The Six Sigma Way

Table of contents

Part I: An Executive Overview of Six Sigma.
Chapter 1: A Powerful Strategy for Sustained Success.
Chapter 2: Key Concepts of the Six Sigma System.
Chapter 3: Why Is Six Sigma Succeeding Where Total Quality "Failed"?
Chapter 4: Applying Six Sigma to Service and Manufacturing.
Chapter 5: The Six Sigma Roadmap.
Part II: Gearing Up and Adapting Six Sigma to Your Organization.
Chapter 6: Is Six Sigma Right for Us Now?
Chapter 7: How and Where Should We Start Our Efforts?
Chapter 8: The Politics of Six Sigma: Preparing Leaders to Launch and Guide the Effort.
Chapter 9: Preparing Black Belts and Other Key Roles.
Chapter 10: Training the Organization for Six Sigma.
Part III: Implementing Six Sigma: The Roadmap and Tools.
Chapter 12: Identifying Core Processes and Key Customers (Roadmap Step 1).
Chapter 13: Defining Customer Requirements (Roadmap Step 2).
Chapter 14: Measuring Current Performance (Roadmap Step 3).
Chapter 15: Six Sigma Process Improvement (Roadmap Step 4).
Chapter 16: Six Sigma Process Improvement (Roadmap Step 4A).
Chapter 17: Expanding & Integrating the Six Sigma System (Roadmap Step 5).
Chapter 18: Advanced Six Sigma Tools: An Overview.
Conclusion: Twelve Keys to Success.

Review quote

The Six Sigma Way is the second book this year looking at the hot new quality initiative.

Biographical note

Peter S. Pande is Founder and President of Pivotal Resources, an international consulting firm providing Six Sigma implementation, training, and management development services in industries from financial services to high technology.

Robert P. Neuman, Ph.D., is a senior Consultant with Pivotal Resources. He is a noted speaker in business improvement methods and Six Sigma.

Roland R. Cavanagh, P.E., is a professional engineer and Pivotal Resources Consultant with Pivotal Resources. His areas of expertise include process measurement and applied statistics, business reorganization, and Six Sigma methods.

Back cover copy

An implementation blueprint for SIX SIGMA!

"The Six Sigma Way demystifies Six Sigma with a real-world 'how-to 'guide. A good investment for any business planning to launch Six Sigma."
­­John Biedry, VP Quality & Compliance, Sears Home Services.

Cost reduction...productivity improvement...customer retention...these are the promises of the Six Sigma quality management system. The Six Sigma Way reveals how GE, Motorola, and numerous other companies are successfully using Six Sigma to fine-tune products and processes, improve performance, and increase profits. Now you can read the roadmap for implementing Six Sigma in your manufacturing or service organization.

The authors­­who have worked with some of the most visible Six Sigma companies including GE­­provide step-by-step guidance and practical implementation guidelines. Whether your goal is to fix a process problem or implement Six Sigma company-wide, The Six Sigma Way will help you develop an approach customized for your company's needs and the challenges of the twenty-first century business environment. The Six Sigma Way:


Addresses the challenges and politics of launching, leading, and training people for Six Sigma.
Focuses on implementing the major steps and quality improvement tools in the Six Sigma system.
Features insights, comments, and examples from business leaders and managers using Six Sigma in their organizations.