Managing Processes Through Lean Six Sigma Term Paper

Managing Processes Through Lean Six Sigma - Term Paper Example The Six Sigma strategy is to integrate â€Å"business operations, statistical measurements and product development, and it is now being applied to business areas as diverse as human resources, purchasing and customer service. Companies that have adopted these principles have reported dramatic increases in customer satisfaction, productivity and shareholder value. They have also shown significant savings, often without capital expense.† Sigma is a Greek alphabet and a mathematical symbol representing standard deviation, which Motorola engineers have adopted to their process. While many organizations have had difficulty putting Six Sigma theory to practice, understanding the subtleties will enable them to grasp the cause and effect relationships that are applied in Six Sigma. It represents â€Å"a structured thought process that begins with first thoroughly understanding the requirements before proceeding or taking any action. Those requirements define the deliverables to be produced and the tasks to produce those deliverables which in turn illustrate the tools to be used to complete the tasks and produce the deliverables.†... It is here that mutual trust and cooperation between all parties are established. One party of stakeholders is the project team whose members are metaphorically designated as Champion, Master Black Belt, Black Belt, Green Belt and Team Members. In this stage, team members are selected and assigned different roles. The problem statement is developed and goals, benefits and milestones are set. The high level process map is also drawn. Process flowchart is a key tool used during this stage. There are four flowchart options to choose from: top-down, detailed, work flow diagram and deployment. For example, â€Å"this tool shows how various steps in a process work together to achieve the ultimate goal. Because it is a pictorial view, a flow chart can be applied to fit practically any need. The process map allows the user to gain an understanding of the process and where potential waste or bottlenecks could occur. It also could be used to design the future or desired process.† (Drake , et.al, 2008, p.30) The second step is ‘Measure’, where the firm uses statistical methods to quantify the problem. The endeavor here is to understand the current performance levels and also to collect requisite data to improve all CTQs. Key activities encompassing this step include â€Å"defining the defect, opportunity, unit and cost metrics, collecting the data, determining the process capability.† (Smith, et.al, 2002, p.45) An important tool used during this phase is the SIPOC (Suppliers, Inputs, Processes, Outputs and Customers) Diagram. One could cite numerous examples of successful Six Sigma implementation in the last three decades of corporate history. A prominent example is that of General Electric under the leadership of Jack Welch. Welch employed Six Sigma principles for the

Information Systems Fundamentals Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Information Systems Fundamentals - Essay Example c. Sign In and Validate login– This process is for customer who had already registered with the system and has an active username and password. This procedure will use a validation process for the login information entered. e. Checkout and Display Checkout– This process triggers the system that the customer will initiate a transaction process for the items added on the virtual shopping cart. The system will display the information for the transaction i.e total items to be checkout, and total cost for the current checkout. h. Create Order No – After successful validation of the customer’s order (ie. Payment information), the system will generate a unique order no for the said transaction in order for the company for order tracking and record keeping purposes. The booking system consists of three actors namely, the system, the travel agent, and the customer. The process involves the customer initiating the booking through a call. The travel agent which accepts the call record the customers relevant information. The travel agent then initiates the system to search for available seats for flight and accommodation for hotel/apartment. After the systems finds available seat and accommodation, The customer needs to confirm the booking in order to complete the booking process. After confirmation, the travel agent then offers travel insurance. Weather the customer accepts or rejects the travel insurance offer; the system invoices the final amount the booking. Any customer who confirms a booking, a username and password will be given to access the online booking system. This username and password can be used to access the website for online registration and online booking. g. Offer Travel Insurance – Upon confirmation of the order, the customer has an option to have a travel insurance on top of the booking. If the customer accepts the offer, an additional amount will