Over to the expert

摘要

There has been a lot of interest in six sigma recently and many genuine successes but, as with all quality bandwagons, also a lot of hype. What you have heard needs to be evaluated as carefully and objectively as possible, and you probably need to find out a little more before you set about implementation in your own company. Your boss's scepticism is probably a good thing. There have recently been a number of examples of inadequately planned and structured six sigma programmes, reflecting the rush for companies to implement. It is true that such problems can be successfully sorted out once started, but this is not always the case and, in any event, getting it right for your company at the start is much more efficient on resources, particularly in a training and consultancy market where some providers charge a fortune, promise much and deliver little. Because much current six sigma training is dated, over-technical and inadequate it can embed seriously bad practices.