The Complete Guide to Six Sigma [Hardcover]

Thomas Pyzdek (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0930011600 | ISBN-13: 978-0930011604 | Publication Date: July 28, 1999

The goal of this book is to provide you with the guidance and direction necessary to realize Six Sigma's promise, while avoiding traps and pitfalls commonly encountered. In this book you will find a complete overview of the management and organization of Six Sigma, the philosophy which underlies Six Sigma, and those problem solving techniques and statistical tools most often used in Six Sigma.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

This edition has been replaced by the new edition, entitled "The Six Sigma Handbook". ISBN 0071372334

About the Author

Thomas Pyzdek is a Fellow of ASQ and the recipient of one of its highest honors, The Edwards Medal. In addition to his Bachelor's Degree in liberal arts (University of Nebraska, Omaha), Pyzdek has Master's Degrees in both Systems Engineering and Management (University of Arizona). Pyzdek is ASQ certified as a Quality Engineer and as a Reliability Engineer. He was named Outstanding Writer and Author by The International Who's Who in Quality. With several best-selling books and over three decades of professional experience, Pyzdek is widely regarded as one of the world's leading experts on quality. He has a monthly column on Six Sigma in Quality Digest.

In most cases Pyzdek works directly with senior executives at or above the level of Vice-President. In addition, he provides support and direction to teams and projects. His contributions include assisting leadership with the creation and elaboration of corporate vision and goals, and communication of leadership's vision throughout the organization. In addition to high-level guidance, Pyzdek also provides tactical support that includes training in all areas of quality, application of advanced statistical analysis using six sigma techniques, development of quality systems, creation of interdisciplinary teams for quality improvement, quality audits of supplier and client facilities around the world, and the solution of particularly troublesome quality problems.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 703 pages
• Publisher: Quality Pub (July 28, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0930011600
• ISBN-13: 978-0930011604
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.2 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,659,095 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Thomas Pyzdek is a Six Sigma consultant with 30 years of experience in the field. His clients include Ford, McDonald's, Intuit, Avon Products, and many other companies. Mr. Pyzdek is a recipient of the American Society for Quality (ASQ) Edwards Medal for outstanding contributions to the practice of quality management.Paul Keller is vice president of and senior consultant with Quality America, a Six Sigma Training company. Nearly 3,000 students to date have used his Six Sigma training program to achieve Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt certifications. Mr. Keller is the author of Six Sigma Demystified.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I wish we'd had this book ten years ago!, April 25, 2000

By 

David Laney (Birmingham, AL (USA)) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Guide to Six Sigma (Hardcover)

"The Complete Guide to Six Sigma" by Thomas Pyzdek (1999, Quality Publishing) is precisely what the title suggests: complete. As one would expect from this well known author in the use of statistical methods for process improvement, his coverage of the "how" of Six Sigma (the technical part) is outstanding. It is hard to imagine how so thorough a discussion of such topics could be presented more clearly.

However, the real strength of the book is that this technical material is preceded by the "why" of Six Sigma (the management part) -- explaining what it takes to get management to "buy in" to the concept of using science to run a business (apparently not an obvious concept). It has probably been the lack of sufficient attention to the importance of this area that has caused so many "Total Quality" initiatives to flounder. This book will correct that oversight. Anyone wishing to transform their company into one that routinely uses proven scientific methods to realize significant gains in quality, productivity, and sales should study this book carefully.

David B. Laney, Director of Statistical Methodology, BellSouth Corporation

30 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Complete Guide to Six Sigma, May 28, 2000

By 

Eugene Barker, ASQ Fellow (Long Beach CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Guide to Six Sigma (Hardcover)

The title says it all. Thomas Pyzdek covers everything that one needs to know to successfully implement six sigma concepts. After a brief introduction of the history behind six sigma, Pyzdek provides a detailed summary of the tools, methodologies and techniques necessary to successfuly tackle a six sigma project. Both "soft and hard" tools are described. The methodology is understandable. Pyzdek takes special care to explain where specific techniques can (and cannot) be applied. This is especially helpful for the reader that has forgotten more then they remember about statistics.

Pyzdek is ideallly suited to write this book. He is one of a limited few authors that has a strong statitical education coupled with an in-depth knowledge of business. PLUS he can write.

I strongly recommend this book to anyone that is serious about making improvements through the application of six sigma methodology. Everything that ones needs to know is here in one book. And for those that need additional information the references are excellent.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Winner by Pyzdek, April 20, 2000

By 

Gregory P. Ferguson "Ferg" (Tucson, AZ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Complete Guide to Six Sigma (Hardcover)

As usual, Mr. Pyzdek takes a complex and confusing subject and makes it easy to understand with concise prose and clear examples. As he has done in his other books (Pyzdek's Guide to SPC) he writes to the people who really need to understand the material: Quality Engineers and Managers. You will find this book a rewarding experince and a valuable addition to your bookshelf.