Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of the 'Improve' phase in the DMAIC methodology?

To eliminate waste and variation Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of identifying the vital few independent variables?

To optimize dependent variables Signup and view all the answers

What is the target of Six Sigma in terms of defects per million operations?

3.4 defects per million operations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Six Sigma?

Emphasis on rework Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of VOC in Six Sigma?

Customer needs Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of Design for Six Sigma?

Designing new products and processes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of process optimization?

To improve customer responsiveness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key aspect of Six Sigma?

Maximization of profits Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the Six Sigma Strategy?

Resolve business problems Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of Executive Leadership in Six Sigma implementation?

Driving deployment from the top Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the 'Control' phase in the DMAIC methodology?

To provide evidence of sustained results Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal of Six Sigma?

Achieving 3.4 defects per million opportunities Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of identifying gaps in Six Sigma?

To bridge the gap between 'what is' and 'what should be' Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Champion/Process Owner in Six Sigma?

To lead Six Sigma projects Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using the DMAIC methodology in Six Sigma?

To identify and solve problems systematically Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal of Process Optimization in Six Sigma?

To minimize defects and variations Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Six Sigma Overview

Six Sigma is a methodology that focuses on the voices of the Customer, Business, and Employee.
It requires awareness of critical quality needs, identification of gaps, and elimination of process defects.
Six Sigma has three components: as a method (DMAIC), as a tool (broad set of tools for problem-solving), and as a goal (achieving a certain level of quality).

Six Sigma Roles and Responsibilities

Executive Leadership plays a crucial role in successful Six Sigma implementation.
Champions and Process Owners are also essential roles in the organization.

Six Sigma Methodology (DMAIC)

Define: identify business opportunities
Measure: determine the current state of a process
Analyze: determine root cause or Y=f(x)
Improve: eliminate waste and variation
Control: evidence of sustained results

Six Sigma Tools

A broad set of tools for problem-solving, including scoping and choosing projects, designing new products and processes, improving current processes, and decreasing downtime.

Six Sigma Goal

A realistic and quantifiable goal of 3.4 defects per million operations.
Achieving a 6-Sigma level means 99.9997% yield, with 3.4 PPMO (parts per million opportunities) and 40% COPQ (cost of poor quality).

Six Sigma Strategy

Places emphasis on the process, using a structured, data-driven approach centered on the customer.
Can resolve business problems where they are rooted, such as month-end reports, capital expenditure approval, and new hire recruiting.

Conventional Strategy vs. Six Sigma Strategy

Conventional strategy focused on conformance to standards, while Six Sigma emphasizes the value and utility of a product/service to both the company and the customer.
Conventional strategy assumed good quality meant meeting specifications, while Six Sigma focuses on transformation at multiple levels.

Problem-Solving Strategy

Focuses on understanding the relationship between independent and dependent variables.
Identifies vital few independent variables affecting the dependent variable.
Optimizes independent variables to control the dependent variable(s).