In a 3 to 4 pages, writer about Six-Sigma
I would like an essay like https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/business/what-is-six-sigma-certification
talking about what six-sigma is and what it entails.
The discussion should have follow same format as the link provided, with subheadings.
Six-Sigma
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Six-Sigma
Six Sigma refers to a methodology that dates back to the mid-1980s that focuses on quality improvement through the identification or errors and finding effective ways of correcting them. The methodology was pioneered by Motorola when it set its manufacturing goals and by 2005, the company saved about $17 billion and attributed it to the implementation of six sigma. As a result, other companies followed suit and were also able to improve quality as well as save costs incurred in the manufacturing process. The Six Sigma approach is data-driven and is essential for the growth and success of any business regardless of the field or profession one is working in. σ is a Greek letter that represents the variability or standard deviation in products. For any manufacturing or production process, there is always a level of variation in the products. The purpose of Six Sigma is to analyze the production process and determine the cause of these variations (Takao et al., 2017). The purpose of this essay is to describe the Six Sigma approach including requirements for certification, the six sigma process, lean six sigma, benefits, and history.
Six-Sigma Certification
Six Sigma certification verifies and validates professionals who are highly skilled in identifying errors, risks, and defects that may exist in the business process and eliminating them. Generally, the performance of a company is measured by considering the sigma level of the production process. A high sigma level illustrates that there is a lower rate of errors which implies that the business process is efficient and translates to better value for the consumers (Stankalla et al., 2019)
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Certification requirements and Levels of certification
Individuals who want to be certified must complete a course that takes approximately eight weeks and must also take an approved examination and pass it. There are five main certification levels and from the lowest to the highest level, they include: white belt, yellow belt, green belt, black belt, and master black belt. The white belt level deals with basic concepts and certified persons can work with problem solving teams during projects. The yellow belt level focuses on reviewing process improvements, green belt focuses on collecting relevant data and analyzing it, while the black belt entails leading projects. Individuals with the master black belt can develop key metrics, shape business strategies, coach other individuals at lower levels, and work as consultants (American Society for Quality, 2021).
The Six-sigma Process
The most widely adopted Six Sigma process entails five steps: defining the goals and objectives of the project, measuring current performance, data analysis to assess causes, errors or variations, process improvement, and controlling future performance. The measurement stage entails determining the type of data that should be collected while the data analysis stage incorporates statistical tools such as histograms, Pareto charts, and flow charts. Once the data analysis process is complete, it is important to determine the improvements that should be implemented to make a difference in the business process. The Six Sigma process also entails constant monitoring of the business process to ensure that it remains optimal. Another methodology used in Six Sigma entails defining goals, determining the needs of the consumer, assessing process options, designing a specific process that meets the needs of the consumer, and verifying the performance of the design process (Takao et al., 2017).
Industrial application of Six-Sigma
In most cases, the Six Sigma process is associated with manufacturing companies. However, the process can be applied to other industries including financial services, energy, insurance, hospitality, retail, telecommunications, software, hospitality, healthcare, and transportation. In addition, many occupations require six sigma certification or a certain extent of knowledge of the six sigma process. These occupations include quality assurance, quality management, business process engineering, process management, and continuous improvement (Patel & Patel, 2021).
Lean Six Sigma
Lean methodology focuses on reducing wastage in the production process. Therefore, the lean six-sigma approach focuses on integrating waste removal with error elimination which creates a competitive advantage by increasing customer satisfaction while at the same time promoting standardization in the production process. When integrating six sigma and lean methodologies, the lean approach is first implemented to improve effectiveness and efficiency in the workplace and to reduce waste. Six Sigma is later incorporated to further improve the production process (Patel & Patel, 2021).
Benefits of Six-sigma
Six-sigma is beneficial to individuals who choose to be certified because it promotes career development and advancement in addition to higher salaries. For organizations, Six Sigma promotes effective use of data to for quality improvement and management. Better product quality promotes customer satisfaction. In addition, Six Sigma enhances business processes and increases competitive advantage (Takao et al., 2017).
Conclusion
Six Sigma is a data-driven methodology that focuses on eliminating errors and variation in production while improving the efficiency of business processes. The approach was initially used in manufacturing companies although it can be applied in other industries including healthcare and insurance industries. Six Sigma promotes quality improvement and enhances consumer satisfaction which increases competitive advantage for businesses.
References
American Society for Quality. (2021). Six Sigma Belts, Levels & Roles. https://asq.org/quality-resources/six-sigma/belts-executives-champions.
Patel, A., & Patel, K. (2021). Critical review of literature on Lean Six Sigma methodology. International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, 12(3), 627-674. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijlss-04-2020-0043
Stankalla, R., Chromjakova, F., & Koval, O. (2019). A review of the Six Sigma belt system for manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises. Quality Management Journal, 26(2), 100-117. https://doi.org/10.1080/10686967.2019.1580119
Takao, M., Woldt, J., & da Silva, I. (2017). Six Sigma methodology advantages for small- and medium-sized enterprises: A case study in the plumbing industry in the United States. Advances in Mechanical Engineering, 9(10), 168781401773324. https://doi.org/10.1177/1687814017733248