Managing engineering improvement by six sigma

The six sigma model is having a major impact upon traditional engineering management roles and practices. This is particularly the case in the design and development, as well as manufacturing, areas where six sigma black and green belts are taking on and deploying project leadership roles utilising the impressive arsenal of six sigma tools. The approach is also helping to create a more unified deployment of quality management and improvement within six sigma companies due to the DMAIC project authorisation and initiation process. Traditional engineering management roles are also being eroded or changed and activities shared more widely as the team - and workforce-participation aspects of six sigma are applied. This paper reviews the six sigma approach in the context of engineering improvement and its impact on engineering management roles and practices.