Six-Sigma: the evolution of 100 years of business improvement methodology
by Ronald D. Snee
International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage (IJSSCA), Vol. 1, No. 1, 2004

Abstract: Humankind has always felt a need to improve its condition right since it first came on this planet. Agriculture and athletics are two outstanding examples of the benefits of a constant focus on improvement. Since the early 1900s, there has been a focus on improvement of business performance. Statistical thinking and methods have played a key role in business improvement as they have in agriculture and athletics. Approaches to business improvement have evolved and grown over the years and today the process-focused, statistically-based Six-Sigma methodology is being used by companies such as GE, Honeywell, Motorola, DuPont, American Express, Ford and many others – large and small – to improve business performance. This article traces the evolution of business improvement methodology and the use of statistical thinking and methods in improving business performance. It is shown how Six-Sigma has evolved to include the best features of the improvement methods that have come before it. A case study of reducing newspaper errors is included to illustrate the use of Six-Sigma tools and methods.

Online publication date: Sun, 19-Sep-2004

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage (IJSSCA):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com