The Complete Idiot's Guide to Lean Six Sigma: Get the Tools You Need to Build a Lean, Mean Business Machine

Ok

Twenty-five years ago I got interested in data-based decision making and management (back when it was called TQM). Recently, I joined the legions of those looking for work, and I kept bumping into "Lean Six Sigma" and "Black Belts," etc. So I bought this book to find out what all the buzz was about. After reading it I conclude it is just that - buzz. It is basically TQM repackaged and re-sizzled more to support a new generation of guru consultants than transformational change of the way businesses and government agencies deliver value. There is a lot of information here to be sure, but I was left wondering when to use what. What this genre really needs is a compendium of detailed case study workbooks (something like the Nancy Drew mystery series)that takes real problems and walks the reader through the application of the appropriate tools step-by-step. The closest this book gets to that is Wayne and Fred's excellent fishing adventure. And I always get a kick out of quality books that have mega-publishing errors. In this case the reader gets treated to a bonus appendix A-D plus index inserted smack in the middle of chapter 27. I have to wonder how that many extra pages were made to fit into the cover. Perhaps the makings of the first case study mystery?

I'd give this book 3.5 stars rather than 4 if I could. There are good things about it, but there are also bad. My main complaint is that while I appreciate the level of detail, that's also the book's major downfall. It's not consistent. Some parts ARE for "idiots," but others aren't. I like that the authors repeat certain terms and concepts to make sure readers understand them, but they also gloss over other things that they must think either the reader already knows (e.g., some statistics concepts, symbols in tables) or they don't think are important. A more minor point I have to make is that there are terms in the text that aren't listed in the index or glossary. All that said, I know it's impossible to make one book all things for all people.

This is an excellent introduction to Lean Six Sigma. My organization is going down the road to Lean Six Sigma. I purchased this book to get a jump on what Lean Six Sigma is really supposed to be, which is not always what we get in training. This book does an excellent job at introducing the language of Lean Six Sigma. The only reason I didn't give it five stars was that it hit some of the implementing processes at too high a level. I will need to get a book on the other implementing systems to understand the processes. But, this will give me a good foundation in Lean Six Sigma that will be a benefit when my organization jumps into it.

Lean Six Sigma is a complex management tool and I think the book handles it very well. There is only so much you can do to simplify this subject. The book is easy to read. As a refresher, which is why I purchased it, I have been very pleased with how the book deals with it's subject matter. The book arrived in good time, not problems where that is concerned. Frankly you are not likely to understand Lean Six Sigma if you are an idiot; you are expecting too much if you think you could. But I think that this is as good as it gets if someone were to make the attempt. Good job!

The book is excellent for the Six Sigma approach for manufacturing and service systems. My only comment is that some mistakes exist in the book for the definition of mathematical symbols. For example on Page 38, the authors use the "summation sign" to define the symbol for the "standard deviation." This is incorrect. Therefore, I will give this book a four-star instead of a five-star.I will still recommend it for anybody interested in Lean Six Sigma.

Lots of information that's explained thoroughly without hiding behind a lot of jargon. It provides a road map that can be followed it adapted.

Even though I contributed this book, I truly believe that it is truly one of the best to learn about Lean an Six Sigma and how they fit together. I supply Green Belts and Black Belts (at my personal cost) to help them see through the process and also refer to specific tools and techniques. Their reaction is enthusiastic - reflected in this rating.

good

Product was listed as used “very good” condition with limited marking inside the cover, no writing inside the bookUnfortunately the book has quite a bit of writing inside, highlighting and generalized note taking. Disappointed in the quality for sure.Not a reflection of the author content of the book

Ich habe schon viele Literatur über Lean Six Sigma gesammelt, dieses ist besonders gut aufgebaut und auch "leicht" lesbar. Überhaupt kann ich die Bücher der Breakthrough Management Group sehr empfehlen.

I had training a few years back and needed a simple update on a simple system. This book is a great refresher.

Good book. Covers a lot with enough details to fall for Lean Six Sigma.