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Abstract:
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Six Sigma has had a major impact on the manufacturing and service sectors in the United States in the past 20 years. Many of the proponents and leading companies have emphasized statistical methods, often with great effect. New software, the abundance of data, and the need to make fact-based decisions created an incredible opportunity for significant improvements using these methods. Most Six Sigma efforts soon incorporated the semi-statistical methods: FMEA, QFD, error-proofing, value-stream analysis, balanced scorecards, cause-and-effect diagrams. But the soft stuff remains a challenge, although, in many cases, it is what limits the impact of Six Sigma. Leadership, change management, and teamwork are critical parts of successful improvement initiatives of any kind. They are essential if we are to make Six Sigma achieve its potential.
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