Product Description
Brand new book, autographed by author.
Customer Reviews:
Everything you need to know about the subject!.......2007-09-26
This one book has it all! The author hasn't left any segment of Six Sigma uncovered. The index is detailed, making it easy to find a particular thing in the book. The language is easy to follow.
Wow Book.......2007-09-07
This book is worth the price. A good guide indeed, covering theoretical perspective and making practical sense as well. A must for those new and enthusiastic readers of Six-Sigma.
My Six Sigma Handbook Review.......2007-09-01
The Six Sigma Handbook was a required reading as part of the Black Belt Certification I am taking. I have read the entire handbook. I found some chapters easier to read than others. There are other books, on Six Sigma, that may easier for the novice to read. This book is a great desk-top reference for anyone who is in the manufacturing line of business because most of the examples are focused in that direction. The book does contain some transactional examples from service companies that are helpful.
Review.......2007-07-17
The book is very good on stats and very comprehensive. However for a book this size, would like to have seen a bit more on problem solving tools
Book used as part of a Black Belt Program.......2007-05-14
I am reading the book as part of a SixSigma Black Belt program, currently at page 327. Reading as I am for comprehension, I find that there is a information in just about every line of the book. Pyzdek demonstrates his experience in the field of improvement, as all dimensions are thoroughly addressed. As an experienced engineering manager, I do not see too many stones unturned.
Customer Reviews:
Black Belt Memory Yogger .......2007-03-09
The Black Belt Memory Yogger is a handy pocket guide for people involved with six sigma processes. I like the why use it and what does it do questions. Good quick review of basic statistics and tools.
Handy and Useful, but pricey.......2003-02-21
This book is a concise reference for use by practitioners and those on the shop floor. I use it daily in our one square mile manufacturing complex.
Our people understand the tools with help of the illustrations. The how to use the tools is clear. Sure some may be overwhelmed by the statistical detail; however, the graphs are useful in showing folks what we as a team are working towards.
At only 265 pages, this spiral book is pricey, but that's expected from the millionaires of the Six Sigma Academy. ASQ's entries into this segment pale in comparison. Overall, I use it in any public course offering I teach. Keep it simple!
Book Description
The Six Sigma Memory Jogger™ II is the indispensable training and performance support resource for Six Sigma Project team members.
Beginning with an overview and introduction to Six Sigma concepts, primary terminology, and the basics of the DMAIC method, this valuable pocket guide presents forty-eight Six Sigma tools, including the CTQ, (Critical to Quality)Tree, FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis), Kano Model, MSA Measurement Systems Analysis, process sigma, regression, SIPOC (Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs and Customers), VOC (Voice of the Customer) Data Collection System and the y=f(x) formula.
Book Description
Improve quality and productivity in most any organization
Based on W. Edwards Deming's model, this guide offers an integrated approach to testing and improvement?one that is designed to deliver quick and substantial results. Using simple stories to illustrate core ideas, the authors?all active consultants?introduce a new, flexible model for improving quality and productivity in diverse settings. They draw from research conducted in a variety of areas?manufacturing, government, and schools?to present a practical tool kit of ideas, examples, and applications. What's more, they've included a Resource Guide to Change Concepts so even beginners can utilize the tested techniques of some of the world's most experienced practitioners.
Customer Reviews:
Simple on the Other Side of Complex.......2007-10-23
The authors have done a tremendous job of codifying a great amount of knowledge into an elegant model for improvement. It can be used with equal success to improve your golf game or guide your global business transformation. Rife with examples and method. A must for every improvement bookshelf.
also read Superperformance
Very helpful. One omission distresses me........2007-06-09
Clear, practical, and empowering. The authors are ambivalent on whether or not they will keep the focus on business operations; from the start they're keen to promote to a fully generic application, but the examples veer to and away from the business world, finally settling there a bit awkwardly.
The Change Concepts index near the end is a great idea, but the scope is confused along the lines I've already cited, and you might feel stuck in the QC department by the time you get through it. That's a bit of a shame, because one wonders if the challenges so elegantly met by the improvement model couldn't be cast in a more universal mode. (One also realizes one doesn't have the time to pursue this thought to fruition.) More pertinently, I'm trying to learn business process engineering, and it's easy to see a list dedicated to that discipline would be different. So despite the book's opening claims to a generic application, I felt stranded in one small tributary of the mighty River Improvement.
Nonetheless, I feel enabled by the book to succeed in my company where others have failed. It's so easy now to see how attempted improvements went wrong, through poor planning or inappropriate opening scope or simply through a failure to acknowledge real benefits when they happened. These pitfalls can be avoided, and the book shows how.
Now, I will mention an important omission. In my workplace I have to test and pilot and implement changes that are complex because a single change has no effect -- rather, two or more changes must be made at the same time, because they are mutually contingent. Management is not sure about A, nor about B. I would like to test A and get a decision, and I would like to treat B as a separate decision path. But they depend on each other, so things aren't so simple. (This is a point where Darwin's theory of cumulative biological mutation fails, if you care to know.) A mechanic troubleshooting your car's ignition system could give you concrete examples, but unfortunately, I couldn't find any in this book. My sense of empowerment has suffered correspondingly.
I just read the Philippy review..........2007-05-16
...and feel compelled to write in response. I must say it is hard to believe that Mr. Philippy and I are looking at the same book. I wrote an extensive review of this book already some time ago (it is listed below) and still feel the same way, even stronger. The Improvement Guide has continued to be, for me and my students/clients/mentees the "here's how" of Dr. W. Edwards Deming's philosophy. I am at a loss to find any hint of self-promotion of the authors in the book, save what one could reasonably infer about the competency and knowledge of the authors given the wealth of useful, in depth examples it contains. These could only come from deep knowledge of the theory and extensive successful experience in its practice. This book is as devoid of self-aggrandizement as any I have ever read.
I take considerable comfort from the fact that given the principles exemplified by the book, it is unlikely that the authors will over-react and over-adjust their professional aims in response to a single review, and will instead continue the fine work that has been done in this volume. My only question is, will there be a second edition? I would love to see it. In tenor and tone, I for one hope that it is exactly like this one....
David Wayne
[...]
Shallow and Pedantic.......2007-01-22
I should qualify this review by stating that I am not an expert on the subject of improvement. This book will not make you or even guide you to expertise. The only shining concept within the book, PDSA, is a great format for structuring improvement within a company, but could have been summed up successfully in 20 pages or less. BOOKS SHOULD NOT SPEND A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THEIR VOLUME ADVERTISING THEMSELVES!
The Improvement Guide.......2006-03-11
A very clear update of performance improvement process for business. Can be used as an introduction to the concept for newly trained staff and an everyday reference for those working on real projects.
Product Description
The Software Requirements Memory JoggerTM is an easy-to-use guide for developing and managing precise software requirements.
It provides every member of your project team with the tools and techniques to foster communication between business and technical teams on the necessary requirements for producing successful software. The Software Requirements Memory JoggerTM will benefit all stakeholders at any organizational level involved in software development projects management team, practitioners, QA/QC personnel.
- Explore practical steps, tips, and examples to help you develop and manage requirements
- Follow the User Requirements Roadmap a toolkit of techniques for discovering and analyzing user requirements
- Streamline communications between all requirements stakeholders
- Learn how to write clear, concise requirements documents
Customer Reviews:
Way to big.......2007-08-08
This is a text book not a memory jogger. I was serious expecting a 2-10 page foldout or some sort of flowchart.
Good material but a lot more than a memory jogger.
Short, sweet and to the point ..........2007-07-09
This is a great little compendium with lots of practical advice for requirements gathering. I love it.
Handy Reference.......2007-05-07
I went to a conference in Florida and attended a workshop held by Ellen Gottesdiener. She's amazing in person and for a Requirements Management nerd like me, inspiring. She reminds you to use common sense and helps "string" it all together - models, specifications, stakeholder charts, etc. When I found out that this book was available, we ordered it for all our Business Analysts as a quick guide/reference. I use mine to help mentor other Analysts on a daily basis. I recommend this memory jogger if you are accountable for producing requirements and need a refresher or this is your first time. Very helpful and easy to read for all level of Analysts.
Clear, comprehensive, concise, with examples for everything.......2007-04-02
I just got my copy (so it is still available). There is little I can add to the other reviews, other than support them wholeheartedly.
Writing style is very clear. Coverage is comprehensive. Standardized headers, icons, tables, and lists communicate ideas concisely.
Examples, examples, examples ...
One thing that makes this booklet more valuable than many other requirements texts is the wealth of examples. Everything is illustrated through its own realistic well-chosen example. The examples show you exactly what a particular output (model, diagram, text fragment, table, ...) should look like. Not just abstract, generic advice, but instantiated, concrete stuff to prove that you can actually follow the advice.
A good little reference book.......2007-01-05
I switched over from systems development to BSA (business systems analysis) work, and found this book to be a good primer and reference. I'm not sure if it is in print any longer.
Book Description
This companion guide to the bestselling The Six Sigma Way focuses on the project improvement teams that do the real, in-the-trenches work of Six Sigma—measuring performance, improving quality and saving millions in the process.
The Six Sigma Way Team Fieldbook is a highly practical reference for team leaders and members, outlining both the methods that have made Six Sigma successful and the basic steps a team must follow in an improvement effort. Written by three veteran trainers of Six Sigma “Black Belts” and teams at GE, Sun Microsystems, and Sears, this hands-on guide helps teams obtain the skills they need to identify a product, service, or process that needs improvement or redesign; gather data on the process and the rate of defects; find ways to improve quality up to a Six Sigma level—just 3.4 defects per million; and much more.
* Includes dozens of data-gathering forms and Six Sigma tools and worksheets
* Describes key improvement methods in a concise “how-to” format with checklists and tips
Download Description
This companion guide to the bestselling The Six Sigma Way focuses on the project improvement teams that do the real, in-the-trenches work of Six Sigma-measuring performance, improving quality and saving millions in the process.
Customer Reviews:
Very Helpful resource!!!.......2007-10-05
This is a very helpful resource for me as a new blackbelt. The more I learn, the more this book makes sense!
Six Sigma Way Team Fieldbook.......2007-03-24
An excellent resource for new Black Belts. Describes the DMAIC phases in plain english. A definite must for anyone training in the DMAIC methodology.
A priceless guide full of hundreds of templates and examples.......2006-11-12
As a Transactional Six Sigma Black Belt, this has been one of the most useful six sigma books I own. It contains a wealth of illustrations and tools that are priceless in terms of teaching process improvement teams basic six sigma methods. Using this book, people in process improvement can learn to apply many of the basic six sigma concepts.
I cannot stress enough, the number of useful illustrations and examples that are in every chapter in this book. Where most six sigma books tell you what six sigma is and how to analyze and measure, this one gives you the communication tools that are essential for getting and keeping an improvement project on-track.
Although many six sigma people would disagree with me on this point, I am a firm believer that Process Improvement & Management is the program to achieve business change success and six sigma is a tool to help accomplish and control the improvements.
A must read and a bargain-priced book. I recommended it to every process improvement team I lead and the feedback is always a "Wow - what a book!"
Looking for Cost Reduction, Increased Productivity, and Loyal Costumers - This is the practical implementation guide .......2006-07-17
Six sigma is a quality system that has helped world class companies save millions and gain costumer. It was brought into fame by the legendary Jack Welch during his years at General Electric.
This book is a practical implementation guide and the companion for "The sis sigma way: How GE, Motorola, and other top companies are honing their performance". Buy this book if you are already involved in a sis sigma initiative in your organization, either as a black belt, green belt, or champion. If you are looking for an introduction to fundamentals an systems implementation, you may do better with "The sis sigma way: How GE, Motorola, and other top companies are honing their performance", which is a comprehensive self-help guide to adapting and using the six sigma system under various conditions. Half of the book focuses on implementation through a detailed and flexible five-step "road map", filled with practical directions.
Either if you are looking to solve an specific process problem, or want to implement six sigma company wide, both books will help you develop a method that fits the specific needs of your company or organization.
Classroom training for Six Sigma costs what!.......2005-11-05
I began my journey to learn about Six Sigma around a year ago. At that time I investigated classroom training on Six Sigma. The cost for Six Sigma training was far too expensive for my management team to seriously consider. My most viable option was to train myself. I bought seven, yes seven, books on the topic of Six Sigma. This book was the best of the seven resources I purchased. This book is an inexpensive resource for training. I would also recommend an introduction to Six Sigma to supplement this book. My recommendation would be, "What is Six Sigma?" (another book by Pande). I have several years of quality experience so not every newcomer can just read a book. For most business process improvement efforts this book can give you the education to be dangerous against company waste and inefficiencies.
Customer Reviews:
Great Book for Beginning Process Engineers.......2006-09-19
This is a very thorough book that leads you through the entire redesign process. I especially liked Chapter 10, "Document Processes", as it is a good place to start the book. This is a very good book for process redesign training - not too detailed to bore training participants, but thorough enough to provide the trainees with a solid process redesign foundation. Packed with useful information and very, very good illustrations - examples that bring the point home. After reading this book, a good follow up is "Business Process Improvement Workbook" by Harrington, Esseling and van Nimwegen ....
Good for process redesign team.......2004-10-06
The authors introduced comprehensively a lot of important topics in process redesign effort, such as core processes identification and performance measurement. These are good to any process redesign team.
The weakness is that there is no clear roadmap by the sequence of content in this book. Many chapaters show in-depth explanation, but looks lack of logic once put into practices. This confuses many process redesign teams.
The best entry level book on the subject.......2004-07-28
A few years back, I developed a jones over process improvement. I went to a few national book retailers and a large respected university bookstore and researched Amazon to examine different texts on the subject. When I came accross this text, I was immediately taken by its clear descriptions and practical advice. It supplements the specific topics with useful tables and workplans. There exists more thorough texts on most of the topics. For example, volumes have been written about reengineering or continuous improvement. However, the vast majority of people looking for guidance will find more than enough information here. Another nice thing is that the authors don't waste time trying to persuade the reader, as some other books do, that these topics are important. They simply and clearly describe the subject at hand and show how to implement. The brevity, clear descriptions, and inclusion of only the most relavent information make this book a must-have for anyone who is concerned with process improvement.
Satisfactory.......2003-01-10
I use this book to teach business process management for the MBA class. It does not have the depth or rigor of a textbook, but does a decent job of addressing the major issues.
Comprehensive and full of excellent info & ideas.......2001-05-27
I got this book based on a friend's recommendation because I was struggling with a process design application called iGrafx Process (also available from Amazon).
I learned that there is much more to process design than basic models based on entry, task, validation and exit criteria. For example, performance measurements and performance efficiency were two areas where this book strengthened my understanding of process design and implementation. They also and enabled me to effectively use iGrafx Process to its fullest.
Other chapters that taught me a lot addressed improvement planning, continuous improvement and process benchmarking. I was able to immediately incorporate the knowledge gained into processes that I was developing, and it made a significant difference in the quality of my work.
The best chapter, in my opinion, was in installing the improved processes. I gained a lot of knowledge and techniques for overcoming barriers and how to objectively measure the degree of improvement. This was reinforced by material that is provided in the appendices, including case studies and an excellent description of Six-Sigma analysis.
Overall, this is a valuable book to anyone who designs or implements new processes, or reengineers existing ones. Most of my work is new design and implementation, so that was the context in which I read the book. If I were assigned to a reengineering project this would be the first book to which I'd turn for guidance and information. It earns a solid five stars and a permanent place in my professional library.
Book Description
The dramatic changes in the financial services industry have had a great effect on profitability, forcing financial institutions to change their management focus. Increased competitive pressures, tightening interest rates spreads and declining deposits balances have made goals even more difficult to achieve. The Financial Services Industries Consulting Practices at Ernst & Young LLP have developed this perfect guide to help readers reach those increasingly difficult goals. This reliable source of guidance has insight on asset/liability management, branch profitability and complete bank-wide performance program. It looks at all aspects of profitability, including hands-on approaches to: profitability philosophies and structures; balance sheet, revenue and expense components: transfer pricing of funds; planning and budgeting; performance measurements.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent, both on banking and project management aspects.......1998-12-03
This is the only book that covers all of the aspects of performance management in banking : 1. the analysis of performance measurement is very good even though, the coverage of financial data is overweight with respect to the rest of the book 2. the project approach is excellent and the various "pitfalls" described are so true that the people that wrote it necessarily had a good project experience, only problem is that the system architectures described did not evolve with the new edition (the word "data warehouse" is evoked once or twice) 3. As usual with this type of books, the "using the information" chapters are a bit a dry, even thought some interesting ideas are described regarding "customer information" In summary, a must read for any person trying to implement a performance indicators or Balanced Scorecard systm in its bank ("financial institutions" in the title is actually retail or commercial banking) PS : I am not an E & Y employee ... so this is not an advertising review
Book Description
The ideal companion to the author's bestselling The Product Manager's Handbook, The Product Manager's Field Guide expands upon the overview and the responsibilities of product managers and delves into specific skills, abilities, and competencies to help them improve their performance. It provides readers with tools and exercises for functions such as marketing, planning, forecasting, and new product development and offers step-by-step instructions for activities designed to monitor and assess product-planning efforts.
Customer Reviews:
Best for beginners in Product Management.......2007-05-19
This is a very good book if you are new to product management or are making a career switch from a non-managerial career to product management. If you have managed one or two product life cyles in the past, you are less likely to benefit from it.
A significant portion of this book is devoted to general management, but in the product management context. Nonetheless, the book is very well organized and systematic. It develops concepts in detail and offers a wealth of information, that you would otherwise have to pay a lot more to collect from other sources. I would highly recommend it to all beginners in this discipline. Experienced individuals may use it as an occassional reference.
Beginners Guide to Product Management.......2005-08-02
This and the handbook are very similar, you need only one. This is a difficult topic to cover when you are not sure of the depth of background of the reader. Does the reader have knowledge of marketing or not. To this point it appears in many places the book assumes you do not, so any general marketing text could be a better source.
Amazon.com
Six Sigma is a data-driven management system with near-perfect-performance objectives that has been employed to acclaim at leading corporations like General Electric. Its name is derived from the eye-catching statistical target of operating with no more than 3.4 defects per one million chances, but Peter Pande, Robert Neuman, and Roland Cavanagh--associates in a firm providing Six Sigma implementation, training, and management services--contend its principles can be applied in businesses of all types to routinely reduce costs, improve productivity, increase market share, and achieve other positive results. The Six Sigma Way is their comprehensive self-help guide to adapting and using the system under various conditions. Its first two parts cover fundamentals and provide specific suggestions for aligning the process with individual needs and goals. (These include sections on balancing potential costs and benefits, clarifying objectives, and defining time frames.) The final part, which accounts for more than half the book, focuses on implementation through a detailed yet flexible five-step "road map" tied to a company's core processes, key customers, current performance, "high-potential improvement opportunities," and future practices. While the procedure is quite complex, diligent managers should be able to bring at least basic components to their organization with the tools and techniques provided. --Howard Rothman
Book Description
Six Sigma is a system for improving the quality of organizational processes. It was originally developed at Motorola in the 1980's and has become one of the most widely discussed and reported trends in business over the past two years, thanks largely to the phenomenal successes of the Six Sigma program at one of the world's most successful companies, GE. GE CEO Jack Welch, has been preaching about and implementing the Six Sigma philosophy throughout GE, and credits the program with millions of dollars in annual cost savings and product quality improvements.
Download Description
Six Sigma -- the organizational quality system made famous by GE's legendary Jack Welch -- has set new standards for process improvement. The Six Sigma Way is the first book to provide basic, non-technical information on understanding and implementing Six Sigma. Eye-opening success stories show how companies including GE, Motorola, Allied Signal, and others have used Six Sigma to produce millions in cost-savings and quality improvements. Written to give managers a basic overview of what Six Sigma is and how to implement it, The Six Sigma Way covers the application of Six Sigma across all industries.
Customer Reviews:
Horridly boring........2007-09-13
More power to you if you can get something worthwile from this book. I bought the book on CD, and it was easily the most forgettable experience I've had in a while. The information is presented from a 30,000 mile view. So "big picture" oriented that it's useless to try and consider the action behind the concepts presented.
If you're looking for a way to appear to have read something complicated and high level about Six Sigma. you found your source. If you want real, usable information, look elsewhere.
Excellent Book.......2007-09-07
No Joke. A serious six-sigma book written in most elegant form. I like the part where the Authors provide insights into "Sir Pork" - a really good way to put serious stuffs into readable form. Ignore the stars. It could have been 6 :).
A Six Sigma Primer.......2007-02-25
If you're looking to learn about Six Sigma, this is the book to start with. It provides a good overview and quickly dispels the common myths (e.g. Six sigma is for manufacturing companies alone). It helps the reader to determine if Six Sigma is right for his/her organization, and provides clear steps demonstrating how to implement the six sigma roadmaps. It doesn't get too heavy into the advanced statistics, although there is a chapter that explains some of the tools and how they are used. Bottom line: While the reader may still need some assistance (from a trained Black Belt), this book provides the tools necessary to complete a six sigma project. I've read a few books on the topic and this was the most comprehensive - the best of the lot.
Six Sigma Overview - Full of Excellent Case Studies.......2006-11-22
While studying to become a Black Belt in Six Sigma, I found this book to be the most excellent overview of the history and benefits of Six Sigma. I did extensive research into useful books - and found this one to be the most effective.
Many other Six Sigma books try too hard to teach the material - and this book presents the basics, with strong business case studies of success.
If you are involved in the study or use of Six Sigma - I believe this is an essential book in your library.
Good overview but little substance.......2006-11-04
This audio book was more of a cheerleader for six sigma than a book to gain knowledge. It would be a good source of information if you have never heard of six sigma, but otherwise it is not very useful. The reader also has an annoying voice.
Books:
- The Six Sigma Handbook: The Complete Guide for Greenbelts, Blackbelts, and Managers at All Levels, Revised and Expanded Edition
- The Six Sigma Way Team Fieldbook: An Implementation Guide for Process Improvement Teams
- The Six Sigma Way Team Fieldbook: An Implementation Guide for Process Improvement Teams
- The Strategic Project Office: A Guide to Improving Organizational Performance (CENTER FOR BUSINESS PRACTICES)
- The Toyota Way
- Total Quality Service: Principles, Practices, and Implementation (St Lucie)
- Visual Tools: Collected Practices And Cases (Insights on Implementation)
- What Is Six Sigma?
- Why ERP? A Primer on SAP Implementation
- Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
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- A Kaleidoscopia Coloring Book: Abstract Adventure
- Sean Connery:A Celebration
- Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board
- The Last Days of Krypton
- A Hood Legend
- The Trading Athlete: Winning the Mental Game of Online Trading
- Mary Farrell's Beyond the Basics: How to Invest Your Money, Now That You Know a Thing or Two
- Stochastic Linear Programming: Models, Theory, and Computation
- The Crepes of Wrath
General
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
The Lean Six Sigma Pocket Toolbook: A Quick Reference Guide to 100 Tools for Improving Quality and Speed
Statistics for Six Sigma Made Easy
The Six Sigma Project Planner : A Step-by-Step Guide to Leading a Six Sigma Project Through DMAIC
Six Sigma for Dummies
Lean Six Sigma for Service : How to Use Lean Speed and Six Sigma Quality to Improve Services and Transactions
