White Papers and Market Updates

In this Market Update, we address the infrastructure required to ensure that the deployment of Lean Six Sigma, or any other improvement methodology, is done in a way that ensures sustainable success. This requires a more holistic approach to Lean Six Sigma: it must be linked with the strategic goals of the organization, and the executive leadership must play an important role in ensuring sustainability beyond the completion of improvement projects. We call this approach Sustainable Performance Management.

by Rohit Ramaswamy, Ph.D. and Ernani Pires
Making Your Business More Efficient in a Slow Economy
In these difficult economic times, organizations are looking at all possible means to operate profitably. As demand for products and services drops and customers expect the lowest possible price, organizations are feeling urgent pressure to cut costs in response to lower revenues and decreased margins. However, many companies are missing the mark by cutting indiscriminately when they should be streamlining their business processes to become more efficient, enhance their business results, and achieve sustainable success.

by Martin A. Preizler, John B. Martin, Ph.D., and Jim Christensen
Even in challenging economic times, smart business leaders invest in the future of their organizations. The best investment you can make is in quality: quality of workers and quality of processes leads to quality products and services that will delight your customers. In this riveting article, written especially for top management and business leaders, learn how implementing quality can transform your organization.

A critical factor for achieving strategic business, quality, and compliance success is the integration of supply chain business processes into the management of a suitable and effective quality system.

The International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) has revolutionized quality management system assessments with the release of AS9101D, the companion standard to AS9100C, AS9110A, and AS9120A. The theme for AS9101D is “Conformity joins performance and effectiveness, resulting in a satisfied customer.”

The Oriel STAT A MATRIX Lean Six Sigma Glossary is a comprehensive resource of easy-to-understand definitions for frequently used Six Sigma and Lean terms.

In January 2012, the IAQG made revisions to its original transition schedule. This Market Update addresses some FAQs you may find helpful as your organization prepares to transition to the new standard.

by Rohit Ramaswamy, Ph.D., Michael Bremer, and Brian McKibben, January 2008
Oriel Incorporated presents a process management approach to help your organization “super charge” your process improvement initiative. If your organization already has a process improvement program, our approach will ensure better focus, alignment, and sustainability. If your organization is starting from scratch, our approach defines a road map for designing an effective process improvement program.

by Ernani Pires
Did you ever wonder why ISO 9001 certification has not yet had a tangible impact on your company’s overall business performance? Does it feel like you are “working for ISO” as your organization expends a lot of effort and resources in order to avoid trouble with your registrar? If so, consider a holistic approach to managing quality by embracing the guidance given in ISO 9004—have “ISO work for you.”

by William J. Feuss, Ph.D. and Rohit Ramaswamy, Ph.D., October, 2007
Understanding your customers’ perceptions of value can make your company a market leader. By using Customer Value Analysis to focus quality improvement efforts, your company can chart its course to sustainable growth.