Process Improvement Methodologies: Kaizen and Six Sigma

Introduction

Presenter: Devin Deen, Content Director at ProjectManager.com
Focus: Overview of process improvement methodologies (Kaizen and Six Sigma) instead of traditional project management topics.
Objective: Highlight key points of these methodologies to improve project processes.

Origin: Post-World War II Japan, influenced by American business consultants.
Meaning: Improvement is good.
Philosophy: Humanizes the workforce; involves all employees from CEO to janitorial staff in process improvement.
Approach: Cultural change, continuous and incremental improvements.
Key Process: PDAC (Plan, Do, Analyze, Change) - a repeatable cycle for continuous improvement at the team/business unit level.
Example: Toyota's 'The Toyota Way' philosophy.
Application: Not limited to manufacturing; used in different industries such as banking.

Origin: Mid-1980s, Motorola, USA.
Goal: Eliminate defects, achieving about 3.4 defects per million products.
Philosophy: Command and control approach.
Approach: Project-by-project initiatives, uses statistical processes for improvement.
Key Processes:
- DMAIC: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control
- DMADV: Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, Verify
Cultural Aspect: Statistical basis, champions like black belts and green belts lead and implement improvement projects.

Kaizen:
- Embraces change as a cultural aspect.
- Continuous and incremental improvements.
- All employees part of the process.
Six Sigma:
- Initiative-driven, focused on solving specific problems.
- Statistical and structured approach.
- Designated roles like black belts and green belts to lead improvements.

Both methodologies provide frameworks for quality improvement and efficiency in projects.
Suggested Action: Research further through books or online for deeper understanding and application.
Invite to visit projectmanager.com for more resources on project management.