In 1976, the Union of Japanese Scientists and Engineers (JUSE) saw the need for tools to promote innovation, communicate information and successfully plan major projects. A team researched and developed the seven new quality control tools, often called the seven management and planning (MP) tools, or simply the seven management tools.

Six Sigma actually has its roots in a 19th Century mathematical theory, but found its way into today’s mainstream business world through the efforts of an engineer at Motorola in the 1980s. Now heralded as one of the foremost methodological practices for improving customer satisfaction and improving business processes, Six Sigma has been refined and perfected over the years into what we see today.

The healthcare industry continues to rank among the fastest-growing industries in the United States, but with this growth has come challenges in how to best manage costs and processes while …

Study Shows Government Agencies can Benefit from Lean Process Improvement, but Few Take Advantage Government leaders have increasingly implemented Lean process techniques in an attempt to make taxpayer-funded operations more …

Six Sigma is concerned with more than fact-based, data-driven statistical analysis. The methodology relies on people for its success just as much as it depends on problem solving tools or …

The primary goal of Six Sigma is to eliminate defects in a process. The desired outcome is improved quality and efficiency for the business. This overall result is achieved by streamlining …

At a recent National Press Club luncheon, Veterans Secretary Robert A. McDonald affirmed his plans for advancing the VA health care system using Lean Six Sigma. “We started training leaders …

Using Six Sigma as an approach to process improvement can yield a significant return on investment. However, too often those who initially embrace the concept of Six Sigma are left …

Dr. Elliott talks about the importance of measuring customer satisfaction AFTER the product is delivered and likens it to the process of buying a new car. Sign up for our …

Does your company have a plan in place to make sure your customers are taken care of if one or more of your processes fail? In the event of a …