Six Sigmaat many organizations simply means a measure of quality that strives for nearperfection. Six Sigma is a disciplined,data-driven approachand methodology foreliminating defects (driving towards six standard deviations between the mean and thenearest specification limit) in any process -- from manufacturing to transactional and fromproduct to service.Thestatistical representationof Six Sigma describes quantitatively how a process isperforming. To achieve Six Sigma, a process must not produce more than 3.4 defects permillion opportunities. A Six Sigma defect is defined as anything outside of customerspecifications. A Six Sigma opportunity is then the total quantity of chances for a defect.Process sigma can easily be calculated using aSix Sigma calculator.The fundamental objective of the Six Sigma methodology is the implementation of ameasurement-based strategy that focuses on process improvement and variationreduction through the application ofSix Sigma improvement projects. This isaccomplished through the use of two Six Sigma sub-methodologies: DMAIC andDMADV. TheSix Sigma DMAICprocess (define, measure, analyze, improve, control) isan improvement system for existing processes falling below specification and looking forincremental improvement. TheSix Sigma DMADVprocess (define, measure, analyze,design, verify) is an improvement system used to develop new processes or products atSix Sigma quality levels. It can also be employed if a current process requires more than just incremental improvement. Both Six Sigma processes are executed by Six SigmaGreen Belts andSix Sigma Black Belts, and are overseen bySix Sigma Master Black Belts.According to the Six Sigma Academy, Black Belts save companies approximately $230,000 per project and cancomplete four to 6 projects per year. General Electric, one of the most successful companies implementing Six Sigma,has estimated benefits on the order of $10 billion during the first five years of implementation. GE first began Six Sigmain 1995 after Motorola and Allied Signal blazed the Six Sigma trail. Since them,thousands of companiesaround theworld have discovered the far reaching benefits of Six Sigma.Many frameworks exist for implementing the Six Sigma methodology.Six Sigma Consultantsall over the world havedeveloped proprietary methodologies for implementing Six Sigma quality, based on the similar change managementphilosophies and applications of tools.

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