The making of cement is a production process. It is natural then that Lean and Six Sigma can be used to improve that process and those associated with the making of concrete where cement is a key ingredient. We’ll look at case studies from Bangladesh, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia and a thesis on the benefits [...]
Tires are made through a production process. Lean and Six Sigma have been used in the tire industry to improve manufacturing processes. We’ll look at four case studies of their use: two from India and one each from Portugal and Spain. Then we’ll finish with two videos of how tires are made: one an animation [...]
Lean and Six Sigma have been used in the appliance industry for many years as practiced by GE, Maytag, Whirlpool, and others. We’ll explore their use with a look at three case studies: two from Egypt, and one from India, along with two videos: one on the use of Lean at GE Appliances and one [...]
Six Sigma has been used in the hospitality industry for over 20 years. Starwood Hotels implemented Six Sigma in 2001. We’ll look at its use at Starwood through three articles and finish with an Irish hotel chain and its implementation of Lean Six Sigma. Original Press Release from Starwood On February 5, 2001, Starwood gave [...]
Glass is produced through a manufacturing process. Lean and Six Sigma are used to improve glass-making. We’ll examine examples of several glass-making processes using Lean and Six Sigma from picture tubes to windshields. We’ll finish with a video of the float glass manufacturing process. Glass Neck of Picture Tubes: India In a paper titled “Implementation [...]
College admissions is a great non-manufacturing example for the application of Lean and Six Sigma. We’ll look at three examples: one from the United States, another from Nigeria, and a final one from Canada. Admissions Application: United States This is a project presentation titled “Applying the Six Sigma Methodology to Improve the Admissions & Financial [...]
In an earlier blog we discussed brainstorming. However, the focus was on in-person brainstorming. As more and more people work remotely, it’s time to discuss virtual brainstorming. While there are common themes throughout, we take a look at what three experts have to say about brainstorming in a remote environment. Finally, we provide an introduction [...]
Cosmetics are produced through manufacturing processes. Lean and Six Sigma are improvement methodologies that are useful in cosmetics production. We’ll look at Lean and Six Sigma applications in Brazil, the Philippines, and Italy and finish with a video example of skin cream manufacturing. Six Sigma Project Enablers and Inhibitors: Brazil In an article titled “The [...]
The coefficient of variation (CoV) is defined as the ratio of the standard deviation to the mean. It measures the extent of variability in relation to the mean and has been recommended to be used as a metric in many applications. However, in some instances, it may be a misleading measure. We discuss that here [...]
Lean and Six Sigma projects are implemented to solve a problem. Much has been written about asking the right questions to solve a problem, including the 5 Whys. We look in more detail beyond the 5 Whys at asking the right questions by hearing from several experts. Questions the Most Important Tool In a post [...]
