The Six Sigma Framework for IT

Introduction: Six Sigma and IT ManagersSigma basics and the jargon that is associated with
Six Sigma® has an impressive track record, withits processes.  You’ll find three key documents
billions of dollars saved through businessin this section, which are great to share with other
improvement.  But how can Six Sigma helpmembers in your organization:
you—the IT manager who faces multipleü      Overview presentation on Six Sigma
challenges in running an effective IT organization?ü      Factsheet on when to use DMAIC, DFSS
Consider this recent survey of 956 IT organizationsand Lean
by iSixSigma magazine, which underscores the needü      Overview of convergence between
for an IT-centric Six Sigma Kit:ITIL, CMMI and Six Sigma
ü      55% reported that IT is a staff functionLeadership & Communications
in their company.Six Sigma forces a change in the way an organization
ü      45% said IT is a strategic component ofthinks of its processes.  Having the right leadership
business in their company.and communications plan in place is essential.  To
ü      17% said their company always orhelp you organize and equip members of your team,
usually uses Six Sigma to improve IT processes.the Kit provides three documents, which outline:
ü      50% reported that their company rarelyü      Different roles and responsibilities,
or never uses Six Sigma to improve IT processes.including the role of the Champion and of different
ü      31% reported that no Six Sigma BBs orBelt Levels
MBBs are allocated to IT in their company.ü      Talent  management, competencies and
ü      21% reported that IT personnel at theirjob descriptions for MBB and BB
company are usually included on Six Sigma teams.ü      A communications and rollout plan
ü      58% reported that IT project
development methodologies (e.g., SDLC, CMMI, PSP)Six Sigma Program Management tools
are not integrated with Six Sigma methodologies.This section of the Kit is where you’ll find the
ü      55% reported that between 1 and 25tactical tools you’ll use on a daily basis to
percent of Six Sigma projects at their company areimplement and manage a Six Sigma program in your
IT related.organization.  It includes the following resources:
ü      1% reported that IT is a staff functionü      25 ideas of IT Six Sigma projects to
in their company and that Six Sigma is always usedjump start the program and help you identify key
to improve IT processes.focus areas
Right now is the time to introduce Six Sigma to yourü      A project tracker to diligently track and
organization.  To do this, you’ll need an easyreport on your Six Sigma activities
way to provide your organization with a basicü      A project selection and assessment
understanding of Six Sigma – what it is and howquestionnaire
it works.ü      Templates for Six Sigma project report
Enter the Six Sigma Action Kit for IT. Once you areouts
familiar with the contents of this Kit, you’ll beSix Sigma Management Tools
ready to address the unique challenges your and yourHere you’ll find a dozen tools that can come in
IT department face.  Let’s get started!handy as you implement the Six Sigma program into
IT projects.  Here’s the list (don’t worry if
What can the Kit do for you?you don’t know what these are…you’ll
The Six Sigma Action Kit for IT provides the ITlearn soon enough):
Manager with practical tools for bringing Six Sigma1. SIPOC (Define) / Process Mapping (Define)
processes to their IT organization-- even if there is2. Cause and Effect Matrix / QFD Deployment
no formal Six Sigma program in place.(Define)
The tools you’ll find here are user-friendly and3. Sample Size Calculator (Measure)
tailored for the IT professional.  We’ve4. Fishbone (Analyze)
organized the Kit into the five sections:5. Pareto Analysis (Analyze)
Maturity Assessment: Are you ready for this?6. 5 Whys (Analyze)
This questionnaire will allow you to assess whether7. FMEA – Failure Modes and Effects Analysis
your IT organization is ready and able to implement a(Analyze)
Six Sigma program.  You can also use the8. Software Project Risk assessment worksheet
assessment to identify areas that you’ll need to(Analyze)
address in order to establish a successful and9. Pugh Matrix (Analyze)
sustainable program.10.  Two Sample T-Test (Improve)
Education & Awareness11.  Chi Square (Improve)
These documents are easy-to-read summaries of Six12.