Question Description
Continuous Improvement
In this unit, we study one of Quality Management’s biggest concepts: Six Sigma. Six Sigma is a framework for quality improvement based on statistics (“sigma” refers to the standard variation in a normal distribution; “six sigma” means that six times the standard variation, or 99.99966% of the performance, falls within customer requirements) and a set of tools and methods that are implemented to reduce variation in processes.
The Six Sigma framework relies heavily on the DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) process, which we will examine in detail after reviewing the basics of quality management and how they apply specifically to the concept of Six Sigma.
Finally, we will examine how the Six Sigma methodology relates to other quality improvement systems, such as the Lean method, and how they can be applied jointly.
Reading (see all attached as pdf.)
Six Sigma (Knowles) Chapters 1-5 – pp. 10-39; Chapters 10-12 – pp. 63-86
http://www.goleansixsigma.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/The-Basics-of-Lean-Six-Sigma-www.GoLeanSixSigma.com_.pdf
http://www.goleansixsigma.com/lean-six-sigma-step-by-step/
Supplemental reading:
http://www.michailolidis.gr/pdf/KAIZEN08.pdf
http://academic.uprm.edu/ispeprsc/media/(2012.04.28)_Principles_of_Lean_Six_Sigma_2012.pdf
Lean Six Sigma: Research and Practice (Antony, Kumar) Ch. 2, Lean Six Sigma: Exploring future potential and challenges – pp. 35-45
Assignments:
PART 1:
Read the article “Why You Can Safely Ignore Six Sigma” in Fortune Magazine, Jan. 22, 2001 (available at http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2001/01/22/295545/index.htm). Do you agree with its criticism of the Six Sigma approach? Some things to ponder are:
- Do the results of Six Sigma have an impact on the financial statements, and therefore on stock value?
- Is Six Sigma only valuable to early adopters?
- Does Six Sigma apply to the service industry, since it focuses on defects, which are difficult to identify in services?
- Does Six Sigma help products find a market?
Please answer in 250 words or more. As usual, use your own words – please do not copy and paste from a web site. Be sure to reference your sources.
PART 2:
This week's Written Assignment can be found in BUS4406WAUnit5Questions (1). Please use Copy of BUS4406WAUnit5SixSigmaDPMOConversionTable as a reference.
Be sure to use in text citation and provide references for your sources. Wikipedia is not a source.
PART 3:
Consider the following questions for reflection:
If you have to implement a continuous improvement methodology in your organization, how will you deal with resistance to change from various stakeholders?
Your answer should reflect your personal experience and should be thoughtful and introspective.
Please write an essay of complete and well composed paragraphs (350 word minimum for the entire essay) Be sure to use in text citation and provide references for your sources. Wikipedia is not a source.
Our website has a team of professional writers who can help you write any of your homework. They will write your papers from scratch. We also have a team of editors just to make sure all papers are of HIGH QUALITY & PLAGIARISM FREE. To make an Order you only need to click Ask A Question and we will direct you to our Order Page at WriteDemy. Then fill Our Order Form with all your assignment instructions. Select your deadline and pay for your paper. You will get it few hours before your set deadline.
Fill in all the assignment paper details that are required in the order form with the standard information being the page count, deadline, academic level and type of paper. It is advisable to have this information at hand so that you can quickly fill in the necessary information needed in the form for the essay writer to be immediately assigned to your writing project. Make payment for the custom essay order to enable us to assign a suitable writer to your order. Payments are made through Paypal on a secured billing page. Finally, sit back and relax.
About Writedemy
We are a professional paper writing website. If you have searched a question and bumped into our website just know you are in the right place to get help in your coursework. We offer HIGH QUALITY & PLAGIARISM FREE Papers.
How It Works
To make an Order you only need to click on “Place Order” and we will direct you to our Order Page. Fill Our Order Form with all your assignment instructions. Select your deadline and pay for your paper. You will get it few hours before your set deadline.
Are there Discounts?
All new clients are eligible for 20% off in their first Order. Our payment method is safe and secure.