Six Sigma and Lean Thinking, 10 July 2008, 7 for 7.30 at WS Atkins, Woodcote Grove, Ashley Road, Epsom KT18 5BW

 

This is a joint event with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) 

Six Sigma is a set of practices, originally developed by Motorola and made famous by General Electric, to systematically improve processes by eliminating defects. It was heavily inspired by six preceding decades of quality improvement methodologies.

Lean Thinking is an expression by an American researcher who studied the manufacturing practices of Toyota and other Japanese car makers. It focuses on process improvement, but more holistically than Six Sigma, and requires a whole system view including a focus on people.

There are similarities but also important differences between the two approaches.

This session will provide attendees with an overview of:

• what Six Sigma and Lean Thinking are, and why they should be implemented
• how they can be integrated and aligned with other approaches for achieving business process excellence
• what the key implementation considerations are

Speaker:

Ian Graham was Director of Quality for Hewlett-Packard, and spent time in the HP plants in Singapore and Malaysia learning the power of systematic approach. Ian formed PRISM Consultancy International in 1990, and is a principal consultant there. Recently he has been guiding organisations to learn and apply the appropriate methods of Six Sigma, and the adoption of Lean Thinking.

This event is free to members and their guests. Whilst it is possible just simply to turn up, if you would like to book a seat (and therefore ensure you have something to sit on), please contact Stephanie Clackworthy on 07941 112037 to be added to the list.