Tunnell Consulting - Consultants to Management

Trade Journal Articles

Six Sigma: Develop Useful Models Six Sigma Project Selection Process Impact of Six Sigma on Quality Engineering Focus on Improvement, Not Training Dealing with the Achilles Heel of Six Sigma Initiatives
Six Sigma: Develop Useful Models by Ronald D. Snee (published in Quality Progress, December, 2002)
	The widespread use of Six Sigma has renewed interest in developing statsitical models and using regression analysis. In this article, Snee explains that it is important to use a combination of discovery and testing theories to identify the critical few process variables and validate the resulting model. Finding the critical few variables allows you to better control and oiptimize a process. Download Article \| Author Bio
Six Sigma Project Selection Process by Ronald D. Snee and William F. Rodebaugh, Jr. (published in Quality Progress, September, 2002)
	A lot of dicussion about project selection is happening in companies deploying Six Sigma. In fact, the authors note that many companies believe project selection is the most difficult element of Six Sigma deployment. In this article, the authors discuss the keys to mature project selection, and the creation of an overall organizational improvement system. Download Article \| Author Bio
Impact of Six Sigma on Quality Engineering by Ronald D. Snee (published in Quality Engineering, 12, No.3, 2000)
	Several key questions regarding Six Sigma are addressed. The discussion includes what's new and different, Six Sigma's importance and value, why it works, roles, and research needs. It is argued that Six Sigma is different, it works because of unique characteristics, and requires change on the part of everyone it touches. Specifically, Snee notes that for quality engineers and other quality professionals to be successful in this new environment, they must develop new skills including leadership and other soft skills, business acumen, and an understanding of both the management and technical issues involved. The need for those impacted to shift emphasis to more strategic issues is also discussed. Download Article \| Author Bio
Focus on Improvement, Not Training: How Six Sigma Can Do It Right by Ronald D. Snee (published in Quality Management Forum, Spring, 2001)
	Few people will argue against the value and importance of training. Yet, in practice, training does not get the respect, support and involvement of management that many feel it should. It is argued here that the reason for this behavior is that training is often focused on training per se, and not on helping the organization improve in a real and measurable way. It is becoming more widely recognized that a clear, measurable business benefit should be the goal of every training event. Six Sigma and its associated training has this characteristic. In this article, Six Sigma is used to illustrate this alternate way to think about, design, and deliver training that will be seen by management as essential to the success of the organization. Download Article \| Author Bio
Dealing with the Achilles Heel of Six Sigma Initiatives: Project Selection is Key to Success by Ronald D. Snee (published in Quality Progress, March 2001)
	Many practitioners of Six Sigma have found that project selection is the most difficult aspect of deploying Six Sigma. One quickly learns that if projects are not selected properly the Six Sigma initiative can be at risk. Projects don't deliver the expected bottom line results, the organization becomes frustrated with the effort and, slowly but surely, attention and resources are focused on other initiatives. There are many dimensions to successful Six Sigma projects including proper project scope, assignment of the right Champion, Black Belt or Green Belt, completion in a timely fashion (3-6 months), support and involvement in the project by a variety of functions, and management review to keep the projects focused and on schedule. Each of the aspects of a successful project is discussed and illustrated with examples. Download Article \| Author Bio \| View Charts/Illustrations

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