Even though Six Sigma programs have successfully been implemented in practice, many IT departments remain skeptical of the process or are unaware of how the tools can be used to improve system development. Removing the mystique surrounding this technique, Six Sigma Software Development, Second Edition demonstrates how Six Sigma tools and concepts can be used to enhance the system development process.
Revised and updated, this second edition clearly explains Six Sigma concepts and their application, maps Six Sigma concepts and tools to all aspects of system development, and proposes the use of Six Sigma tools to evaluate and improve the overall performance of the IT department. In addition to classic Six Sigma, the book introduces Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) and illustrates when and how its tools and techniques can be used to increase the robustness and reliability of a new system. It also shows how the judicious application of lean tools can reduce the complexity of IT processes, thus shortening the time needed to translate customer requirements into completed systems and increasing customer satisfaction.
INTRODUCTION TO SIX SIGMA
Six Sigma in Perspective
The Six Sigma Difference
Managing Change
THE BASICS OF SIX SIGMA
Introduction to DMAIC
The Definition Phase
The Measurement Phase
The Analysis Phase
The Improvement Phase
The Control Phase
DESIGN FOR SIX SIGMA
Introduction to DFSS
The Identification of Opportunities Phase
The Definition of the Initial Design Phase
The Development of Concept Phase
The Optimization Phase
The Verification Phase
SIX SIGMA AND THE TRADITIONAL SDLC
Introduction to the Traditional SDLC
Project Initiation
System Analysis
System Design
Construction
Testing and Quality Assurance
Implementation
SIX SIGMA AND LEGACY SYSTEMS
Introduction to Legacy Systems
Change Management in the IT Department
System Maintenance and Support
INCORPORATING SIX SIGMA INTO OTHER DEVELOPMENT METHODOLOGIES
Rapid Application Development
Prototyping and Spiral Development
Client/Server and Web-Based Systems
SIX SIGMA AND PACKAGED SOFTWARE IMPLEMENTATION
Selecting Packaged Software
Implementing Packaged Software
SIX SIGMA AND OUTSOURCING
Introduction to Outsourcing
Effective Outsourcing
THE SIX SIGMA IT DEPARTMENT
Putting it All Together
APPENDICES
The Project Charter
The Functional Process Map
The Process Improvement Ranking Spreadsheet
The Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
The Metric Reliability Assessment Spreadsheet
The Quality Function Deployment (QFD) Matrix
List of Acronyms
Suggested Reading
INDEX
Biography
Christine B. Tayntor
