What Are The Steps to Take in Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)?
A Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is a risk management tool that identifies potential failures within a system or process and classifies them by likelihood of occurrence and potential...
View ArticleAndon Board
The term Andon refers to a system that informs all employees of the status of a process and sends an alert when an issue is detected. An Andon Board refers to the way Toyota first put such a system...
View ArticleWhat Is the Purpose of Andon in Lean?
In every operation that involves many different processes, tasks and types of equipment, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the operation. One of the biggest benefits of Lean methodology...
View ArticleWhat Is the Null Hypothesis in Six Sigma?
The null hypothesis refers to the default prediction in research that no significant statistical relationship exists between two variables or two sets of data. The assumption in the null hypothesis is...
View ArticleWhat Are the Seven Basic Tools of Six Sigma?
Invented by engineering professor Kaoru Ishikawa, the seven basic tools of Six Sigma – sometimes referred to as the Ishikawa Tools – are simple but effective tools for solving quality control issues....
View ArticleUsing Six Sigma to Drive Better Customer Experience
The data-focused and detail-oriented strategies of Lean Six Sigma can streamline any type of operation, ranging from an assembly line on the manufacturing floor to the check-in process at a hospital....
View ArticleHow to Pursue the Root of a Problem
Written by Contributing Columnist: David Larsen, PSP, PMP, LSSMBB Problems are frequently encountered by leaders, teams, and individual contributors. Problems can be viewed as opportunities to improve....
View ArticleIs Lean Six Sigma Useful in Sports?
Motorola famously started using Six Sigma in the 1980s, bringing a data-driven approach to reducing process variations that lead to errors and defects. The concepts of Lean grew from the systems used...
View ArticleLean, Six Sigma and Theory of Constraints Rank High For Process Optimization
Lean, Six Sigma and the Theory of Constraints (ToC) rank among the best strategies for creating positive change and optimizing processes within a company, according to a recent column in CIO magazine....
View ArticleGoldratt’s Theory of Constraints
Developed by Israeli business consultant and author Eli Goldratt, the Theory of Constraints (TOC) focuses on improving workflow efficiency by providing a framework for identifying and eliminating...
View ArticleHow Eli Goldratt Used a Novel to Explain the Theory of Constraints
Dr. Eliyahu M. Goldratt worked as an educator, author, scientist, philosopher and business leader during the course of his career. But one of his greatest accomplishments involved finding a unique way...
View ArticleWhat is Green Lean Six Sigma?
One of the most compelling modern issues in business is sustainability. While most executives voice support for making their company’s operations greener, they may struggle to put a plan in place that...
View ArticleThe Stages of Project Team Development: Form, Storm, Norm, Perform, Adjourn
The concept of Form, Storm, Norm, Perform (FSNP) evolved from an effort to use the insights of psychology to understand the stages of project team development. The resulting theory provides project...
View ArticleGuest Post: 4 Proven Lean Manufacturing Strategies for Optimal Plant Performance
Written by: Eric Whitley Lean manufacturing combines innovative strategies and tools for improving internal processes, managing customer expectations, and driving radical organizational changes....
View ArticleSMU Offers Lean Six Sigma Certificate Programs That Support Process...
Through its Continuing and Professional Education (CAPE) division, Southern Methodist University (SMU) offers professionals the opportunity to develop expertise in the use of Lean Six Sigma strategies...
View ArticlePepsi Co. Continues to Champion Lean Six Sigma For Operational Efficiency
The global pandemic hit many businesses hard, including those in the ever-competitive beverage industry. But it also provided an opportunity for companies to examine current processes and find ways to...
View ArticleSteps For Small Businesses To Put Lean Six Sigma Into Action
Many small businesses can benefit by putting the principles of Lean Six Sigma into action, particularly those who want to focus on process improvement. By using the right tools and techniques, small...
View ArticleAlpha Risk
Alpha Risk measures the risk of analyzing the results of a statistical test, such as comparison between one process method and another, and determining that any statistical differences are significant,...
View ArticleBeta Risk
Beta Risk measures the chance of making a Type II error in data interpretation, the opposite of making the Type I error measured by Alpha Risk. Beta Risk describes the level of risk a project team has...
View ArticleAlpha Risk vs. Beta Risk: Understanding the Difference
Once a company puts Lean Six Sigma strategies and tools to work, they can generate a wealth of data and other information. Project teams conducting deep dives into particular business challenges find...
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