Title: Six-Sigma: the evolution of 100 years of business improvement methodology

Authors: Ronald D. Snee

Addresses: Process and Organisational Excellence, Tunnell Consulting, King of Prussia, PA, USA

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.

Keywords: six sigma; statistical thinking; business improvement; business performance; financial impact; quality improvement; error reduction.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSCA.2004.005274

International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, 2004 Vol.1 No.1, pp.4 - 20

Published online: 19 Sep 2004 *

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