Six Sigma for Dummies

Easy to follow and to use as a training material for six sigma

I started reading this book because I was assigned to a Data Mining project in an organization where Six Sigma is popular. I recommend this book to anyone that just wants a simple answer to the question: "What is Six Sigma?". Or if you are new to data analysis, in general, you could read this as a warm up before attending training, but don't expect one book (or at least this book) to teach everything about statistics and six sigma. I liked the explanation of the history and what `black belts' learn and do.The style is a little too informal for my tastes. It is basically 300 pages of bullet statements, but that is in keeping with the idea behind the series. Also, although a minor complaint, it is littered with overblown adjectives like `astounding results', `unwavering focus', and `so expertly skilled'. Having said that, it is an easy read, and has lots of useful content. I found the basic statistics coverage to be quite good - readable for a novice, but with real content.The Six Sigma DMAIC stages that are explained in the book are similar in some ways to the steps of a data mining project. The similarities are more than surface deep, but there are differences as well. This book gave me sufficient insight into this to translate from one language to another.Most data miners could make a real dent in this book on one or two long airplane flights, so given the small investment in time and money, I recommend it highly. If you are new to statistics but need them for six sigma, there are parts that might seem a tough slog, but that is what everyone (including the authors) seems to say about statistics.

I also own the definitive textbook on Six Sigma - "The Six Sigma Handbook" by Pyzdek. However, that being said. Pyzdek's book is over 800 pages long. And while it is the definitive textbook on the subject, Six Sigma For Dummies by Gygi can tell you every practical thing you need to know about Six Sigma in just over 300 pages. While I would not call it a textbook as in the case of Pyzdek's book, Six Sigma For Dummies should be purchased in bulk by every company adopting Six Sigma. A copy should be in every cubicle and office in the company. It will only take an employee moments to findthe answer to any question regarding the topic. Someone studying for their blackbelt should have both books.

I needed a top level 'view' of Six Sigma and this book nails it.Well written, and covers all the basics. Once you read this, you have enough knowledge to understand what six sigma is all about. And can now find more detailed information to fill your needs.

I purchased this book to get my toes wet after hearing about six sigma design for a long time. It's typical of the 4Dum stuff in format, self deprecating humor, and all that. I liked their intros to 'T' and 'F' statistics, and basic design of experiments, which I'd never had formal training in. After reading it, I had some idea of what they were good for and why you'd want to know that stuff. I was disappointed, if not surprised, that these sections had little depth past giving you a taste. Hey, it's a 4D book that you paid a little over 10 bucks for. What did you expect?There are some issues with typos and formatting, especially in that some formulas are clearly missing, mis-formatted, or wrong (square root signs crossing over comma separators and such.That said, I spent a few hours reading the book and felt like I knew a lot more about 6-sigma terms and ideas, enough to start looking for deeper books on the subject. For what it is, I thought it was good quick bang for the buck in learning about the area.

This book is good for people asking "what is this six sigma thingy and could it be useful for work?" Gives the basics without going into any detail about how to implement for a given business. A decent read to start with in the Six Sigma world, however further book reading and real training would be required to get a grasp of Six Sigma overall.

I am a Six Sigma Green Belt and wanted to keep my mind fresh about the steps and elements to use when I'm talking to people about their projects. I found this to be an easy way to keep it right by my phone in my office to be able to pull those thoughts right off the tip of my tongue when talking to my colleagues.

If you don't have any exposure to Six Sigma this will open your eyes. The first 37 pages give the philosophy and the next 60 pages elaborate on the terms used. The rest of the book is not for the faint of heart ( unless you are very, very comfortable with mathematics ). This book will let you decide if you "can do it" or "run away fast". Very helpful but you will need the next "Dummies" book with the practice forms etc.

OK

As always Dummies book are great! Well written and great guide to the topic. Gives a great overview and then can later be used as reference guide

interesting, useful, book is just what I needed to have delivered to me on a plate just give amazon their twenty words

Good beginners reference book. Does what it says on the tin.

Good overview of six sigma