Georffe,
I find your comment about SS and LS not being “problem solving methodologies” quite remarkable.
The etymological origin of “problem” is “problema” = Greek for “gap”, a word that in its origin means the valley in-between two mountains. “Methodology” originates from “methodos” = path, and logos = “logein” (to collect … originally berries and mushrooms), then transformed into “katalegein” (enumeration of events in Homer’s poems), and then transformed into “logos” as a systematic way to solve intellectual problems in philosophy (see the Pre-Socratians). In its very original meanings then “methodological problem solving” meant finding a way in-between two mountains (typically the shortest and least dangerous path) to cross the mountaineous areas in Greece.
The whole idea behind DMAIC, as far as I have understood it, is to define a problem (performance gap) and solve it, i.e. close the performance gap (expressed as a metric) through a “structured methodology” (5 steps, specified tools etc.). The “Define” stage was introduced to ensure that the “right” problem was being solved.
From that angle, I find it quite interesting that six sigma methodology is NOT a problem solving methodology.
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