Six Sigma, or 6σ, is both a methodology for process improvement and a statistical concept that seeks to define the variation inherent in any process. The overarching premise of Six Sigma is that variation in a process leads to opportunities for error; opportunities for error then lead to risks for product defects.
Product defects—whether in a tangible process or a service—lead to poor customer satisfaction. By working to reduce variation and opportunities for error, the Six Sigma method ultimately reduces process costs and increases customer satisfaction.
This course is intended to help you understand principles concerning continuous improvement. We emphasize both the technical and adaptive qualities for change. These principles will help you, as leaders and practitioners committed to learning and improvement, build capacity toward a culture of reflection, inquiry, and improvement system-wide. We introduce you to key concepts and terms, and provide concrete examples along the way.