Six Sigma aims at bringing about business success, while striving for on-target processes with minimum variation. Apart from this, there are certain other factors, which are invariably needed for a success story.
• Defining a clear project charter, and having a sponsor review it.
• Understanding and identifying the critical inputs and the consecutive outcomes.
• Understanding the requirements of the customers, and designing the process improvements on those grounds.
• Reduction of variables and ensure a consistent performance by using the appropriate control mechanisms.Siemens used Top plus Quality Approach to study the effect of Six Sigma on its processes.
The framework clearly stated the roles and responsibilities of the senior management in the quality improvement initiative. The levers would be assessed based on the standards, and help the management take the decision accordingly. A systematic approach is what the business was aiming at.
The management has stringent roles to ensure visibility, proper training, and taking decisions based on the customer databases. This approach involves the senior officials, and differentiates between the levers, thereby guaranteeing greater quality and commitment in the business improvements.
Ericsson, on the other hand, studied the reception of Six Sigma at the organization and the customer level. Their Elements of Change Capability proved that not everyone is fit for the upcoming change. Such a vital study paved way for motivation, and then using the concepts for business improvement.
Once the team is ready to adopt the new processes, training and supervision helps them keep going. Ericsson was able to include change management into Six Sigma, which eventually increased the plausibility of success.
The takeaway is that the improvement initiatives should fit with the company’s long term goals. The culture of the company should gel in with the change management processes, to bring about definite success.
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