The Six Sigma Performance Handbook: A Statistical Guide to Optimizing Results

Profits in tough times require prioritization and focus. If properly managed, Six Sigma methods can deliver dramatic improvement by increasing manufacturing and process efficiencies. But nearly 60% of all corporate Six Sigma initiatives fail to yield the desired results — often companies take the "fighting fires" approach to business and do not take time to understand what the data in telling them, which is why many Six Sigma projects fail.

The high-visibility of the Six Sigma Initiative has corporate executives committing to significant investment in resources often without any tangible improvement in profitability — a fact neglected by most Six Sigma books. Written with Green belts, and managers in mind, this reference shows readers how to statistically evaluate a Six Sigma program, identify problems, and make tailor-made adjustments to get the desired results and revitalize a program.

Profits in tough times require prioritization and focus. If properly managed, Six Sigma methods can deliver dramatic improvement by increasing manufacturing and process efficiencies. But nearly 60% of all corporate Six Sigma initiatives fail to yield the desired results -- often companies do not take time to understand what the data in telling them, which is why many Six Sigma projects fail.

Written with managers, not statisticians in mind, this reference shows readers how to statistically evaluate a Six Sigma program, identify problems, and make tailor-made adjustments to get the desired results and revitalize a program.

Praveen Gupta, a Master Six Sigma Black Belt, has been involved with Six Sigma since its origin (1986). His first project, completed at Motorola under the guidance of Bill Smith, the inventor of Six Sigma, was published in Quality Engineering magazine in 1990. For over 15 years, Praveen has published articles, monthly columns, and books on Six Sigma. His previous books include Six Sigma Deployment and the best selling Six Sigma Business Scorecard. Praveen has conducted Six Sigma training worldwide since 1987 and assisted others in their projects to solve their problems creatively. Praveen has consulted with dozens of small- to medium-size companies in corporate performance improvement through Six Sigma and business process improvement. Praveen is a Co-chairman of IPC's SPC committee, which has recently developed an industry standard, IPC-9194, for process controls. Praveen is a Fellow of ASQ. He lives in Lisle, IL.