Peter Peterka

Six Sigma as a Way to Develop People

One of the many benefits of Six Sigma is how it helps to develop people. The dual processes of Six Sigma training and Six Sigma projects cultivate excellence in not only product quality and financial savings but also in the knowledge, confidence, and qual... Read >

The Difference between Typical Project Management and Six Sigma Project Management

The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK) became an accepted standard (as established by the Project Management Institute) that is still widely used in many industries around the world. At a basic level, many of the methodologies advocated by PMBoK... Read >

Six Sigma is about More Than Just Number Crunching

Top executives who know only that Six Sigma is famous and popular have called for the implementation of Six Sigma programs, and, of course, want to see numbers. They may become very enamored with the copious numbers that Six Sigma produces. Unfortunately,... Read >

Why Six Sigma Will work in Service Environments

Although Six Sigma has its roots in manufacturing, it works just as effectively in service industries. It's no secret that service environments, such as financial organizations, healthcare providers, retail companies, and hospitality organizations have a ... Read >

Does Six Sigma Need to Have the Support of Upper Management?

The short answer is, "Yes!" The longer answer is, "Yes, and here's why." Have you ever had the unfortunate experience of working where management does not fully realize or understand the value of investing the extra time and effort required for qua... Read >

Why Six Sigma Will Outlast Total Quality Management

Six Sigma is not just a new term for Total Quality Management (TQM) . They have many similarities and are compatible in many business environments. TQM has brought great improvements and value to many companies. Six Sigma can do more. TQM is the develo... Read >

Managing Teams and Six Sigma

Managing a Six Sigma team is a considerable responsibility. Six Sigma is a team process and requires cooperation at many levels. No one person can manage a Six Sigma project on their own. Just as it is the organization that benefits from Six Sigma, it is ... Read >

Compensation and Six Sigma Black Belts

One of the more ambiguous elements of a Six Sigma project is the level and type of compensation the organization should give to its Six Sigma leaders and team members. On the one hand, setting compensation is not an integral part of any stage of a Six Sig... Read >

Why do we Call these People Black Belts?

Many are surprised that Six Sigma refers to their trained experts as "Belts." There are Green Belts and Black Belts in Six Sigma, referring to a level of training they have achieved. The term Black Belt is not an empty buzzword nor is it a mockery of orga... Read >

Six Sigma can Improve Government Practices

Government bodies at any level, local, state, and Federal, can implement Six Sigma to improve customer service and increase the effectiveness of government. Although Six Sigma has its roots in private-sector manufacturing, it works just as effectively in ... Read >

Six Sigma for Small Business

It is not surprising that some people may perceive Six Sigma as being only for large corporations. Major corporations such as Allied Signal, Black & Decker, Dow Chemical, Dupont, Federal Express, General Electric, Johnson and Johnson, Kodak, Motorola, Son... Read >

Why Six Sigma Will Work in Healthcare by Peter Peterka

If ever there were an industry where we want zero defects, it's healthcare. Patients, medical professionals, and healthcare administrators all want mistakes eliminated and quality and efficiency improved. Although most industries have undergone some type ... Read >