Re: Six Sigma & Deming Philosophies!

["Dr A D Burns" <mmedia@ozemail.com.au>]

Dear Bob,

We do seem to have general agreement. It's good to see you focus mainly =
on the 7 tools, rather than having the excess baggage of dozens of them. =
My comments on elitism come from our clients, even to the extent of =
companies having separate six sigma and quality groups !  Regarding =
defect focus, I've seen resumes of six sigma consultants proudly =
announcing their zero defect accomplishments ... anyone can do it, =
simply by changing the specs!! However, because the method of =
calculation of sigma in six sigma programs is incorrect, it's value in =
comparing processes, or anything, is worthless.


>" Sigma is a measure of dispersion. Using the extreme tail of a =
distribution, that is dpmo, is a very poor way to estimate sigma. It's =
like >trying to work out the shape of a dog by looking at the tip of its =
tail. "

>> Technically you are correct. However, my understanding of the point =
of the DPMO/Sigma metric is to be able to compare dissimilar =
>>processes. Then using this data to decide where resources are best =
allocated.=20



As I said, you do seem to have a good approach to six sigma. Perhaps it =
can be best summed up by the Dilbert cartoon:

Consultant to Manager: "You've got to implement a six sigma program or =
you are doomed."

Manager: "Aren't you the same consultant who sold us that worthless TQM =
program a few years ago?"

Consultant: " I can assure you that this program has a totally, totally, =
different name."

Manager: "When can we start?"

Regards,

Dr Tony Burns

aburns@q-skills.com

www.q-skills.com