SIX SIGMA: A NEW PHILOSOPHY OR REPACKAGING OF OLD IDEAS?

摘要

Six sigma is being promoted as the latest quality methodology and approach that can dramatically improve performance and bottom line results of businesses and organisations. However, six sigma is not so new (the ideas have been around since the 1980s), but it often takes considerable time for initiatives to be widely recognised and adopted. The origins of six sigma go back much further than its introduction by Motorola in 1987 and its widespread use by GE in 1995 spearheaded by Jack Welch. The six sigma approach is heavily influenced by the philosophies of Deming, Juran, Taguchi and other quality gurus.