6 Sigma

What is 6 Sigma? Well, after searching from various url and reading some books, I found that it's quite an interesting subject to learn and gain knowledge to improve our performance in work and personal life.

Quote from isixsigma.com

Six Sigma at many organizations simply means a measure of quality that strives for near perfection. Six Sigma is a disciplined, data-driven approach and methodology for eliminating defects (driving towards six standard deviations between the mean and the nearest specification limit) in any process -- from manufacturing to transactional and from product to service.

The statistical representation of Six Sigma describes quantitatively how a process is performing. To achieve Six Sigma, a process must not produce more than 3.4 defects per million opportunities. A Six Sigma defect is defined as anything outside of customer specifications. A Six Sigma opportunity is then the total quantity of chances for a defect. Process sigma can easily be calculated using a Six Sigma calculator.

The fundamental objective of the Six Sigma methodology is the implementation of a measurement-based strategy that focuses on process improvement and variation reduction through the application of Six Sigma improvement projects. This is accomplished through the use of two Six Sigma sub-methodologies: DMAIC and DMADV. The Six Sigma DMAIC process (define, measure, analyze, improve, control) is an improvement system for existing processes falling below specification and looking for incremental improvement. The Six Sigma DMADV process (define, measure, analyze, design, verify) is an improvement system used to develop new processes or products at Six Sigma quality levels. It can also be employed if a current process requires more than just incremental improvement. Both Six Sigma processes are executed by Six Sigma Green Belts and Six Sigma Black Belts, and are overseen by Six Sigma Master Black Belts.

According to the Six Sigma Academy, Black Belts save companies approximately $230,000 per project and can complete four to 6 projects per year. General Electric, one of the most successful companies implementing Six Sigma, has estimated benefits on the order of $10 billion during the first five years of implementation. GE first began Six Sigma in 1995 after Motorola and Allied Signal blazed the Six Sigma trail. Since then, thousands of companies around the world have discovered the far reaching benefits of Six Sigma.

I also find other sites such as forum, online training and the ever famous 6 sigma pioneer.

After reading and searching for 6 Sigma information, I regret not knowing in depth about this method, at the very least the overview about 6 Sigma. In my previous work place, my colleagues will talk about 6 Sigma and I just listened, not bothering to ask and research for myself. After knowing some details about 6 Sigma, I came to understand its importance in our work place.

With this, I know my current company in needs of 6 Sigma in its daily work from top to bottomliners. Even with the implementation of Balanced Scorecard and 360 degree, it won't achieve anything without a successful implementation of 6 Sigma in the company.

Tomorrow is a public holiday or the 50th Independent Day of my country. I look forward to spend my time continue my personal work and reading. I bought a numbers of interesting books but I don't have the time to read it. Excuses...I know.

Shopping spree

Last week my CD was on leave and it was at the wrong timing. I don't blame him coz he was going to be a daddy. It was because of the last minute changes from my management on a project. My team has already completed 90% of the project when my boss told me that the budget was based on my earlier recommendation of the pages.

When I made that recommendation, it was based on the exact concept of another book. However, along the way, marketing and management decided to change it to B2C book. Therefore my prediction and recommendation can't be use anymore.

When my CD, who is also my right hand man was on leave for a week, I have to took over his work because there was no one else who can stand in when he's away. Having to do his and my work at the same time really stress me. I'm overdue for my back massage. i have accumulate a lot of stress 'buds' in me that I need a traditional massager to 'get' it out. Hopefully I can do it this week.

Besides that, I went to a shopping spree last weekend. There was a sales at Bruan Buffel store and i just went there and start shopping. I normally don't buy expensive stuff and that day the feeling was good. Being the end of the month with no cash, I just swipe my card. I know I'm going to suffer paying for it later and the hand bag and long wallet was nice and simple. I'm not into those big logo type of design. Simple is nice.

Oh, my CD is the proud daddy of a 3.2kg baby boy who looks like him and apparently active like him at night. Congratulations!!

Tasty Weekend

For the past few weekends it has been productive. Thanks to my sis who has been driving me around surveying for furniture and household items, not forgetting the renovation. I guess having a sis working in the property industry has its plus points. She has the contacts for very reasonable price for renovations, know the owners of household items to further discuss the best price for items such as curtains, decorative, bedroom set etc.

I get to see few interior design aspirations and ideas and this will help me to set up my own home later. After working for so many years, I finally decided to have my own place. Of course budget is super tight because living in a city doesn't allow me to save much. In the early years, I only manage to scrap by every month without anything left for rainy days. Saving $200 is like a big achievement when living in the city. No wonder it took so many years to commit to a home. I prefer the term home because a house has no soul. Home is where the heart and love stay.

Sis has a lot of ID reference magazine that her company subscribe monthly. That save me money and time standing at the shop browsing through the magazine. I can take my time reading the magazines from her home and sink the ID ideas into my head. Now I understand why some people suddenly proclaim themselves ID savvy and announced their 'consulting service' to friends and others. I believe it derive from 'looking' at many ID related magazines. Maybe there are few creative ones but ID consultant needs to have proper background and understanding of structure, colours, space etc. Not forgetting contact of many suppliers. Besides that, your home is your best portfolio. Therefore, if the ID in your home is only average, don't offer your service as it will be a laughing joke for others.

I'm not a good ID person even though I am in the creative industry. I know my field well but not my sis's field. We are learning from each others to improve ourselves. Maybe I'm being humble unlike some who will boost about their capabilities and talents. Living in the city I learned many have to resort the 'hard selling' themselves with the minimum capabilities and skills they have. Many manage to move up the corporate ladder with hard selling but many didn't last long. I know quite a few people in this category. I normally 'agreed' to their so-call superb capabilities as long as they are happy. You might think that I'm not helping them by telling the truth. Well, they can't take the truth.

Back to my weekends, besides going around surveying for renovation and interior design items, sis also bring me to various place that serve good Chinese food. These shops are not located in the posh commercial complex or area. The food was excellent and very cheap. There was one restaurant in Serdang that serve a kind of fish and other dishes that I love so much. In the restaurant, they don't have waiter waiting to serve you. Instead, I see a lot family reunion and gathering in front of a good tasty food. Husband and wife, son and daughter, grand pa and grand ma all sitting together enjoying their dinner.

This week is our 50th independent day. I hope I can finish my work on time so I can rest during this celebration on Friday.

Sheer Sadness

It's cloudy today outside the office. From the window view, it looks like rain is visiting me again. Rain has been visiting me for the past 3 days. Pouring its tears, softly. Its just cried quietly in the corner. No gushing sound acompany by the strong mood swing from the wind. Its just left everyone alone and remains solitude.

Seems like rain is preparing me for today. Today I was looking forward to call and talk to someone close to me. I have been so busy lately that I forgot to call sometimes. The short call turn into sadness. The happiness was shortlived. I was told to stop calling and sms until further notice...

What am I to say? No? Not possible. I promise myself long time ago not to cry over spoilt milk. This is one of those events that I have to face it and be tough and strong. I guess I will focus my heart and energy to the preparation for my new place. There are a lot to check out and decide. Then the budgeting. The lightings, furniture, renovation and the list goes on. Hopefully, this will keeps my heart from feeling sorry for myself. Hopefully, this will keeps me from self-destruct myself.

Happy Ending by Mika was singing to me from my laptop. Somehow the words suddenly was meant for me. A temporary comforting pal.