Customer Reviews

Six Sigma: Understanding the Concept, Implications and Challenges

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I have just finished reading Mario Perez-Wilson's 396 pages of Six Sigma consulting propaganda. In fact, an entire chapter is devoted to promoting Advanced Systems Consultants-Perez-Wilson's consulting firm-as the best, if not only, way to achieve Six Sigma in an organization. A memorial to the overarching ego of Mr. Perez-Wilson, "Six Sigma: Understanding the Concept, Implications and Challenges" is repetitive, poorly edited, and gives only enough information about Six Sigma to allow the reader to engage in cocktail party small talk.

Ok, so every now and then I ignore what may be a helpful book review, and get burned. After reading this book, I wish that I had heeded the advice of others posted here. This book will be of little value to anyone looking for serious info concerning six sigma. I did not find the "novel" approach used by Perez to be useful in any way. I also was offended by the blatant marketing that takes place at the end (sorry to ruin the ending for everyone). Take my advice--spend the >$ on other authors (Breyfogle or Pyzdek), who do provide the "meat" of six sigma. You won't be sorry...trust me on this! I've seen more useful six sigma pamphlets!

There is still a dispute on 'Who invented Six Sigma". Mr. Perez-Wilson claims he is the originator. I ordered the book to understand his perspective. The novel, nearly half of the book, gives a nice insight in Mr. Wilsons perspective and in the nature of systematical improvements

"Six Sigma: Understanding the Concept, Implications and Challenges" is a great book for those experienced using the Six Sigma methodology. It is not a statistical tools reference book, but is classic in its masterful description of how to successfully deploy Six Sigma. The historical content in the second half of the book is valuable as well. The book even tackles the "1.5 sigma shift" contoversy. A very worthwhile read for Black Belts and Master Black Belts who have experienced the struggles of attempting to implement Six Sigma.

"Six Sigma: Understanding the Concept, Implications and Challenges", gently and in a novel way, takes the reader to understanding the importance of applied quality techniques in today's industry. Mario Perez-Wilson demonstrates how each "opportunity of error" in a complex manufacturing or administrative process can mount into disastrous cumulative consequences, if each opportunity is not reduced to zero. Armed with statistical methods, it is possible to achieve zero-defective products in processes involving mass productions in the order of the hundred thousand units, and this is what SIX SIGMA does. Like in the electronics industry, there are also many other processes in which it would be impossible to control the release of a flawless product or service if not counting with the power of a tool such as Six Sigma. This book clarifies concepts and introduces a new approach for those who must deal with quality issues, productivity, customer satisfaction, and profitability.

I believe Mario Perez-Wilson wrote this book to show the novice how to start the trip to achieving Six Sigma. He uses a real life example to teach the concepts that can be used in any industry. I have used the principals in this book as well as those from the courses he teaches with great success. I did not have to get a "Black Belt" or pay "Cowboy Consultants" huge fees to bring my processes to Six Sigma. I followed his road map. I cannot recommend it enough if you are serious about improving your companies' bottom line.