![]() See the graph that statistically represents Six Sigma. Because Six Sigma is a continuous improvement methodology focused on decreasing variation, six sigma (σ) stands for the standard deviations to the left and the right of the mean (average) in the graph. Yes, the ubiquitous figure in all statistics books - the bell-shaped curve. In the early 19th century, Carl Frederic Gauss introduced the concept of the normal curve. The term Six Sigma traces its roots to statistics. Six Sigma was introduced by Motorola in 1987 and further developed by General Electric in the 1990s. Its strengths lie in engaging front-line employees to develop standardized solutions to common problems, and its focus on the customer. It serves as a framework for management to ensure the greatest value for customers while maximizing the resources used. Lean originated with Toyota Motor Corporation of Japan where it was developed as a tool for improvement. Lean Thinking, Lean Methodology, Lean Management, or simply Lean is an integrated system of principles, practices, tools, and techniques that aim to eliminate waste, decrease production time, and improve process efficiency. In this article, I answer common questions related to these tools so you can apply them in your own organizations. In the hospital where I work, we used Lean Six Sigma to reduce hospital acquired pressure ulcers (HAPU) by 60%. Combining the two creates a synergistic effect, boosting effectiveness. Lean and Six Sigma are well-established quality improvement tools.
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