I agree, Six Sigma is a very powerful tool for project management. The methodology of Six Sigma is DMAIC: define, measure, analyze, improve/implement, and control. Define the problem and relate it to the customer, setting the scope. Measure the impact of the problem and validate measurement systems (i.e. time, expense, steps needed to be taken). Complete a statistical analysis and look for the root causes (i.e. using a fish-bone diagram). Implement improvements to remove variation by prioritizing solutions using design of experiments (DOE). Then control the problem to ensure it doesn’t occur again, facilitating change management and closing the project. The metric of variation is six standard deviations from the average. The objective is to reduce variability through continuous quality improvements, minimizing waste, and positively impacting the business. The higher the sigma level, the smaller the variation is, increasing the quality to reduce the defects per million (DPMO). Six Sigma is a top down approach where it is senior management’s responsibility to drive the process through the company. Important managerial factors in using this tool is having executive support, the resources that are needed, aligning the project scope, measuring the process, training the organization, and effective communication.

NJIT offers Six Sigma continuing education courses for students at affordable rates through the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE).