Quality Progress - American Society for Quality

we requested a meeting to get some information. A statement was made at the meeting
that overall, our plant was running at a Cpk of about 1.3, so we were not quite at six
sigma yet. I was confused, knowing full well most of the capabilities of the critical
characteristics we were tracking on our internal processes at best would have average .8 -
.9. I asked how the 1.3 was calculated and was told it was based on number of
complaints received versus units sold. How is that for sound science. It was then I
realized there was a lot of hot air and packaging associated with six sigma, some of it
good but in the long run, as you pointed out, has the potential to damage the credibility of
ASQ. It seems to be somewhat of a trend these days, the dumbing-down of requirements,
and the more certifications the better. It appears to be happening with Baldridge now as
well. My personal preference would be to see criteria made more difficult, and
certifications harder to get. I also believe a larger area for quality improvement would
not come from six sigma, but the systemization of a good product development process
under the umbrella of the ISO9k2k guiding principles.
Andy
17000 Re: Re: Re: Re: Letter: Thoughts on Lack of Training in Latest Quality
Systems?
Wesley Bucey
Sep-16-03
From Wes Bucey, Quality Manager
I find it hard to believe that any organization worth working for hasn't figured out there is
a difference between BBs (Black Belts) from one certifying body and another.
They certainly make a distinction between a Harvard degree and one from a school that
advertises on matchbook covers. I believe each organization has an obligation to do one
of two things: 1) train in-house (if economically feasible) or 2) require or pay for
outside training AFTER determining the value or worth of that training, especially from a
particular organization or instructor. (Where do you want your brain surgeon or heart
surgeon trained?)
-Wes Bucey
16999 Re: Re: Re: Letter: Thoughts on Lack of Training in Latest Quality Systems?
Carl Keller
Sep-16-03
Bill,
I hear what you are saying. Let me better define my statement: "there exists NO criteria
for training or certification for a Six Sigma Black Belt." ASQ may have a book that sets
forth criteria, but Motorola has a set of criteria, and consultants A, B and C all have their
own criteria, all of which can differ greatly. There is no standard. I don't see any job
postings stating "ASQ Black Belt certification required", they just want a belt. Would
you be comfortable if Pharmacist certification were handled the same way? Sorry, the
Quality community and businesses in general should be ashamed of themselves to buy