Quality and productivity initiatives have come and gone during the past few decades. The list of "already rans" includes quality circles, statistical process control, total quality management, Baldrige protocol diagnostics, enterprisewide resource planning and lean manufacturing. Most have been sound in theory but inconsistent in implementation, not always delivering on their promises over the long run.
One of the more lasting of the many initiatives has been Six Sigma. General Electric defines it as a breakthrough for "consistently developing and delivering near-perfect products and services, based on looking ‘outside-in.'"