Innovation and Six Sigma are different methods that beget different types of results and require different management styles.

 

Do companies have to choose between the two??

Can innovation and Six Sigma coexist??

 

Read more at http://www.businessweek.com/stories/2007-02-27/debate-six-sigma-vs-dot-innovationbusinessweek-business-news-stock-market-and-financial-advice

One of the major differences between Six Sigma and other improvement approaches is its significant dependence on data based approach using statistical methods. In Six Sigma, we first convert a real life practical problem into a statistical problem. This is like modeling a process. The process response is usually called Key Process Output Variable (KPOV).

 

Dr. Dean Ornish in his famous book â€Reversing Heart Disease†has mentioned the difficulties he faced in establishing an appropriate and accurate measure of heart disease. He finally came up with “% blockage of main coronary artery†as the measure of heart disease, KPOV for his research. It was quite difficult to find equipment that would help him distinguish between the “real difference†between the patients before and after the treatment.

 

Hence ANOVA  ( I mean Six Sigma ) & INNOVA ( Innovation ) is not separable for continual improvement 

Small Beginning Incremental improvements with six sigma. 

Sustained progress with innovation 

Leads to legendary possibilities

New thinking new possibilities

If we look at Six Sigma as a philosophy than it is helpful during innovation.

Define: Without knowing what is required, innovation is not possible. So, define phase is a must.

For instance: Innovation of space pen to write in the space, NASA invested lots of $$$$. If they were defined the problem they would have used a pencil.

It is difficult to understand how can Six Sigma can come in the way of innovation or vice versa. They have always co existed. Six Sigma definitely is applied to reduce defects. This is the DMAIC approach. But it also has DMADV phases which are applicable for new processes which are where it is completely in connection with Innovation.

to do innovation, six sigma will be a great host.. these tools will aid us to breach the resistance. Innovation and six sigma co-exist...