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Six Sigma Basics Textbook

A free, self-paced textbook in 6 chapters. Read a chapter, then drill it with the 215 companion flashcards using spaced repetition.

6 chapters · 215 cards · Updated

Chapters

  1. 1Foundations of Six Sigma

    Six Sigma is a data-driven methodology aimed at reducing process variation and eliminating defects, with the ultimate quality goal of 3.4 defects per million opportunities (DPMO)....

  2. 2Lean Principles and Waste Identification

    Lean complements Six Sigma by targeting waste, or muda—any activity that consumes resources without creating customer value. The classic seven wastes, remembered by the acronym DOW...

  3. 3Capturing the Voice of the Customer

    Understanding customer needs is the starting point for meaningful improvement. The Voice of the Customer (VOC) is captured through surveys, interviews, focus groups, and complaint...

  4. 4Statistical Tools for Analysis and Improvement

    Six Sigma relies on a broad toolkit of statistical methods to analyze data and verify improvements. The empirical rule—68% within ±1σ, 95% within ±2σ, and 99.7% within ±3σ—underpin...

  5. 5Statistical Process Control and Capability

    Statistical Process Control (SPC) uses control charts to distinguish common cause variation, which is inherent and predictable, from special cause variation, which comes from exter...

  6. 6Problem-Solving and Quality Planning

    Beyond DMAIC, Six Sigma draws on a wide portfolio of quality tools for problem-solving and planning. Fishbone (Ishikawa) diagrams categorize potential root causes into the 6 Ms—Man...

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