CONFLICTING OR COMPLEMENTING?A COMPREHENSIVE COMPARISON OFSIX SIGMA AND VALUE METHODOLOGIES

摘要

The Six Sigma Methodology is one of the more popular practices amongst the expandingvariety of continuous improvement disciplines introduced in the industrial sector in thepast decade or so. Many organizations and individuals, regrettably, view Six Sigma as analternative or “either-or” choice when compared to other practices (I.e.; ValueMethodology). As we will examine, VM and Six Sigma have significant similarities anddifferences and each has strengths and weaknesses in it’s own right. Additionally, theycan offer powerful opportunities if used in conjunction or in support of one anotherwithin an organization.For the sake of this examination, I will not go into a detailed description of all the aspectsof the Six Sigma methodology. By this time, many VM practitioners have some degreeof familiarity of Six Sigma through working knowledge or through some of theoutstanding essays, presentations and published articles from SAVE members and others.If the reader would like a better understanding of the Six Sigma methodology, I wouldencourage referencing some of the resources used for this study.