Basic Six Sigma questions

Penny,
I may be helpful with your last two questions. You could probably get a book and do relatively OK as long as you understand statistics since the methodology is heavily dependent on them, but you would find the training much more meaningful along with a much better chance of successful implementaion. Nobody owns six sigma in the sense that I feel you are refering to. There may be some copyright issues with an individual or companys specific materials in which he,she, or they have specifically developed. Just my 2 cents worth.

Hello Penny,
Before you embark on your journey you really need to answer why you think 6 Sigma alone is what you need.  There are a plethora of really good methods out there – some more relevant than others.  So first answer – what are your companies issues…..?

Is there a central information point in UK/Europe?
– not that I’m aware of – many consultancies do have information on their site. 

How is SS perceived in UK and Europe?
– same as the rest of the world – very cool method of transforming a business

Is there any funding available to help with the cost of implementation?
– you might want to see if the local/national Gvmt has funding/grants for training

Can you use SS after reading a book or do you need a recognised provider/trainer?
– read a book and rely on your experience – or employ a consultant/trainer and get the deployment right from the start !
– Call Colm Doran at Paloma Consulting http://palomaconsulting.com/ he is very good and is multilingual !

Who “owns” SS? Can I produce reports on it without running into copyright issues?
– There have been numerous law suits out on this topic – check the web.
Hope this helps.
Best regards,
Adam
 

Hi,
·  Is there a central information point in UK/Europe?
Only consultants and various websites, the best being the American side of this site.
·  How is SS perceived in UK and Europe?
Just another Americanism is a usual candidate for words, however it is picking up its momentum. This is due to its structured aproach to continuous improvement. However it can be said that it has been around since the late eighties…
·  Is there any funding available to help with the cost of implementation?
I do not believe so, good luck on that one.
·  Can you use SS after reading a book or do you need a recognised provider/trainer?
You can read a book, but all the case studies in the world will not help you answer why some of the tools are used and be convincing.
·  Who “owns” SS? Can I produce reports on it without running into copyright issues?
No one person owns SS, however it was originated in Motorola, then through allied Signal then into GE. There are many consultants on the subject, many of which you will find on this website. I do not recommend you lift info from presentations and go printing them off as some people will happily have your hide for this..
The feasibility of implementing SS is like asking how long is a piece of string. This is due to the fact that the benefits are different from company to company. There is also the fact that you do not know the amount of opportunity in your company at the moment and therefore have little to gauge against.
I would recommend strongly against online training and would state that you should look at a guided implementation period of 2 years for a company in the range of 250 people.
Does that cover what you needed to know? sorry if I went on a tangent.
T.
 

I think even the material is given the way you mentioned, we do need to see if there are any copyright issues….
thanks for the offer anyway!
[email protected]

Penny,
The funding question is interesting. If all your consultants will only do it for cash then you have the wrong consultants.
Ask them if they will do it for a percent of savings. Now you know who knows what they are doing.
One of your earlier responses offered up Rod Howes. He is usually good for a % of saving deployment. Adam knows him as well and will vouch for him – I think – Adam?
Good luck.

Jon,
Motorola does hold a copyright on the term Six Sigma but they do not defend it. At this point it would probably be difficult to do so. Similar to Coca Cola trying to hold on to Cola but you can’t mess with their logo (or with the name Coca Cola). Motorola will defend its trade mark on Six Sigma. This is historical jail house lawyer talk. You need an IP attorney to look at this.
There is a website where you can see all the IP and I think it is the US bureau of Patents and trademarks (http://www.USBPT.gov) or something like that Google will turn it up pretty quickly.
Good luck.

Penny,Process utilised world-wide and gaining momentum.There are many excellent providers on the website to choose from re industry knowledge, cultural approach, cost, experience and personal rapport etc.regardsHugh

Hello Frank,
New to SS and I too would like a copy of the BB training material, if that is ok?
Also, very interested to know about the duration of training to succeed to BB. Any information would be appreciated.
Regards
Richard.