Six sigma , Standards and quality , General studies , UPSC ESE

Six sigma 

• It is a methodology and symbol of quality. 
• It is quality philosophy and the way of improving the performance by knowing where you are and where you can be. 
• It is a purely scientific method used for process improvement and this method is known as DMAIC.
• D-define , M-measure , A-analyse , I-improve , C-control 
• Its main focus is quality improvement and reduction of defect, its target is bringing down the error rate. 

Quality 

Historical background 

• Father of six sigma is Mr Bill Smith ,he is an engineer in Motorola. 
• In 1987 Motorola officially launch six sigma program and due to this Motorola known worldwide as quality leader and profit leader. 
• In 1998 Motorola was awarded by "Malcolm baldrige national quality" award .
• In 1991 Motorola certified its first "black belt". 
• In 1995 six sigma become well known after Mr Jack welch who is CEO of general electric. 

Why sigma ?

• Sigma is the only Greek word which is used to measure diversion or dispersion. 

Sigma scale 

Why not zero defect? 

• Since we cannot control noise factor completely we can't talk about zero defect . 

DPMO

EPMO

Six sigma methodology 

• It is used for improving, optimising and stabilizing business process and design. 
• It is a core tool of six sigma. 
• It is logical and structural approach in problem solving and process improvement. 
• It is a 5 process iterative process. 
• It is used for improvement of existing process.
• DMAIC -  existing process , DMADV - new process
  

Define phase 

• Goal 
• Aim 
• Target 
• Opportunity 

Measure phase 

• Existing system is measured in this phase identify the gap between current performance and required performance. 

Analyse phase 

• System is analysed in this phase to identify the way to eliminate the gap between current performance and required performance. 
• Fishbone diagram can be used in this phase to analyse the factor. 

Improve phase 

• The purpose of this phase is to identify ,test and implement the solution to the problem .
• In this phase team try to find a solution which cheaper ,better and faster 

Tool used 

• Brainstorming 
• Design of experiment (R&D) 
• Six thinking hats : white hat, red hat, black hat, yellow hat, green hat, blue hat.

Control phase

• The purpose of this phase is to sustain the improved system.
• DMADV - new process
• Design , Measure , Analyse , Design , Verify

Different level in six sigma / six sigma certification program

• Six sigma training and certificate levels are organised into heirarchy of individual can achieve in six sigma.
• It is important for each certified six sigma professional to know his /her role and responsibility within the company organised into heirarchy of individuals.
• Lower label individual will meet to higher label individual with their problem and higher label individual are responsible for mentoring lower individual.
  

Note: white belt label is not fully recognised by entire six sigma community , many consider yellow belt as lowest belt.

Dabbawala:

• 
  Nutan Mumbai tiffin box supplier association.
• Start in 1890
• Having world record in best time management 
• Having name in guiness world record
• Started by Havaji Bachhe