Home
Software Project Management For Dummies
Explore Book
Buy On Amazon

Six Sigma is based on a handful of basic principles, and these principles create the entire Six Sigma arrangement. Here are Six Sigma’s fundamental principles:

  • Y=f(X) + ε: All outcomes and results (theY) are determined by inputs (theXs) with some degree of uncertainty (å).

  • To change or improve results (the Y), you have to focus on the inputs (theXs), modify them, and control them.

  • Variation is everywhere, and it degrades consistent, good performance. Your job is to find it and minimize it!

  • Valid measurements and data are required foundations for consistent, breakthrough improvement.

  • Only a critical few inputs have significant effect on the output. Concentrate on the critical few.

  • Every decision and conclusion has risk (ε), which must be weighed against the context of the decision.

About This Article

This article is from the book: 

About the book author:

Craig Gygi is Executive VP of Operations at MasterControl, a leading company providing software and services for best practices in automating and connecting every stage of quality/regulatory compliance, through the entire product life cycle. He is an operations executive and internationally recognized Lean Six Sigma thought leader and practitioner.

Bruce Williams is Vice President of Pegasystems, the world leader in business process management. He is a leading speaker and presenter on business and technology trends, and is co-author of Six Sigma Workbook for Dummies, Process Intelligence for Dummies, BPM Basics for Dummies and The Intelligent Guide to Enterprise BPM.

Neil DeCarlo was President of DeCarlo Communications.