Six Sigma's magic doesn't lie in statistical or high-tech razzle-dazzle. Six Sigma relies on tried-and-true
methods that have been around for decades. In fact, Six Sigma discards a great deal of the complexity that characterizes total quality management (TQM). By one expert's count, there are more than
400 TQM tools and techniques. Six Sigma takes a handful of these methods and trains a small cadre of in-house technical leaders, known as Six Sigma Black Belts, to a high level of proficiency in
the application of these techniques. To be sure, some of the methods used by Black Belts, including up-to-date computer technology, are highly advanced. But the tools are applied within a simple
performance-improvement framework known as DMAIC, or define-measure-analyze-improve-control, which is analogous to the older TQM model known as plan-do-study-act. Anyone with more than the most
cursory exposure to Six Sigma is familiar with the DMAIC cycle (see Table 1.) Table 1: DMAIC Framework
DMAIC is almost universally used to guide Six Sigma process-improvement projects. Although truly dramatic improvement in quality requires transforming the
management philosophy and organizational culture, the fact is that projects must be undertaken sooner or later to make things happen. Projects are the means through
which processes are systematically changed; they are the bridge between the planning and the doing. However, DMAIC is not a method of planning projects.
Project planning is a subject in its own right. Although projects and plans are closely related, they also differ in many respects.
The dictionary defines the word "project" as "a plan or proposal, a scheme, or an undertaking requiring concerted effort." Under the synonym "plan," we find "a
scheme, program or method worked out beforehand for the accomplishment of an objective: a plan of attack; a proposed or tentative project or course of action; or a
systematic arrangement of important parts." In other words, the project describes what will be done while the plan describes, in
advance and in detail, how it will be done. Both elements can be integrated under the DMAIC umbrella. (A graphic representation of the DMAIC cycle can be found in
the online version of my column in this month's issue at www.qualitydigest.com or at www.pyzdek.com.)
I use the DMAIC cycle when training Black Belts, Green Belts and management. The complete approach integrates Six Sigma tools, financial analysis, project
schedule development and many other topics all vital to ultimate success. However, I have observed that many trainees copy and carry around this single page from the
240-page Six Sigma Project Planners I give them. They use it for initial project planning, to be sure their projects are on track, to explain projects to others and for
other day-to-day project activities. In short, my clients have found it useful in helping themselves and others understand the overall structure of a Six Sigma project. I hope you will also. About the author
Thomas Pyzdek is a consultant in Six Sigma. He has written more than 50 books, software and training products, including The Six Sigma Handbook (McGraw-Hill). Learn more about Six Sigma at
www.pyzdek.com . E-mail Pyzdek at tpyzdek@hotmail.com . |
