Many business people have yet to recognize the difference between the Six Sigma tool and total quality management, also referred to as TQM. Though, at a glance, they do look rather similar, and the Six Sigma tool does indeed employ some of the techniques and strategies that are the foundation for TQM, they remain two entirely separate methods of doing business.
While both the Six Sigma tool and TQM place emphasis on how critical it is to look at a business' entire support and leadership structure from top to bottom, the similarities don't go much further than that. It is the focus on quality that causes the confusion between total quality management and the Six Sigma tool. Both approaches to business believe that constantly improving the quality of a business is vital to its continuing success. Furthermore, the Six Sigma tool cycle of define-measure-analyze-improve-control is comparable to the TQM cycle plan-do-study-act.
However, the differences are vast and important between these two strategies. It is these differences that explains why the Six Sigma tool continues to grow in popularity, while the TQM is fading out over time.
Among these differences, management is primary. In contrast with TQM, the Six Sigma tool was not created by people who had very little experience in management, and were therefore only capable of developing a plan that had very broad management guidelines. Instead, the Six Sigma tool was formulated by a group of the most capable CEOs in the United States, who had only business success as their ultimate goal. They worked through all of the tools and techniques know about the business world and incorporated each of the most effective, tried-and-true methods for having businesses operate at their full potential, in a framework that makes it entirely possible.
Therefore, the Six Sigma tool can be seen as a much more holistic approach to doing business. Though loosely based on traditional concepts, it employs those that have been known to work consistently across multiple industries and business sizes. It also focuses not only on the end result, but on the entire business and its processes and policies.
Of course, there are many other differences as well; to be rapidly summed up, the main difference of the Six Sigma tool is its ability to give organization a much clearer path toward success by using its potential to its fullest.
Understanding the basic philosophy is important because it is only then will you be able to understand the real need, meaning and purpose of Six Sigma implementations. To get a clearer picture, let's look at some of the most prominent similarities between Six Sigma implementations and motorcycle rides.
It's Always "The Long Road Ahead"
Whether it is Six Sigma implementations or planned motorcycle rides, the stakeholders in both the cases know that they are about to begin a long journey, the outcome of which is often quite difficult to predict even when all the necessary precautions might have been taken. The stakeholders in both cases no doubt have a certain predefined goal and a plan of action, but even then it is very difficult to determine what actually lies ahead and whether or not the journey will be fruitful.
These are the challenges that stakeholders in both the cases have to bear in mind before starting on the long road ahead. Obviously, this calls for plenty of courage as well as the ability to overcome unforeseen and unpredictable issues on the part of the stakeholders.
Avoiding Heavy Traffic
To make the journey an enriching experience for everyone, efforts have to be made to avoid heavy rush or traffic along the way. Preparing a proper roadmap before stating the journey can certainly help, but since it is quite difficult to predict all the potential traffic jams or bottlenecks, stakeholders should be encouraged to use their creativity and innovation to the fullest. Taking the path less traveled may sometimes prove bumpy, but since it is always better than getting completely stuck in heavy traffic, the stakeholders need not shy away from utilizing this option as and when required.
However, since one can never deny the risk of reaching a dead-end situation, it is recommended that the decision to set aside the planned roadmap and take a new turn should always be taken by a stakeholder who knows the ins and outs of the given area or domain.
Time Constraints
In both cases, there are time constraints that need to be considered, especially if the desired objectives are to be achieved. For example, in case of Six Sigma implementations, it is the project deadline you might have to deal with whereas in case of highway cruises, you may only have the weekend to spare. Inability to meet the associated deadlines can result in unwanted liabilities such as additional project expenses, lost sales, or you missing out on your work on Monday. As such, ensuring timely completion should be a priority in both the cases.
I hope by now you have a pretty good grip on the basic philosophy of Six Sigma implementations and its inherent metaphorical similarities with highway motorcycle rides. If not, then just plan and go on a ride this weekend. You will know what I am talking about- trust me!
Tony Jacowski has sinced written about articles on various topics from University, Six Sigma and Information Technology. Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution's Six Sigma Online offers online and certification classes for lean six sigm. Tony Jacowski's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.