Monday, October 4, 2010

A Fix for Six?

Six Sigma is a quality program that has continued to gain following since its inception at Motorola in the early 80's. With the original goal of defect-free manufacturing, Six Sigma has expanded beyond the manufacturing floor and infiltrated nearly every department in the business world. However, it is not without it's stumbling blocks.

According to QuikSigma, a software company in the business of making Six Sigma principles a reality, only 30% of graduating belts ("Green Belts", "Black Belts", etc.) are proficient in using statistical analysis. AND...they still elect to solve problems the 'old way'. With the hope of replacing the typical complex statistical software packages used by Six Sigma graduates, QuikSigma's software is learned in 1/3 the time and the resulting Six Sigma projects, although completed in half the time, are still comprehensive with all the rigors expected.

Although many belts may not fully employ the statistical rigors of the Six Sigma program, they are still seeing phenomenal results. QuikSigma expects that with the implementation of their simpler software solution, results will skyrocket even further.

Sample Test Question: Task 1-F-4

Janet is looking to improve and control various processes in her organization, with the goal of ultimately improving business performance. In order to reach this specific goal, each of the following may be helpful EXCEPT:


A) ISO 9001
B) Six Sigma

C) ISO 9004

D) BATNA

2 comments:

Satyam Jakkula said...

The answer is option D).

The process of elimination should work here.

The option D), Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement [BATNA] doesn't fit here for Janet to improve & control various organizational processes. Having BATNA would help organization's negotiation strength but do not improve and control processes.

Deborah Gamble, CPSM said...

Satyam,

Exactly. ISO 9000 series and Six Sigma are examples of quality programs which, if implemented, have the aim of improving and controlling processes.

BATNA is thrown in to test knowledge of acronyms common in the procurement profession. If you know what BATNA stands for, this question is an easy one to answer.

Well done.

Debbie