DISCUSSION 1
Six Sigma focuses on creating an organizational climate that fosters and supports continuous improvement. Such improvement in quality begins a chain reaction that involves fewer delays, better use of resources, and fewer mistakes. This, in turn, results in increased market share and a more profitable company. (Six Sigma, p. 15)
Dr. Edwards Deming developed a series of 14 points that serve as a guide for management to improve all facets of an organization - from daily operations to leadership to empowering all levels of employees.
Review Deming's 14 Points and respond to the following:
• Consider your own place of employment or that of a friend or family member. Briefly describe this organization and identify its core business.
• From your point of view, analyze each of the 14 Points as they relate to your choice of organization.
• Identify the strengths and the weaknesses. How would you improve the processes in this organization?
• Which of Deming's 14 points do you find the most interesting? Explain why you selected this particular point.
DISCUSSION 4
Attributes are characteristics that are associated with a product, service or process can be counted (Six Sigma, p.257). For example, we can count the number of cars that have a scratched finish, we can count the number of containers that are damaged during shipping, and we can count the number of packing lists that contain errors. We can then take this attribute data and chart the information. These charts show us what operations are working and where we need to make improvements. The first step in attribute control is gathering the data.
For this discussion forum, complete the following:
• Select a product, service, or process in an organization or industry that reflects your present or current job or career path. Identify and describe your selection, and explain why you made this selection.
• Identify the customer needs and expectations for this product, service, or process.
• Identify and describe 5 possible attributes for studying and charting. Rank these attributes in order of importance.
• Explain how you would determine what was done correctly and what should be improved.