Six Sigma is a target for operational performance and the name originates from the statistical term that uses the lower case Greek letter to mean standard deviation. If you improve the sigma (or standard deviation) of any process you are in effect reducing failure or defect rate of that process. But don't let this description put you off. Six Sigma has long left its precise definition behind. It has now turned into a generic term - one which denotes the disciplined and relentless pursuit of higher levels of quality and lower levels of cost. And with companies such as GE, Honeywell, Texas and Polaroid claiming to have delivered financial benefits of more than $1 billion it's easy to see why Six Sigma is growing at a phenomenal rate - across all sectors and geographies.

In "Smart Things to Know about Six Sigma" Andrew Berger shows managers and execs how to bridge the gap between the theory and the practical applications of Six Sigma. Berger offers a unique and integrated approach combining best practice examples with a practical mechanism for implementation.

Smart managers know they can't ignore the growing trend, and in "Smart Things to Know About Six Sigma" Andrew Berger reveals the tools for becoming a Six Sigma Black Belt:

What are the problems you could solve with Six Sigma? How do you select the right projects? How do you devise the timescale?

The main process for Six Sigma is DMAIC (Define - Measure & Analyse - Improve - Control), and is the best methodology for ensuring that targets are met.

Time spent in reconnaissance is rarely wasted. Learn what the 'Define' and 'Project Charter' phase is. How do you get started?

Data collection and analysis is the artand the science of Six Sigma. What are the best practice tools and benchmarks to help project teams in the Measure and Analyse phase?

Next step. It's time to move to the IMPROVE phase. No problem... this is when the fun begins. But what should the project team really want to achieve during this phase? It's all about prioritising and testing solutions and building the case for change.

Change is only complete when people in the organization adopt a 'new way of doing things' as the accepted way of doing things. But what are the wider implications for taking on the change and how do you sustain the change? Welcome to the CONTROL phase.

How do you successfully manage Six Sigma change to deliver real financial benefits? (Hiieeeeyah. Please come forward and pick up your belt).

Six Sigma can be used to improve any process. From product cycle times to defects reduction, and it can be used in almost any range of business. From high street financial institutions, to hospitals and to cardboard box manufacturers. In the next 3-4 years, you'll see around 600f companies implementing some form of Six Sigma. Be Smart. And see what all the fuss is about...

Smart Quotes

Those who have knowledge, don't predict. Those who predict, don't have knowledge.

Lao Tzu