1) Do we need extra resources in establishing a Six Sigma Culture ?

No. Companies implementing Six Sigma does not need to add additional resources into the existing organization. In many cases, the existing staff are selected to be trained on the Six Sigma methodology and subsequently involved in undertaking cost reduction programmes in a part-time/ full-time capacity. For most SMEs, this is especially applicable.
However, there are instances where big MNCs are committed to implementing company-wide Six Sigma. Under such a circumstance, the organization may commit full-time Black Belts into the programme and this may be done through selecting the resources from within or hiring qualified staff.

2) What is the selection criteria for a Six Sigma Black Belt in manufacturing ?

A Six Sigma Black Belt takes the lead in selected projects through the application of the Six Sigma methodology. The BB manages the project within pre-defined objectives and coordinates with the selected team members and others concerned.
As such, the selection criteria for a BB is someone with basic knowledge in statistics and has attained some work background in operations. In addition, non-technical attributes and skills such as team building, time mangement, interpersonal skills, report analysis are equally important. Normally in the manufacturing environment, Process engineers, Quality or Production staff are selected.

3) How do we link the financial returns of Six Sigma Projects ?

Under the Six Sigma structure, it is necessary to have a function involved in the finance side of the project. In many cases, this function is called the Six Sigma Financial Office. The roles and responsibilities of this Office is to calculate the savings obtained for each project being undertaken. The Centre shall liaise closely with the Project BB in determining the profit/ loss for the project through a defined format. The input from the Centre forms an important part of the final project report.

4) Will Six Sigma work for a Smal l - Medium-Size (SME) manufacturing company ? How should we implement Six Sigma methodology ?

As the focus of the Six Sigma Strategy is attaining Breakthrough results through a systematic framework in permanently reducing the variations of processes, the Six Sigma Strategy is highly recommended for SMEs. One reason is that, for most SMEs, there is little or no focus in upgrading the skills competence of engineers. Also, many a times, the focus is on "fire-fighting" instead of working on cost prevention/ improvement programmes.
The company may select candidates to be trained in the Six Sigma DMAIC methodology and subsequently undertake selected Cost Reduction Programmes within the organizations. The candidates can undetake this role in a part-time basis. This has worked well with many SME companies from around the world.

5) What is the difference between ISO 9000, TQM and Six Sigma ?

ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management System is an international standard established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The standard defines requirements on how a practising company should establish internal systems in order to be customer focused, attain customer satisfaction and hence profitability for the company. In most cases, the company practising ISO 9001:2000 would request for third-party compliance audit.
Total Quality Management (TQM) models, namely; Malcolm Balridge (USA) and EFQM (Europe) are more in-depth than the ISO 9001:2000 standard requirements. In particular, the TQM models emphasize in-depth critical elements such as Leadership, Strategic Planning and Results relating to customer, employees, society and business. Many national awards are given based on the assessment against the defined models.

As Six Sigma is a proven methodology for cost reduction/ improvement, the major differences would be that, unlike ISO 9001:2000 and TQM, the methodology for Six Sigma employs specific tools aimed at continual and breakthrough improvement. Therefore, Six Sigma can be used in conjuction with the two standards as mentioned BUT not the standards are not pre-requisite for implementing Six Sigma in a company