Correct. Yet establishing a simple methodology that demands facts supported by data as opposed to gut feel, that attempts to focus on the costs of poor quality, thereby fixing business processes so they don't fail in the first place, is something that can be transplanted into any business very effectively.
Six Sigma provides a road map for this. Not every problem needs to have a master statistician overseeing its' analysis. In a transactional environment, it's amazing how much can be gained by simply applying the fundamental principles and simply adjusting your SOP's.
By the way, are any of you familiar with the Stat-A-Pult?
:-)
You mean the Air Force launcher used to show variation. I played with that in a classs a couple of years ago. Six Sigma has its value and place but like any problem solving process it can be oversold. I think GE has cooled on Six Sigma since Welch left, am I right?
Sounds like one of those new-fangled toys.
I'm afraid I'm an old fart, got my degree in the year 1 B.C. (Before Calculators)
Still had all the same statistics courses,
Just had to learn it all using pencil, paper, slide rule and assorted reference tables.
Pain in the butt, but it sinks in deep and you don't forget.