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How To Assess The Success Of Six Sigma Implementation

by: tjacowski
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Analysis of a failed project will definitely help the team to know about the lack of commitment as well as attention by senior management, and towards the business and cultural investment that were required for accomplishing and sustaining the new levels of performance. It is here that the assessment will be needed when reworking a failed project, because it will reveal the exact nature of flaws.

Assessing The Various Deployment Stages Of Six Sigma

One of the most important things to remember in the implementation process is assessing the status quo at various intervals. Assessing a process will reveal any deviations if done from the intended line of progress. As it is known, process optimization and control are needed to render progressively higher quality in the deployment process. Performance efficiency and timeliness are also important, which is why a system of assessment needs to be put into place as an appropriate set of balances and checks to control all these factors.

No Two Six Sigma Assessment Procedures Can Be Same

No single assessment procedure developed by an organization can be applied to any other organization, or for even any other process for that matter. Companies that are successful in their own right have always developed their own assessment procedures. In fact, some of them have even used their internal audit system along with their own criteria in assessment. And even if you are using audit procedures developed by a reputable company like Motorola, it will still not be new or unique. Therefore, many organizations have gone ahead with evolving a custom developed audit system for their very own assessment procedures.

The Categories In Six Sigma Assessment Procedures

The most basic function of an assessment procedure is to understand the gap between "as is" and "what it should be" state of the process stage. The "should be" list indicates at the points decided in the very starting. There are categories for all processes including:

*Leadership

*Communication and implementation in day to day activities

*Project performance competency and effectiveness

*Organizational transformation

*The impact of the customer on processes

These top-level categories have different requirements to fill in to achieve the objectives completely. The assessment method used in this category includes written tests and interviews of top level managers all the way down to line employees, along with other meetings and seminars.

The overall results that are shown are applicable only to core business areas. In addition, the leadership assessment's results also show possible areas of weakness and areas for improvement. In fact, these results help in drawing up a course correction plan. The results will also indicate the weaknesses that should be assessed as the first steps of fine-tuning processes needed for the changes.

The best thing about assessment procedures is that it can be warranted whenever needed. In normal conditions where results takes 4-6 weeks to show, the best course of action is to schedule the assessment procedure as an annual routine exercise. If you observe the implementation procedure of successful Six Sigma techniques, then you will automatically realize that the major bottlenecks in changing the organization's mindset lies in sustaining whatever gains that are made to date.

About the Author

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution's Six Sigma Online offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.

How To Assess The Success Of Six Sigma Implementation

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