In my previous blogs, I discussed some challenges in deploying continuous improvement (CI) methodologies in organizations and made recommendations, such as Understand the reason to bring in the methodology and assess organization’s readiness (Starting Lean Six Sigma) Select the right projects and leaders and provide training and coaching (The First Six Sigma Project) Pay attention… Continue reading Approaches to Lean Six Sigma Deployment
Tag: Six Sigma
Lean Six Sigma Training for Continuous Improvement
Have you provided Lean Six Sigma (LSS) training to your employees? What was your goal? How effective was it? Over 15 years ago, I received my LSS Black Belt (BB) training sponsored by my employer. It was three weeks of classroom training delivered over three months by external consultants. It kick-started my Continuous Improvement (CI)… Continue reading Lean Six Sigma Training for Continuous Improvement
Understanding Variation
Lean and Six Sigma are two common methodologies in Continuous Improvement (CI). However, neither has a precise definition of what it is. Many disagree on the definitions or even the value of these methodologies, and I won’t join the debate here. What I care about is the underlying principles used by these methodologies – whatever… Continue reading Understanding Variation
Revisiting the DMAIC Stage-Gate Process
The DMAIC framework, with its Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control phases, is the most common method used in Six Sigma projects. Most Green Belts (GBs) and Black Belts (BBs) are trained to execute Six Sigma projects using this framework. Following the DMAIC steps, the project team can think rigorously and approach the problem… Continue reading Revisiting the DMAIC Stage-Gate Process
Six Sigma Project Management
Six Sigma projects are different from traditional projects in one important aspect – the solution or the path to success is unknown at the start. In contrast, building a new house, for example, is typically a project with a known path. Its time, budget, and resources can be planned with reasonable accuracy. While there is… Continue reading Six Sigma Project Management
Can You Trust Your Data?
Data is a new buzzword. Big Data, data science, data analytics, etc. are words that surround us every day. With the abundance of data, the challenges of data quality and accessibility become more prevalent and relevant to organizations that want to use data to support decisions and create value. One question about data quality is… Continue reading Can You Trust Your Data?
The First Six Sigma Project
Recently I have been coaching some newly trained Green Belts (GBs) doing DMAIC projects and observed very similar struggles many organizations experience. For example, Making little progress because of no time or resources Stuck in the Define phase two months after the project start Confused by the tools and their applicability in the project Overwhelmed… Continue reading The First Six Sigma Project
Improving Business Processes
In today’s business, time is money. Speed can determine the success or failure of a product, program, or even a company. I have been involved in many business process improvement projects aimed at reducing cycle time, e.g. the time to register novel pharmaceuticals in emerging markets or the time to fully execute contracts required for… Continue reading Improving Business Processes
Road to the Data-rich Future
There is hardly a day gone by without seeing an article about a business or organization using data analytics, machine learning, or artificial intelligence to solve tough problems or even disrupt the industry. With wide availability of computers and other digital devices, capturing and storing data becomes easier. This represents unprecedented opportunities to gain knowledge… Continue reading Road to the Data-rich Future
Starting Lean Six Sigma
Are you thinking about bringing Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to your organization but concerned with their effectiveness? Starting with three questions will help increase your chance of success or return on investment. For more than a decade, I have led, supported, and observed Lean Six Sigma deployments in many organizations in life sciences.… Continue reading Starting Lean Six Sigma