There are many problem-solving methodologies. One that has been used around the world for many years, particularly in automotive-related industries, is 8D Problem-Solving, used by Ford and required internally and of its suppliers. Ford developed 8D, also known as Team-Oriented Problem-Solving (TOPS) in 1987, which has 8 Steps: D1 – D8. D1: Form a team [...]
Six Sigma is a methodology that is used to improve processes, whether they are from manufacturing or services. Human Resources is a major business department that provides services to an organization. Marcia Rhodes from WorldatWork TV interviews Michaela Leo, Compensation Leader with a major pharmaceutical firm to learn how Six Sigma can be used to [...]
How do you capture what occurred on a project in an easy-to-understand manner, communicate it, and document project questions such as what methods were used, what solutions were explored, and lessons learned? The answer is the Thought Map originally proposed and developed by Cheryl Hild, Doug Sanders, and Bill Ross in 2000. From project start [...]
Healthcare costs continue to soar. But one hospital system has combated the trend. Take a look at the journey Miami Children’s Hospital took to integrate Lean into their culture and the benefits that accrued. Narendra Kini, MD, former CEO at Miami Children’s Hospital, part of the Nicklaus Children’s Health System in Miami, Florida explains how [...]
Got a hard problem to solve? How do you get everyone’s point of view while covering all aspects of the problem? The Six Thinking Hats may help you. Six Thinking Hats is a system designed by Edward de Bono, the world’s leading authority on thinking. Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats divides thinking into six [...]
If you are not actively identifying your stakeholders and engaging them as you conduct your project, you may be increasing the likelihood of failure. Projects would certainly be easier if it weren’t for people, those who have an interest in your project – the stakeholders. Dr. Mike Clayton, CEO and founder of OnlinePMCourses and a [...]
As we take time with our family and friends this Thanksgiving, it's always important to remember the reasons we are grateful. As proud practitioners of the Lean Six Sigma methodology, we thought we would apply some of its general principles to this wonderful holiday. While one of Six Sigma's focuses is on the customer, we'll [...]
In a recent press release the International Society of Six Sigma Professionals (ISSSP) announced it was launching accreditation for Six Sigma training organizations starting on November 14, 2019. It does this after careful consideration and expressed support. Members of the ISSSP Accreditation Advisory Committee will determine acceptance or denial of accreditation for organizations based [...]
Why do Lean Six Sigma programs often fail? And what are the main elements for a successful one? Lance Nicholls, MBA and Senior Director at Zenith Lean Training, uses the following outline to address why Lean Six Sigma Programs usually fail and what it takes to run a successful program. In the latter half of [...]
What is your project closure process? Are you capturing lessons learned? How are you transferring knowledge learned in a project? Control is not a passing part of the DMAIC process. It is a critical step for Six Sigma practitioners, to be revisited on an ongoing basis. Control ensures an organization that quality metrics and improvements [...]
