CSE 577b - Six Sigma1 Outline What is Six Sigma? Six Sigma methodologies Process Improvement — DMAIC Define – Measure – Analyze – Design – Verify (DMADV)

CSE 577b - Six Sigma2 Outline (Cont) Six Sigma Key Roles Typical Six Sigma Project in Software How Six Sigma Helps Process Improvement References

CSE 577b - Six Sigma3 What is Six Sigma ? What is Sigma?  Sigma (s) is the Greek symbol used to represent standard deviation, a measure of the variation from the mean in a normal distribution Six Sigma (6 ) is a business-driven, management philosophy based on multi-faceted approach to process improvement, reduced costs, and increased profits. It was pioneered by Motorola in 1986.

CSE 577b - Six Sigma4 Six Sigma methodologies DMAIC DMADV

CSE 577b - Six Sigma5 Process Improvement — DMAIC Define: Define the project goals and customer (internal and external) deliverables Measure: Measure the process to determine current performance Analyze: Analyze and determine the root cause(s) of the defects Improve: Improve the process by eliminating defects Control: Control future process performance

CSE 577b - Six Sigma6 Define – Measure – Analyze – Design – Verify (DMADV) Define: Define the project goals and customer (internal and external) deliverables Measure: Measure and determine customer needs and specifications Analyze: Analyze the process options to meet the customer needs Design: Design (detailed) the process to meet the customer needs Verify: Verify the design performance and ability to meet customer needs

CSE 577b - Six Sigma7 Six Sigma Key Roles Executive Leadership Champions Master Black Belts Black Belts Green Belts

CSE 577b - Six Sigma8 A Typical Six Sigma Project in Software Customers express concern that software defects are causing frequent failures in the field A Six Sigma team is formed to scope the problem, collect data, and determine the root causes The team’s analysis of the data determines that poorly understood interface requirements accounts for 90% of the problem in the field The project collects data to verify the problem has been corrected, and continues collecting data to ensure the problem does not return The organization’s requirements process is modified to ensure future projects do not encounter similar problems

CSE 577b - Six Sigma9 How Six Sigma Helps Process Improvement PI efforts often generate have little direct impact on the business goals Six Sigma delivers results that matter to managers (fewer defects, higher efficiency, cost savings, etc …) Six Sigma concentrates on problem solving in small groups, focused on a narrow issue Six Sigma focuses on the customer’s perception of quality

CSE 577b - Six Sigma10 References Journal: International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage (IJSSCA) Books: Rath & Strong, “Six Sigma Pocket Guide,” Rath & Strong Management Consultants, Lexington, MA, Six Sigma Fundamentals: A Complete Guide to the System, Methods and Tools by Dean H Stamatis

CSE 577b - Six Sigma11 References (Cont) Website: tml tml Magazine: Smith, Larry R., “Six Sigma and the Evolution of Quality in Product Development,” Six Sigma Forum Magazine, Vol. 1, Issue 1, Nov 2001 Six Sigma: Quality Performance; July Maryann G. Billington and Peter J. Billington, Ph.D.