Thank you for your thoughts and reading recommendation – Senger’s book looks very interesting and I can see why you recommend it in this context. Defining a problem goes far beyond technical specifications and process steps – it also has to address the “human factor” and it appears that Senger’s book addresses that quite nicely.

As I have since learned, L6S synthesizes ideas from many quality models and it appears that quite a few concepts derive from Deming’s PDCA model. One nice thing about PDCA is the fact that iteration is more obviously built into the model and doesn’t have to be implied like in Six Sigma’s DMAIC approach. Maybe some folks would argue with me about this, but I think with Six Sigma there is a temptation to approach everything as a straight-line project with a clear beginning and end. At least that is my impression after hearing people’s stories in class.

I agree process improvement techniques like Six Sigma have direct application for improving data collection, analysis and distribution processes. In addition, quaity improvement techniques provide a useful tool set for improving data quality.

I use the PLAN-DO-CHECK-ACT model. In addition, I recommend The 5th Discipline Fieldbook by Peter Senge & others. Senge’s book dives deeply into mental models, systems thinking, team learning,and the balancing of advocacy and inquiry. Highly recommended.

Every hierarchy (business, government, for profit, non-profit) exists as system for delivering value to customers. Systems are made up of processes – processes are composed of tasks.

Gut-feeling and experienced insight can sometimes be exactly wrong. Tools like Six Sigma provide fact-based insight.

I look forward to future posts on this blog regarding how you have employed the six sigma toolset on your own projects. Please share those.