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How To Manage Cost Of Quality System
A Cost of Quality System is used to quantify quality problems in the language of money and turn those costs into bottom-line income in an organization. By spending more on preventing errors or failures, a company can reduce costs incurred due to failures.
Duct Tape Marketing recognizes Lean Six Sigma Marketing Coach with Certification
John Jantsch, author of Duct Tape Marketing and founder of the Duct Tape Marketing organization developed this initiative and established levels of Duct Tape Marketing Coaching accreditation in an effort to place heavy emphasis on the success factors of the Duct Tape Marketing system and reward those who establish pre-defined levels of success using the Duct Tape Marketing approach, tools and point of view.
HOW DO YOU MEASURE THE VALUE YOU ADD?
Yesterday I discussed creating a Value Stream Map to discover the value and opportunities you had in your marketing process. Many companies stop, right there. However, the value cannot be determined till it has been quantified. This is where the use of Six Sigma can be utilized so effectively.
The Ultimate Marketing System – The Forgotten Pillar
Lean Six Sigma Practitioners always realize that the training is what makes the processes work. Without, old habits stay the same and new habits are never developed. Nor are these new habits expanded to the greatest extent. It happens in marketing too.
Why would you use Value Stream Mapping
Value stream mapping is a tool that helps you to see and understand the flow of material and information as a product or service makes its way through the value stream. Value stream mapping is typically used in Lean, it differs from the process mapping of Six Sigma.
Alignment of Six sigma expert's delivery capability with Business needs/objectives
Six sigma methodology and techniques are required to be aligned with Business objectives to bring the best business result for a commercial organization. But, in most of the cases, Six sigma and Business objectives are not aligned 100% to demonstrate the best business result even though the organization has been married to Six sigma methodology and techniques. Let us find out the root causes of the non alignment.

The New 8S System for Lean Manufacturing
This article will address the "missing" elements of the 5S system of process improvement. 5S became a pillar of the Toyota Production System (TPS) by Taiichi Ohno and others such as my mentor Shigeo Shingo.

Mother is an Example of Six Sigma Leadership
Mother is an example of leader-manager at home. She serves breakfast, lunch and dinner just in time, with a smile, prior to anybody asking her to serve. She strictly follows Time Management mathematics of 24*7*365 at the rate of 100 percent success. Customer satisfaction ratio is 100%. For all these ordeals, she neither takes salary, incentive, promotion nor any medals. Indirectly, she is proving that internal motivation is everything. She constantly serves for 40 to 50 years at home, non-stop without a single expectation. In most of the cases, family is unable to recognize the quality of high value leadership in her.
Solutions Not Rates Why Network Global Logistics Exemplifies The New Service Model For Integrated Logistics Network Global Logistics Profile
"To begin, one does not have to be in the throes of a disaster to benefit from my area of practice. While demanding situations in which bridging the chasm between an unexpected outcome and the reality of unrealized results is certainly something for which one becomes known, it is often the ability to see a problem on the distant horizon and structure the appropriate response that has generated the greatest level of client satisfaction. What makes what I do unique is that I am unencumbered by a commitment to promote a particular methodology such as SCOR or Six Sigma because it is either trendy or has been recommended by the latest expert."

A Message for Instructional Designers - Learning Styles Are Important
I recently had a casual conversation with a guy responsible for checking aircraft engines for cracks in the metal casings. A pretty critical job you might think-particularly if, like me, you fly a lot on business. I was interested in the quality tool and systems he uses in his job “Six Sigma? SPC? ISO 9000? “ I inquired. “I sat through all that stuff in class,” was his response, “but I really didn’t understand it or pay attention”. He thought for a second and added, “but I know I can detect a hairline crack on a piece of metal from 100 yards!”

Major Focuses & Principles of Six Sigma Implementation
The six sigma way, we will use and refer to a five-phase improvement cycle that has become increasingly common in six sigma organizations. Six sigma is based on DMAIC Model, as there is know true path we have to follow in any six sigma but this is just guideline one has to follow to implement six sigma project in the organization. Identify core processes and key customers.
Six Sigma Relevancy Question and Kotter's Theory of Transformation
One such exchange that was of particular interest centered on Dr. John P. Kotter’s 8 steps for organizational transformation. Rather than paraphrase my dialogue with a forum member from the Superfactory Group on LinkedIn, I thought that it would be more interesting and beneficial to provide an actual account. That said I am pleased to share the following with you.
Is Six Sigma Still Relevant in a Dynamically Changing World
The following is the overview of a just released white paper on Six Sigma, Lean and Integrated Enterprise Excellence with a corresponding link to download the paper itself (as the work was funded there is no charge to obtain the paper). I am certain that it will inspire a spirited debate - and that of course is beneficial to everyone.

Sales force productivity: Eight Practices to Ensure Your Sales Success
We have never needed to improve sales productivity more than we do in this dreadful economy. For decades, businesses have embraced productivity and cost controls in operational functions like manufacturing and distribution; programs like Total Quality Management (TQM), Six Sigma and LEAN are thriving all over the map. Except in the sales department. We suggest that sales organizations can benefit dramatically from adopting some basic principles of productivity management, simple business techniques that lower costs, improve customer profitability and retention, and reduce sales-person turnover. This article explores the eight key practices that contribute to productivity. If the practice is in place in your usiness, it will contribute to productivity. But if it is not, it will actually inhibit productivity and drive up costs.
Applying TQM to Recruitment Convergence
The application of total quality management tools and philosophies (6 Sigma) to areas such as airline safety (takeoffs/landings)has reduced the defect rate to 3.4 per million. In contrast the defect rate in typical employment, selection and deployment runs at around 45 per 100. This article explores how the application of TQM thinking and the use of "best of breed" tools and systems bring dramatic improvements in the following areas: - - reducing unwanted turnover - weak succession planning - losing top talent - matching the right people to the wrong jobs - training the wrong personnel
The Sales Professional Is the Sale
In B-2-B sales the calibre of the salesperson, is the single most important factor in determining whether a client buys from your company or not.
Metric Synchronization Versus Standardization The Real Value Behind IEE Smarter Solutions Profile
“Like a politician stumping for votes, proclamations by senior executives (and many industry pundits) that people and not technology are what is important rarely translates from the realm of oratory pontification into meaningful real-world application. This is due in large part to the fact that outside of the framework of political correctness, communication as Bill McAneny offered in his book Frankenstein’s Manager – Leadership’s Missing Links is actually a desire and not a skill, a skill that is in short supply according to his findings. In fact, second only to the ubiquitous lack of people skills complaint, ineffective communication said McAneny is the most common charge leveled at an organization’s leadership.”

What would you prefer for cost cutting, Offshoring or Process Improvement? (A PI Q&A)
Network Member Question It is quite common to jump on the bandwagon of offshoring to cut costs. Some are questioning the productivity of this approach. What do you think should be given more preference and how would you drive the implementation? Dr. Ravi Pandey Executive Coach, Management Consultant (Lean/DMAIC/DFSS, and Business, Product & Operations, Healthcare Transformation) Orlando, Florida

Herd Mentality
Booths featuring products and services related to employee engagement, web-based delivery, global performance, and talent management were overflowing with conference attendees as I walked the trade show at a national conference where I was speaking. Just a few years ago the magnets were initiatives like total quality management, six sigma, diversity, work-life-balance, and customer driven.
Is Ford's auto-xchange the "Real Deal?" (Survey Response 2)
In a recent video that was released by The Ford Motor Company, Ford's Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Jim Yost indicated that the company has to "share information in real-time" and therefore can no longer use "the sequential processes” in which there were many “handoffs" and "transfers of information." Yost also emphasized the fact that Ford needs to "integrate much more closely with their customers, supply base and even internally," as well as stressing the importance of making information available to multiple levels of their supply base "simultaneously," thereby eschewing the current "cascade processes that might take days, weeks and even months" to disseminate. To enable you to respond to this question, you can access both the video as well as the corresponding article by contacting the author.
What are the most commom metrics used for Supply Chain?
Member Question: What are the most commom metrics used for Supply Chain? Francisco, Logistics and Supply Chain Professional Argentina
Has anyone applied complexity theory to business in a practical way?
Member Question: Has anyone applied complexity theory to business in a practical way? David, Instructional Designer, Performance Technologist and Project Manager
Have you read Forrest Breyfogle’s new book on Integrated Enterprise Excellence? Thoughts/comments?
Member Question: I recently read one of Forrest Breyfogle’s new books in his 4 book-volume series on the Integrated Enterprise Excellence (IEE) System; i.e., "The Integrated Enterprise Excellence System: An Enhanced, Unified Approach to Balanced Scorecards, Strategic Planning, and Business Improvement." The subtitle to this book describes what is covered in varying details in the other three volumes. My sense is that Breyfogle has pushed his (and our) thinking to the next level and addressed issues that many of us struggle with regarding Continuous Improvement efforts. His “Integrated Enterprise” thinking makes sense to me, what are your thoughts or feedback?
Number of SKUs and Business Complexity
Member Question: I am sure you all agree that more SKUs (finished goods) the company has in its portfolio the more complex (and more expensive) its business becomes. However I wonder how this relationship works exactly? Can anyone recommend formula (or link) that explains (shows impact of) number of SKUs on logistics / supply chain costs (handling, warehousing, transportation), forecast accuracy, level of stocks, etc?

What is the quickest way to get up to speed on supply chain management?
Member Question: What books or other resources can you recommend to a project and product manager who suddenly wants/needs to learn as much as possible about managing supply chains of diverse products? In the past, my role has involved only product development and marketing, not managing the flow of of raw materials from suppliers, managing inventory, delivery and so forth. I'd be grateful for any resource recommendations.
Improving Supplier Delivery using Lean and Six Sigma
Member Question: Can anyone share their experience in improving Supplier delivery performance using Lean and Six sigma methodology?

A Dichotomy of Perspectives: A Discussion on Forrest Breyfogle’s New Book on Integrated Enterprise Excellence
Recently, I had the opportunity to exchange ideas on the veracity of the various models that organizations rely upon as the framework for building a successful enterprise. What prompted this open and productive exchange of ideas was a question that was recently posed regarding the merits of Forrest Breyfogle’s latest book on Integrated Enterprise Excellence (or for those of you that have a penchant for acronyms, IEE). In the following paragraphs I will share a few of the more meaningful discussion streams starting with the original question.

The Number 1 Question Can A Consultant Really Make a Difference
Over the past few weeks I have received a spate of questions asking (although some readers have already formed an opinion), what role does an outside consultant really play in an organization? Specifically, what do they do and how can they help me? This is one of those rare instances when I wear the hats of an unbiased and neutral writer as well as a consultant (I write and teach accredited courses for associations such as Purchasing Management Association of Canada or PMAC). While I cannot speak for others, over the next few paragraphs I will attempt to provide you with some additional insight into how I approach my work. Hopefully this will at least begin to paint a clearer pricture and perhaps establish a framework for evaluating your current consulting arrangements to enable you to get more from existing relationships.
How does the complexity theory apply to business? (A Brief Dialogue)
Member Question: Has anyone applied complexity theory to business in a practical way? Asheville, U.S. My Response: The chaos theory and butterfly effect are interesting concepts in terms of the “complexity” of business. Over a number of years and through funding from the Government of Canada’s Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Program I developed a theory called strand commonality. In the area of supply chain practice for example (although the term “chain” is a misnomer in that it implies a sequential architecture instead of the synchronized architecture that represents the dynamic characteristics of different stakeholders within the real-world), one seeks to understand the unique operating attributes of individual stakeholders using an agent-based model.

Why Six Sigma Initiatives Fail A PI Q and A
Member Question: What’s the #1 reason Six Sigma initiatives fail? (Maybe Six Sigma needs to be applied to Six Sigma . . . ?) My Response: At a Value Network Summit in 2007 Glenda Turner (a Supply Chain Integrator with Boeing) made the following statement; “Now that I know the value networks methodology, I would not consider doing a Six Sigma, lean or any other kind of project without first doing a VNA to provide the systems context for the initiative.”

Aiming at quality improvement with Six Sigma
Six Sigma is a process of quality improvement leading to improved results in an organization by making the employees of an organization learn important skills and concepts which they can apply to the operations in that organization to achieve the desired results.
Six Sigma: A Case study in Motorola
For Motorola, the originator of Six Sigma, the answer to the question "Why Six Sigma?" was simple: survival. Motorola came to Six Sigma because it was being consistently beaten in the competitive marketplace by foreign firms that were able to produce higher quality products at a lower cost.
Measuring Six Sigma for Service Industry
Six Sigma can be successfully linked to a service industry or to a service function like finance and stores within a manufacturing organization. It will help you find out DPMO levels and also the present Sigma level of a company.
Data, Variation and Process Capability of Six Sigma Standard
This article is a detailed discussion of the basics of data, variation and Statistical Control. You will learn here how to understand a distribution graph, Understand what process capability is and to enumerate the various methods and indices used to calculate the process capability.

Other six sigma Related Articles

Ideas On Global Learning
Sun Microsystems Inc., a leading provider of hardware, software and services for network computing solutions, has also developed a worldwide corporate learning system. In July 2000, Sun began the implementation of Sun Sigma, the company's adaptation of a worldwide business phenomenon called Six Sigma—a comprehensive program for building and sustaining business performance, success and leadership. The company used the Sun Enterprise Learning Platform to manage the training of 39,000 globally dispersed employees on Sun Sigma concepts.

Six Sigma: A Case study in Motorola
For Motorola, the originator of Six Sigma, the answer to the question "Why Six Sigma?" was simple: survival. Motorola came to Six Sigma because it was being consistently beaten in the competitive marketplace by foreign firms that were able to produce higher quality products at a lower cost.
Why Six Sigma Initiatives Fail A PI Q and A
Member Question: What’s the #1 reason Six Sigma initiatives fail? (Maybe Six Sigma needs to be applied to Six Sigma . . . ?) My Response: At a Value Network Summit in 2007 Glenda Turner (a Supply Chain Integrator with Boeing) made the following statement; “Now that I know the value networks methodology, I would not consider doing a Six Sigma, lean or any other kind of project without first doing a VNA to provide the systems context for the initiative.”

Marketing your Black Belt, Lean Six Sigma Consultants
I believe that Lean Six Sigma Consulting has the greatest opportunity ever and in my terms, opportunity = NEED. What we need is the greatest transformation of efficiencies from know-how to implementation, and I think Lean Six Sigma is ideally suited to fulfill that need.
Theory of Constraints + Lean + Six Sigma = Ultimate Improvement Cycle
What caught my interest in Bob's book The Ultimate Improvement Cycle is that recently there has been an added push from TOC disciples to bring TOC on an equal playing field as Lean and Six Sigma. I find it interesting because bottlenecks and constraints are an integral part of Lean and Six Sigma training but TOC has never seemed to be on an equal platform.
Marketing needs Six Sigma Methodology to Improve
Marketing needs to do a better job of using statistics and especially variation. When I start talking numbers to people, and what they mean, I get looked at like someone that is just trying to complicate a creative process. Improvement is about numbers. Measurement is about numbers. The truth is, marketing is about numbers. So why not employ more of the Six Sigma methodology? I understand that achieving the quality that Six Sigma represents may be difficult but the principles and tools should, nevertheless be utilized.
Alignment of Six sigma expert's delivery capability with Business needs/objectives
Six sigma methodology and techniques are required to be aligned with Business objectives to bring the best business result for a commercial organization. But, in most of the cases, Six sigma and Business objectives are not aligned 100% to demonstrate the best business result even though the organization has been married to Six sigma methodology and techniques. Let us find out the root causes of the non alignment.

Major Focuses & Principles of Six Sigma Implementation
The six sigma way, we will use and refer to a five-phase improvement cycle that has become increasingly common in six sigma organizations. Six sigma is based on DMAIC Model, as there is know true path we have to follow in any six sigma but this is just guideline one has to follow to implement six sigma project in the organization. Identify core processes and key customers.
Career growth opportunity with Six Sigma Green Belt.
Six Sigma Delhi & Mumbai is a highly disciplined process that focuses on delivering efficient services. AstroWix focuses on preparing professionals for the corporate world teaching them the methodologies necessary for implanting Six Sigma. The most beneficial feature of Six Sigma Delhi & Mumbai is that it is perfect for every business whether it is small or large.This is because it can be applied to any department in an organization. Each Six Sigma project carried out within an organization follows a defined sequence of steps and has quantified financial targets.
Measuring Six Sigma for Service Industry
Six Sigma can be successfully linked to a service industry or to a service function like finance and stores within a manufacturing organization. It will help you find out DPMO levels and also the present Sigma level of a company.
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