Ask the Business Doctor - Six Sigma

Question: "Six Sigma" is the "TQM" of the 2000's. What's the big deal? Is it really different from other methodologies? Dan T., Cheektowaga, NY

Answer:

provided by Steve DiIoia, Insyte Consultant & Six Sigma Master Black Belt

We could also ask what is the difference between Six Sigma, TQM, CQI (Continuous Quality Improvement), QFD (Quality Function Deployment), and the list goes on.

Ask anyone who is not a quality specialist or professional and they will say that they are all the same. Ask a group of quality professionals and you will most likely start arguments as to what are the differences between these approaches – especially since most quality professionals have a personal favorite.

The short answer is that they are different but complementary. TQM, based on Dr. Deming's 14 Points (see www.asq.org), aims to influence an organization on a system-wide basis, comparable to implementing ISO 9000 or other quality management systems. It is a way of doing business and a cultural philosophy involving the whole organization in an effort to improve quality. Six Sigma should be part of the culture of the organization too. The difference is that Six Sigma utilizes powerful statistical tools requiring specially trained personnel and supported by the organization while TQM should involve everyone.

Like other methodologies, Six Sigma and TQM are simply tool sets that are best suited to certain problems. Don't be fooled by the "one-size-fits-all" fanatics who claim that their methodology is the one "true" answer to all your problems. In the final analysis, you want to maximize your business performance and profitability rather than championing one methodology over another.

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