Friday, August 4, 2006
Six Sigma for Intellectual Processes - Don Corpron
Abstract
The payoff from applying Six Sigma to intellectual processes has far bigger payoff than in manufacturing.
Six Sigma is about managing variation. Variation in this context is a departure from Customers' needs or wants. Customers define quality. It is all the non-price attributes of a product or service, both tangible and intangible that Customers require.
Skeptics often cite the aperiodic nature of intellectual processes as making them unfit for Six Sigma. The opposite is true. The Six Sigma “toolbox” has tools very much suited to situations of high variability.
The Juran Institute describes Six Sigma as having a more rigorous problem framing, more rigorous statistical analysis and more systematic approach than previous systems.
Variation in the outcome comes from variation in the measurement system, the process, the product, or the environment. Ad hoc intellectual processes have huge sources of variation because of the human component.
The high maturity levels of CMMI ® parallel the Six Sigma concepts of process stability and process capability. Northrop Grumman compressed the time to achieve broad organizational achievement of Level 5 by employing Six Sigma projects as a catalyst.
Six Sigma techniques that will be discussed include hypothesis testing, control charting, Pareto analysis, regression analysis and capability analysis as applied to challenges in the development of software intensive systems. Although many of these techniques originated in the hardware world, they are effective in the software and systems world. Key points will be explained using metaphors of building bridges and manufacturing refrigerators.
Specifically, discussed are the opportunities of improving deliverable quality by…
- Managing design complexity
- Managing requirements changes
- Managing defect profiles
- Managing discrepancy reports
- Conducting improvement projects with the Six Sigma DMAIC cycle
- Employing Six Sigma tools within the support processes of CMMI ® , especially Causal Analysis and Resolution
Your Presenter: Don Corpron currently is the Six Sigma Master Black Belt for the Surveillance and Reconnaissance Division of Northrop Grumman based in Fairfax , Virginia just outside Washington , DC.
Don is certified by Oriel Inc. as a Master Black Belt and as a Quality Manager by the American Society of Quality.
Former employers include the Software and Systems Productivity Consortium of Herndon, VA, AT&T Corporation of New York, NY, NCR Corporation of Dayton , OH , and Ford Motor Company of Dearborn , MI.
Don holds an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University and a Masters in Business Administration from Loyola University of Chicago.
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Logistics
Location:Northrop Grumman E2 Presentation Center (in tall building off of Entrance 2), Redondo Beach, CA (formerly TRW) - 2299 Marine Ave., Redondo Beach, CA 90278
Directions: Take the 405 Inglewood exit (southbound it's the exit after Rosecrans East, northbound it's the exit just after Hawthorne) and go north on Inglewood Avenue (southbound, turn left at the end of the ramp, northbound, turn right). Turn left at Marine. Go west under the freeway past the railroad tracks and Redondo Beach Avenue to Entrance 2 at Mettler Drive. Turn left into the parking lot . E2 is the tall building to your right. (See page 733 A5 of the Thomas Brothers Guide.)
Time: 9 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Admission: Free
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