Six Sigma Deployment provides a thorough understanding of the Six Sigma methodologies and its implementation in various industries. The authors offer practical information for successful implementation as well as what is needed to plan, monitor and steer this business strategy toward success.
The authors begin with an introduction to the Six Sigma initiative by offering a chronology of events from the origin of Six Sigma to the present. This includes the changing view of quality and how companies have benefited. Readers are also introduced to the currently popular breakthrough strategy and learn how this compares to the original methodology. Along with this, the different belts are explained in detail as to what the variations are among various service providers.
Some of the unique aspects of this book include the use of Six Sigma with the various quality standards that are being implemented today, the implementation of Six Sigma in supply chain management stream, and the analysis of different methods used by various companies, the strengths and weaknesses of each, results achieved and finally lessons learned. In addition, an appendix is provided that includes the various statistical or non-statistical tools employed during the implementation of Six Sigma.
* Practical information facilitates successful implementation of this methodology to help maximize return on investment
* Includes case studies from Motorola, General Electric, Allied Signal, as well as a number of small businesses
* Demonstrates how six sigma complements the various quality management systems

Energy technology innovation - improving how we produce and use energy - is critical for a transition towards sustainability. This book presents a rich set of twenty case studies of energy technology innovation embedded within a unifying conceptual framework. It provides insights into why some innovation efforts have been more successful than others, and draws important policy conclusions. The case studies cover a wide range of energy technologies, ranging from energy supply to energy end use, from successes to failures and from industrialized, emerging and developing economies. The case studies are presented by an international group of eminent scholars under the auspices of the Global Energy Assessment (GEA), whose main volume was published in 2012 by Cambridge University Press. Energy Technology Innovation presents new data, new concepts and novel analytical and policy perspectives. It will be invaluable for researchers, policy makers, economists, industrial innovators and entrepreneurs in the field of energy technology.

Smart home technologies promise to transform domestic comfort, convenience, security and leisure while also reducing energy use. But delivering on these potentially conflicting promises depends on how they are adopted and used in homes. This book starts by developing a new analytical framework for understanding smart homes and their users. Drawing on a range of new empirical research combining both qualitative and quantitative data, the book then explores how smart home technologies are perceived by potential users, how they can be used to link domestic energy use to common daily activities, how they may (or may not) be integrated into everyday life by actual users, and how they serve to change the nature of control within households and the home. The book concludes by synthesising a range of evidence-based insights, and posing a series of challenges for industry, policy, and research that need addressing if a smart home future is to be realised. Researchers will find this book provides useful insights into this fast-growing field

This book tells you how to build a successful freelance business around supplying publishing services. The publishing industry depends on freelancers: writers and editors, proofreaders and designers, PR and typesetters. For those in the know, there is a wealth of opportunities on offer. Graduates, retired professionals, in-house editors, career-changers - more and more people are taking the plunge and going freelance. You can succeed as a freelancer in publishing, and this book shows you how. It includes top tips; insider knowledge and case studies; information on how to market yourself, deal with finance and find out what your clients are looking for - plus invaluable insights from other successful freelancers and industry experts. Contents: Acknowledgements; Introduction; What's this book about?; Who's this book for?; Why did we write this book?; Who are the authors?; How do I use this book?; How can I find out more about freelancing?; 1. Suits You, Sir?; Having the necessary ability; Drawing on experience; Thinking about qualifications; Loving your job; Donning your business cap; Being your own boss; Dealing with financial uncertainty; Handling technology; Coping with ebb and flow; Organizing your workload; Handling rejection; Being a people-person; Working from home; Balancing home and work; Considering your health; 2. Setting Up Shop; Considering your timing; Checking that you will be self-employed; Determining your business structure; Registering as self-employed; Setting up Class 2 National Insurance payments; Choosing a business name; Preparing your work environment; 3. Running Your Business; Protecting yourself with terms and conditions; Setting clear boundaries: the project agreement; Signing confidentiality agreements; Understanding copyright; Safeguarding your data; Managing your workload; Keeping happy, healthy, and productive; Going in-house; Evolving your business; Taking time off; Summary; 4. Money, Money, Money; Setting your rates; Charging clients; Getting paid on time; Deducting business expenses; Filing your tax return; Paying your taxes; Opening a business bank account; Finding help; 5. Marketing Your Business; Defining your marketing strategy; Representing your business; Sending mailshots; Building your own website; Selling yourself; Working for free; 6. Keeping Up with the Kids: Digital Marketing; Getting ranked; Socializing virtual-style; Going viral; Paying for the privilege; Maintaining your digital presence; Blogging for your supper; Seeing is believing; Over to the experts: The freelancer's guide to building their reputation on the internet; Case study: Creative marketing; 7. Working with Frenemies; Collaborating with your competitors; Researching your competition; Establishing contact; Passing the buck; Branching out; Finding a mentor; Motivating each other; Ranting about rates; Working together; Case study: Contacts, contacts, contacts; 8. Dealing with Different Types of Clients; Taking a professional approach; Accepting and following the brief; Being friendly - to a point; Dealing with difficult clients; Working with different clients; Case study: Standing in the author's shoes; Case study: Seeing clients from both sides of the fence; 9. Exploring All Avenues; Which is the best role for you?; Choosing your freelance role; Over to the experts; 10. Inspirational Stories; A journey through publishing; The accidental freelancer; Calling all freelancers!; Is it catching? Viral and digital marketing in the book world; If at first you don't succeed...; Useful Contacts; Index.

Energy technology innovation - improving how we produce and use energy - is critical for a transition towards sustainability. This book presents a rich set of twenty case studies of energy technology innovation embedded within a unifying conceptual framework. It provides insights into why some innovation efforts have been more successful than others, and draws important policy conclusions. The case studies cover a wide range of energy technologies, ranging from energy supply to energy end use, from successes to failures and from industrialized, emerging and developing economies. The case studies are presented by an international group of eminent scholars under the auspices of the Global Energy Assessment (GEA), whose main volume was published in 2012 by Cambridge University Press. Energy Technology Innovation presents new data, new concepts and novel analytical and policy perspectives. It will prove to be invaluable for researchers, policy makers, economists, industrial innovators and entrepreneurs in the field of energy technology.