What Is Six Sigma?

A brief introduction to Six Sigma­­ for employees

Six Sigma is today's most talked-about system for improving the quality of organizational processes. Written by bestselling author Peter Pande, What Is Six Sigma? is a concise summary of the core themes and processes of Six Sigma. Unlike almost all other books on Six Sigma, it is written for the employees of organizations rolling out Six Sigma­­not just managers. This helpful overview describes what Six Sigma is, why companies are implementing it, and how employees can make it a success in their own organizations.

Based on the bestselling The Six Sigma Way, this accessable introduction to Six Sigma answers typical employee questions, concerns, and even skepticism about this revolutionary program. Includes:

• The six themes of Six Sigma
• A five-step roadmap to Six Sigma implementation
• The 10 basic tools of Six Sigma, with an entire page devoted to each

Peter S. Pande is president of Pivotal Resources, Inc., a leading organizational improvement consulting and training firm.. He is an experienced executive consultant and has helped guide Six Sigma initiatives at major corporations. He cowrote the bestselling The Six Sigma Way as well as The Six Sigma Way Team Fieldbook.

Larry Holpp is a consultant with Pivotal Resources. He was previously Vice President, Quality and a Master Black Belt at GE Capital. Holpp is the author of Managing Teams, and The Team Turbo Training Kit, and has published two dozen articles on training and quality in professional journals.

The First Six Sigma Primer Written Especially for Employees

Six Sigma has gained an avid following among executives and managers for its ability to reduce cycle time, eliminate product defects, and dramatically increase customer involvement and satisfaction. But Six Sigma can't work without widespread employee involvement and commitment. What Is Six Sigma? explains, for employees, the core ideas behind Six Sigma, the crucial roles and responsibilities employees have in a Six Sigma initiative, and how Six Sigma can benefit them.

This concise introduction to Six Sigma explains what questions to ask when Six Sigma is first introduced in an organization, then answers those questions in straightforward and easy-to-read style. Look to it for real-world descriptions of:

The fundamentals and foundations of Six Sigma
The essential roles employees play in Six Sigma
The changes and challenges they are likely to see
Case studies of employees using Six Sigma to identify­­and correct­­major problems


More than a "quality" program, Six Sigma is a business initiative that helps every area of an organization meet the changing needs of its customers, profitably. What Is Six Sigma? will help spread the message of Six Sigma around any organization simply and clearly.

Author:  Peter Pande
Format: Paperback, 98 Pages, October 26, 2001
Item #:  978-0-071381857
Price:    $12.50 (US) Quantiy Discounts Available