Title: One perspective on the future of Six-Sigma

Authors: Roger Hoerl

Addresses: GE Global Research, PO Box 8, K1-4C33, Schenectady, NY 12301, USA

Abstract: Six-Sigma has maintained momentum for over ten years now, longer than many pundits expected. However, the key question remains: how long will Six-Sigma remain front-page news? The answer is that it will remain front-page news as long as it delivers front-page results. A second, and related question is: how might the initiative morph and evolve in order to remain relevant going forward? This paper suggests that several emerging trends will continue, such as migration to financial services and healthcare, standardisation of Design for Six-Sigma (DFSS), and further globalisation. Longer term, a key challenge appears to be integration into normal operations, rather than managing Six-Sigma as a separate initiative. Eventually, Six-Sigma needs to become part of an organisation|s overall quality or business improvement system.

Keywords: six sigma; design for six sigma; lean sigma; quality improvement; business improvement; quality management system; financial services; healthcare; globalisation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSCA.2004.005281

International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, 2004 Vol.1 No.1, pp.112 - 119

Published online: 19 Sep 2004 *

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