Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Six Sigma and Five Why's

By Craig Calvin

Six Sigma is taking the corporate world by storm. The reason for its huge success is the way the program pin points the root problem by using a process called the Five Why's. the five Why's are a process of discovering the root cause of a problem by following a process that will result in revealing a single changeable root cause.

It is a little simpler to understand the Five Why's by this example: If your child is getting poor grades, you will ask why? Your first response will be that they are not performing well. if you end here, you have not solid solution. If you keep asking, you will eventually get to a root cause, like the following:

Problem: Child receives poor grades. Why? He is not achieving. Why? He is not studying enough. Why? He doesn't have enough time. Why? His schedule is too full. Why? He has too many extra curriculars.

As you can see, the Five Why's taught in Six Sigma training have reduced a problem that is abstract and difficult to solve to a single root cause that can be corrected for maximum results. The parent in question can now take steps to reduce the extra curricular activities, which, if these are truly the root cause of the low grades, will correct the problem. If immediate and quantifiable results are not achieved, the parent can go back to the drawing board and find the true culprit in their child's difficulties. Imagine the difference when this type of creative analysis is adapted to the business world!

Six Sigma teaches this and many other techniques that will streamline your organization and life. You will quickly cut your competition out, and make a place for yourself in the business world. You do not need a college degree, merely a few weeks to learn Six Sigma training, and you will be on your way to turning your life and business around. - 16492

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