Blog

Why Is Six Sigma Important for Project Managers?

Six Sigma is, without doubt, the most effective way for improving the quality of product and services. It’s not too far fetched to say that the management techniques represent the pinnacle of corporate governance. If implemented correctly, the technique can turnaround the fortunes of companies.

For project managers, an understanding of Six Sigma methodology is important. They need to develop a solid understanding of the technique and implement them to achieve product excellence. Here we will look at the history of the Six Sigma technique and also explain the importance of the technique for project managers.

History of Six Sigma Technique

The term sigma (σ) in statistics is a measurement of reliability. Project engineers at Motorola used this statistical term in the mid-1980s to signify defects in the production. They introduced the concept of six sigma that signified very little defect (or 100-99.99966) in the process. The company had later the technique from the production process to the core business process. This term was branded by the company and it referred to performance improvement methodology.

Motorola introduced Six Sigma certification process and certified the first Black Belt experts in 1991. In the same year, an avionics company named Allied Signal had adopted the Six Sigma methods and reported significant improvements within a few months of implementation.

Later in 1995, GE CEO Jack Welch decided to introduce the Six Sigma concept at the company. The company claimed that the method had resulted in huge cost savings amount to three-quarters of a billion dollars.

By the late 1990s, Six Sigma was introduced as an industry that was embraced by corporations all over the world. Today the technique is used by companies of all types and sizes to improve their operational efficiencies.

Importance of Six Sigma for Project Managers

Project managers need to understand and implement Six Sigma within the organization. The technique can be implemented in task management, work management, online project management, team collaboration, client interaction, and many other processes.

Implementing the technique will result in greatly reduced wastages and improved operational efficiencies. By implementing Six Sigma, project managers can improve the quality of processes. This will result in reduced costs and accelerate the process of getting the product to the customers.

The concept and methodologies of Six Sigma stress the use of statistical techniques for reducing defects and improving quality. The dependence on facts and figures will help in better controlling the processes. Project managers will be forced to focus on the quality and reducing the defects. The whole process continues until the business process becomes totally optimized.

Six Sigma tools and techniques can help project managers to ensure that the project gets completed within the budget and time. The project managers can adopt a winning mindset that will ultimately benefit the company resulting in greatly improved bottom-line.