RE: Six Sigma in Norway?

[Steven_S_Prevette@rl.gov]

Q:  Do you have thoughts, written material, etc where Six Sigma is discussed
with "Deming" in mind?

Yes, we have discussed Six Sigma before on the DEN.  Since I have been
invited to work on an article for the American Society for Quality magazine
"Quality Progress" on Systems Thinking, and it is targeted to be used as one
of about 5 short articles on different quality philosophies, it would be
good practice for me to make a few quick notes.

In my opinion, the differences between Six Sigma and Deming include:

Short term versus long term.  Six Sigma authors have definitely stated that
Six Sigma projects should be short term, six months or less.  Systems
thinking and Dr. Deming work on a much longer term vision, primarily on
point number one, constancy of purpose.  It is easy to show a short term
gain with a six month project, much harder to made a real impact on a
system.

Source of expertise.  Six Sigma relies on the "belt" colors, including
fairly high prices specialty training for black belts.  Belts tend to be
chosen from the "fair haired boys" (and girls) of up-and-coming managers.
These belts also provide leadership of the six sigma projects, in what
appears (to me) to be a very "elitist" effort.  In contrast, Dr. Deming did
call for Masters-level statistical support (and no hacks!).  But it is the
management that owns the system, so therefore the management must lead the
change.  The change also requires the active involvement of the workforce.  

Reliance upon numerical targets.  In order to determine if you are "six
sigma capable", you must have a numerical target for everything.  In
contrast, points 10 and 11 call for elimination of numerical targets.

Bill Latzko has a good paper in the DEN at
http://deming.ces.clemson.edu/pub/den/six_sig.pdf which discusses some of
the statistical problems with six sigma theory, so I won't repeat that
argument here.

Steve Prevette
Site Technical Authority for Statistical Trending
Environment, Safety and Health
Fluor Hanford, A Fluor Global Services Company
ASQ Certified Quality Engineer
steven_s_prevette@rl.gov
509-373-9371