Customer Reviews

The Six Sigma Handbook, Third Edition

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The book contains a lot of information, but it's very difficult to learn from it. I already knew the basics of 6 Sigma, so I was able to understand what the author was talking about. If I didn't already know the concept, it would have been like reading greek. The book never gives a simple overview of what 6 Sigma means. He explains the details of each piece of the jigsaw puzzle, but doesn't tell you what the puzzle will look like in the end. The book begins not with an explanation of what 6 sigma is, but with the benefits of it. He provides equations on limits of r, u, np, sigma, averages charts, and others, early on, but doesn't explain what those charts are until chapter 8. I kept reading and re-reading, thinking that I missed something. Another example: He uses the term "subgroup" in equations, examples, and descriptions of situations. The term "subgroup" is not defined until page 235. Sure, I tried to look it up in the glossary -- it isn't there. I tried the index, as well. It's not there either. Believe me, if you need to read a book in order to learn and understand 6 Sigma, look elsewhere. I admit, I didn't read the entire book. That's because I didn't learn anything in the first 250 pages.

Thomas Pyzdek has been doing 6 sigma and 6 sigma training for many years. The reference manual is an indispensable tool for any SSGB/SSBB. It is extremely comprehensive and thorough and goes over each stage in the DMAIC road map, along with the tools, in a very high level of detail. If you are not enrolled in a SS training course or if you are new to SS, this is not a book you want to be using as a self teaching book - however, for everyone else (those who are SS certified or are going through certification), this handbook is a treasure trove of tools, tips, and techniques for everything six sigma related.

Remember, this book is not designed as a self-study guide (you could use it, but because it jumps into a lot of the more high level material, it would be confusing to many new to SS). This book is designed as a road map and a reference guide for those already familiar with the SS process and methodology and want to gain a better understanding of each of the DMAIC/DMADV process steps, as well as a very thorough overview and in depth discussion of each of the statistical tools. The biggest improvement of this book over the second edition was a more in-depth review of software tools as well as an expanded appendix reviewing statistical charts.

I took a very in-depth online Six Sigma certification class. This book was the required textbook for the course. It does thoroughly cover all aspects of Six Sigma, but BE WARNED!! It is dry reading FILLED with acronyms that I don't think even certified black-belts could remember all of. I was glad to see another reviewer comment on the writing style. I also found it poorly written. The author reminds me of a boss I once had- it's the classic "I'll just keep talking over everyone's head, until they see my superior intellect or I convince them of their own stupidity." I consider myself to be well educated, and one who picks up almost any project easily. I found myself scratching my head and asking, "SERIOUSLY? Is this guy for real??" While it probably is the definitive Six Sigma textbook, be prepared for the math, algebra, an alphabet soup of acronyms and more corporate "buzz word" speak than you can shake a stick at!

The first one-third of the book provides an excellent management overview of the philosophy, content and application of Six Sigma, including its relation to prior quality programs. The authors are up-to-date and highly experienced. They provide best practices advice on the gray areas of applications.

The second section, chapters 5-7, briefly skims the surface of project management and process mapping.

The bulk of the book is devoted to a high level review of all of the statistical tools a six sigma blackbelt might ever use, including Excel/Minitab tools, and practical applications advice.

This is not a course to learn six sigma, but a reference book for those who are trying to refresh their skills, prepare for an exam or quickly find a tool.

Although comprehensive in scope, this book fails at the details level. The author waxes eloquently on more or less obvious points, and assumes you know obscure detalis. I did learn quite a bit from this book, but I look at this as being in spite of the writing rather than because of it. Some topics (i.e.: Control Charts) were handled very well. Others (i.e.: Statistical Inference, DOE) left a lot to be desired. This can be a difficult subject to write about, but I felt the "Lean Six Sigma Pocket Toolbox" did a better job.

Used it to successfully complete a Six Sigma course and it was easy to understand 95% of what was being explained. My only problems where when I found a typo, particularly in the examples and had to work out what it really should have been.

People complained about its readability, to my mind it is actually pretty good in that respect but do not expect an exciting read from any Six Sigma book. That said it does have a couple typos and some of the references refer to the wrong appendix which really should not exist in a third edition.

I actually found it had a good deal of examples and to those who complain about the formula, these formula are not new, its the book explaining existing statistics. If you are not comfortable handling statistics you need to find a different quality process, this one is not for you. I for one was very glad for the refreshment and examples it gives of what is mostly high school / secondary school statistics.

This book is written for people who already have in depth knowledge about 6 Sigma. You need to get help to understand the discussions in the book.

Good handbook. Knew most of the data based on previous trainings, but this is an all in one place handbook that is useful for quick reminders and to use for the correct keywords for discussion.

I used the Six Sigma Handbook as a textbook for Six Sigma Black Belt certification. My first comment will be that this book is NOT an easy read by any stretch of the imagination. It is nearly 500 pages of very dense and complex material. This is definitely not appropriate for anyone who simply wants an overview of the basic concepts of Six Sigma. It is an in-depth analysis of the topic. I would also warn you that if it has been awhile since you have studied statistics you are going to have additional challenges working through this book. However, I cannot complain about the comprehensive nature of the book. It will work very well as a desktop reference for future process improvement and waste elimination work. It is well indexed and the information is easy to find if you know what you are looking for. It is a little uneven at times, but is a great reference book for anyone looking to practice Six Sigma principles in their work.

Book is good and delivery experience is super excellent
I recommend this book, my only concern is that it sometimes dives deep in certain topics so for someone wanting high-level concept he needs to skip pages