Re: comments on six sigma

[DANSWART@aol.com]

In a message dated 04/06/2000 10:53:23 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
john@vanguardconsult.co.uk writes:

<< * quality improvement is made to seem difficult and the prerogative of the 
expert. >>

I don't know any Six Sigma black belts and cannot speak with direct 
experience as to their approach.  The above statement caused me to think of 
how different that approach seems from the SoPK.  I am currently reading 
"Guide to Quality Control" by Kaoru Ishikawa (ISBN 92-833-1036-5).  It goes 
chapter by chapter from "How to Collect Data" to "Sampling Inspection" with 
practice problems at the end.  The preface to the original edition states, 
"The techniques in this book are those we feel should be known by all QC 
Circle leaders and, if possible, all Circle members as well."

According to this book, the Japanese feel that most workers are capable of 
learning what is needed to ensure quality and continuous improvement at the 
line worker level and expect they will study and analyze the quality control 
process on their own initiative.  I believe this to be consistent with Dr. 
Deming's and Shewhart's opinion as to the learning abilities of the "willing 
workers."  Is this different from the Six Sigma approach?

Dan
danswart@aol.com
======================================================================