Affinity Diagram – A tool used to organize and present large amounts of data (ideas, issues, solutions, problems) into logical categories based on user perceived relationships and conceptual frame working. Often used in the form of “sticky notes” sent up to the front of the room in brainstorming exercises, and then grouped by facilitator and workers. Final diagram shows relationship between the...

Six Sigma has been very successfully applied in manufacturing. Is it also applicable to software, and ICT? Six Sigma is about cost reduction by eliminating defects. Six Sigma uses the following three principles: 1. Focus on customers 2. Process orientation 3. Leadership based on metrics Applying Six Sigma to software development makes software projects transparent to both management and custome...

The Six Sigma Training and Certification Levels are organized into a hierarchy of individuals (named according to martial arts convention). As this process is deeply rooted in teamwork, it is important for each certified Six Sigma Professional to know his or her role and responsibilities within an organization. Lower level individuals will report to higher level individuals with problems, and h...

Industrial, manufacturing and service organizations are interested in improving their products and processes by decreasing the variation, because the competitive environment leaves little room for error. Variation is the enemy of quality which is defined and evaluated by the customers. We must deliver products and services at the ideal targets demanded by the customers. The traditional evaluati...

The fast changing economic conditions such as global competition, declining profit margin, customer demand for high quality product, product variety and reduced lead– time etc. had a major impact on manufacturing industries. To respond to these needs various industrial engineering and quality management strategies such as ISO 9000, Total Quality Management, Kaizen, Just–in–time manufacturing, E...

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the use of Six Sigma Methodologies in order to reduce the level of defects at company XYZ. Moreover, the purpose of the study was to review the current film coating operation at XYZ in order to determine the sources of the high number of defects in the final product. Six Sigma DMAIC methodologies were used to find the root cause of the high number o...

Background: In pre-analytical phase of Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory, sample rejection is a very frequent and important source error. It affects the overall quality laboratory services patient care by increasing cost turnaround time. leads to test abandonment causes inconvenience patients staff. Aims Objectives: The aim study was implement define, measure, analyze, improve, control (DMAIC) m...

The Six Sigma approach is a well-structured method for improving quality level by detecting and reducing the variability of the process. Six Sigma approach also helps to achieve the company’s strategic goals by managing the several Six-Sigma projects. There are five sequential phases that are Define, Measurement, Analysis, Improvement and Control of the Six Sigma Project. These phases lead the ...

The Lean Toolkit The lean toolkit is comprised of a set of tools that are used in support of the Six Sigma DMAIC process, which is an acronym for define, measure, analyze, improve, and control (Figure 1). While this toolkit is not all inclusive, the set of tools that will be discussed over my next few columns will allow an organization to move through each of the DMAIC functions and facilitate ...