Intro to Six Sigma 171

5 Ms and 1 P

An expression identifying the six major factors most likely to be the source of problems. These factors are machines, materials, methods, Mother Nature, measurement, and people.

attribute data

Data that represents a characteristic or individual count. Attribute data, also known as discrete data, cannot be added or subtracted from other attribute data sets.

bell curve

A graph of continuous data characterized by a high center, tapered sides, and flared edges. A bell curve reflects conditions that exhibit natural variation.

black belt

BB. A Six Sigma practitioner with the most training who acts as the project leader. Black belts work full time on projects and coach lower-level team members.

champion

A Six Sigma designation for an executive or manager within a company who facilitates the project by providing the necessary resources.

charter

A document that serves as a problem statement defining the Six Sigma project target. The charter is developed in the first DMAIC step.

common cause variation

A deviation that is normal and expected and that cannot be traced back to a single source. Common cause variation, also known as natural variation, does not cause a fundamental change in the process.

continuous data

Data that can be measured on a scale and compared with other data. Continuous data, also known as variable data, can be added to or subtracted from other continuous data.

critical to quality

CTQ. Specific, measurable characteristics of a product or service that are identified by customers as necessary for their satisfaction. CTQ characteristics are the focus of Six Sigma projects.

cycle time

The time that elapses from the beginning to the end of a process. Cycle time must match takt time in order for a manufacturer to meet customer demand.

data

Factual information that is used for analysis and problem solving. Data is often in the form of values or numbers.

data

Factual information, usually in the form of numbers, that is used for analysis and problem solving. Data is used to find the root causes of process problems.

discrete data

Data that represents a characteristic or individual count. Discrete data, also known as attribute data, cannot be added or subtracted from other discrete data sets.

DMAIC

Six Sigma's five steps for process improvement. DMAIC stands for define, measure, analyze, improve, and control.

external customer

An outside organization or individual that receives a product or service from the company. External customers determine which product characteristics are critical to quality (CTQ).

frequency distribution charts

A chart that displays the number of occurrences in a continuous data set. Normal distribution on a frequency distribution chart will create a bell curve.

green belt

GB. A team member trained in Six Sigma who spends about 20% of his or her time on Six Sigma projects and about 80% on regular duties.

internal customer

A department or individual within the company that relies on others to satisfy the external customer. For any cell, the next cell in a process is always the internal customer.

master black belt

MBB. A hands-on Six-Sigma practitioner who works closely with other members to set and carry out project goals. Master black belts work full time on projects and coach lower-level team members.

Pareto chart

A chart that displays discrete data as sets of bars in ascending or descending order. Pareto charts support the Pareto principle, which states that for most events, approximately 80% of the effects result from 20% of the causes.

pie chart

A circular chart that is divided into sections or 'slices' that represent a proportion of collected data. Pie charts show data as divided parts of a whole.

process mapping

A graphical method of capturing the steps of a process. Process mapping can be performed before and after a process is improved.

process owner

A temporary designation for the person responsible for process design and performance. Green belts are sometimes considered process owners.

root cause analysis

A study to determine the cause of a problem. Root cause analysis involves collecting and analyzing data to find a problem's origin.

run chart

A graph that displays process performance data tracked over time. Most run charts best represent continuous data.

Six Sigma

A management philosophy and process improvement method that uses data to identify problems and point to improvements. Six Sigma's goal is to reduce the number of defects to less than 3.4 defects per million opportunities, which is near perfection.

special cause variation

A deviation that causes an undesirable, fundamental change in a process. Special cause variations, also known as unnatural variations, can be traced back to a single source.

statistical process control

SPC. A method of measuring and controlling the processes that yield a product. In SPC, statistics are used to collect sample data and predict outcomes.

variation

Any deviation from what is normal and consistent. Common cause variation is normal and expected, while special cause variation indicates a problem.

yellow belt

YB. A designation for other staff members who help with Six Sigma projects. Yellow belts are less involved in Six Sigma projects than green belts.