Six Sigma was originally developed at Motorola in the 1980's and has become one of the most widely discussed and reported trends in business over the past two years, thanks largely to the phenomenal successes of the Six Sigma program at one of the world's most successful companies, GE. Six Sigma is a data-driven management system with near-perfect-performance objectives that has been employed to acclaim at leading corporations like General Electric. Its name is derived from the eye-catching statistical target of operating with no more than 3.4 defects per one million chances, but Peter Pande, Robert Neuman, and Roland Cavanagh--associates in a firm providing Six Sigma implementation, training, and management services--contend its principles can be applied in businesses of all types to routinely reduce costs, improve productivity, increase market share, and achieve other positive results. The Six Sigma Way is their comprehensive self-help guide to adapting and using the system under various conditions. Its first two parts cover fundamentals and provide specific suggestions for aligning the process with individual needs and goals. (These include sections on balancing potential costs and benefits, clarifying objectives, and defining time frames.) The final part, which accounts for more than half the book, focuses on implementation through a detailed yet flexible five-step "road map" tied to a company's core processes, key customers, current performance, "high-potential improvement opportunities," and future practices. While the procedure is quite complex, diligent managers should be able to bring at least basic components to their organization with the tools and techniques provided. -- Howard Rothman The Six Sigma Way is the second book this year looking at the hot new quality initiative. Peter S. Pande is Founder and President of Pivotal Resources, an international consulting firm providing Six Sigma implementation, training, and management development services in industries from financial services to high technology. Robert P. Neuman, Ph.D., is a senior Consultant with Pivotal Resources. He is a noted speaker in business improvement methods and Six Sigma. Roland R. Cavanagh, P.E., is a professional engineer and Pivotal Resources Consultant with Pivotal Resources. His areas of expertise include process measurement and applied statistics, business reorganization, and Six Sigma methods. An implementation blueprint for SIX SIGMA! " The Six Sigma Way demystifies Six Sigma with a real-world 'how-to 'guide. A good investment for any business planning to launch Six Sigma." --John Biedry, VP Quality & Compliance, Sears Home Services. Cost reduction...productivity improvement...customer retention...these are the promises of the Six Sigma quality management system. The Six Sigma Way reveals how GE, Motorola, and numerous other companies are successfully using Six Sigma to fine-tune products and processes, improve performance, and increase profits. Now you can read the roadmap for implementing Six Sigma in your manufacturing or service organization. The authors--who have worked with some of the most visible Six Sigma companies including GE--provide step-by-step guidance and practical implementation guidelines. Whether your goal is to fix a process problem or implement Six Sigma company-wide, The Six Sigma Way will help you develop an approach customized for your company's needs and the challenges of the twenty-first century business environment. The Six Sigma Way Addresses the challenges and politics of launching, leading, and training people for Six Sigma. - Focuses on implementing the major steps and quality improvement tools in the Six Sigma system. - Features insights, comments, and examples from business leaders and managers using Six Sigma in their organizations. Peter S. Pande is Founder and President of Pivotal Resources, an international consulting firm providing Six Sigma implementation, training, and management development services in industries from financial services to high technology. Robert P. Neuman, Ph.D., is a senior Consultant with Pivotal Resources. He is a noted speaker in business improvement methods and Six Sigma.Roland R. Cavanagh, P.E., is a professional engineer and Pivotal Resources Consultant with Pivotal Resources. His areas of expertise include process measurement and applied statistics, business reorganization, and Six Sigma methods. Robert P. Neuman, Ph.D., is a senior Consultant with Pivotal Resources. He is a noted speaker in business improvement methods and Six Sigma. Roland R. Cavanagh, P.E., is a professional engineer and Pivotal Resources Consultant with Pivotal Resources. His areas of expertise include process measurement and applied statistics, business reorganization, and Six Sigma methods.