This article considers how ASQ’s Body of Knowledge for Six Sigma Certifications has incorporated additional expectations for implementing improvements: Proof of Concepts, Try-Storming, Simulations (i.e. Monte Carlo, Dynamic Process Simulation, Queuing Theory), and Pilot Tests.

CSSGB: V. Improve Phase: B. Implementation Planning: Apply implementation planning by using proof of concepts, try-storming, simulations, and pilot tests.

PDF: Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) Body of Knowledge Map 2014 – 2022

CSSBB: V. Improve Phase: C. Implementation: Develop plans for implementing proposed improvements, including conducting pilot tests or simulations, and evaluate results to select the optimum solution.

PDF: Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (SSBB) Body of Knowledge Map 2015 - 2022

CMBB: VI. Advanced Data Management and Analytic Methods: A. Measurement System Analysis: 7. Simulation: Apply simulation tools such as Monte Carlo, dynamic process simulation, and queuing theory.

The purpose of this article is to review four of the new Six Sigma methods (i.e. Proof of Concepts, Try-Storming, Simulations, and Pilot Tests) for implementing improvements and show how these would support and enhance Risk Treatment practices including Risk Reviews, Risk Verifications, and Risk Validations. Prototyping is another implementation practice that, while not explicitly mentioned within the current ASQ Bodies of Knowledge for Six Sigma, is an essential activity for developing and implementing new solutions, processes, products, and systems.

Since there are commonalities and similarities between Six Sigma and Risk Management, it would be worthwhile to consider how these implementation practices could be applied to serve and enhance Risk Treatments, Risk Reviews, Risk Verifications, and Risk Validations.

Risk Treatments: These are controls and measures that bring down the risk’s probability of occurrence, and impact to the affected parties and environment. This is done by selecting and implementing measures for the mitigation or elimination of identified risks.

Risk Reviews: After the actions have been taken, pertaining to the appropriate risk treatments of the identified and subsequent risks, reviews are conducted to ensure that appropriate actions have taken place, or alternatively to identify gaps and areas for additional risk resolution. This is done by using current information and continuous feedback to make necessary and appropriate adjustments.

Risk Verification: The expected performance requirements are evaluated and confirmed, or refuted as the data might reveal, to establish with objective evidence that the Risk Treatment was effectively applied for intended results. This is done by monitoring various scenarios and confirming that the risk responses are suitable and appropriate.

Risk Validation: This step minimizes the chances of negative outcomes or noncompliance by actively checking against known hazards and common failure modes. This is frequently done in a controlled environment using simulations or enhanced environmental conditions. This is done by obtaining affirmative confirmation that the original risks have been adequately treated and controlled, without introducing new risks.

Consider how this might be applied to the resolution of technical risks (i.e. data management system linking measurement instruments to database servers), or risks identified within business systems (i.e. online self-serve training modules with instruction, examination, and certification capabilities). In both cases the incremental steps of implementation would ensure that as the solutions materialized through the stages of conception, design, deployment, and implementation, there was constant and continuous reconciliation with the identified risks and the potential impacts of those risks requiring controls and resolutions.

- Proof of Concepts

• Definition: First stage of idea for new or refined capabilities, increased efficiency, or material substitution. The ideas themselves have to work before time and costs can be authorized.
• Expected Outcomes from Improvements: Risk Treatment concept is feasible, approval and support for development, Enthusiasm
• Impact and Influence on Risk Treatments: This is necessary for Risk Treatment and Risk Verification, showing that risks are capable of being mitigated with the correct treatment.

- Try-Storming

• Definition: Active and rapid prototyping of derived solution, based on earlier creative brainstorming and possibilities. This puts ideas into practice in a small test environment.
• Expected Outcomes from Improvements: Risk Treatment proposals are feasible, enabling approval and support for tangible demonstrations. Multiple trials ensure the suitability of the solutions.
• Impact and Influence on Risk Treatments: This supports Risk Treatment by exploring multiple solutions and possibilities in controlled environments, reducing uncertainty.

- Prototyping

• Definition: Demonstration of solution or components against expected situations (without requiring full construction or deployment). This is a preliminary model used to represent the proposed solution, and is frequently shared with the affected stakeholders for feedback and redesign.
• Expected Outcomes from Improvements: Risk Treatment initiatives are tangible and objective. Justifies approval and support for limited usage for more extensive Simulations and Pilot Tests.
• Impact and Influence on Risk Treatments: This supports Risk Validation with evaluation of tangible models prior to large-scale implementation.

- Simulations

• Definition: Demonstration of solution or components against expected situations (without requiring full construction or deployment). The impacts of change in usage (i.e. higher volume of users) and conditions (i.e. low temperature) can influence and affect overall solutions.
• Expected Outcomes from Improvements: Risk Treatment operations are versatile and withstand tests. Solutions have approval and support for limited usage by external parties.
• Impact and Influence on Risk Treatments: Simulations support Risk Reviews, through the exploration of different scenarios involving usage and environmental conditions.

- Pilot Tests

• Definition: Active usage and monitoring of solution in finite and controlled environment representing actual usage.
• Expected Outcomes from Improvements: Risk Treatment measures are sufficiently robust with adequate coverage of identified risks. Justifies approval and support for release and commissioning to intended users for designated operating or production environments.
• Impact and Influence on Risk Treatments: This supports Risk Treatment and Risk Validation by operating on a smaller scale first, to identify any new hazards or defects associated with implementation and commissioning. This also ensures that Risk Treatments are sustainable.

For a consolidated viewpoint, this Interactions Chart should help to enable a pathway showing how Implementation methods from the Six Sigma Improve portfolio could be constructively applied toward Risk Management solutions.

 

SIX SIGMA IMPLEMENTATION METHOD	Risk Treatment	Risk Reviews	Risk Verification	Risk Validation
1-Proof of Concept	Early stage feasibility and viability, using practical and effective solutions	Evaluate feasibility and potential impacts. Identify critical issues	Strategies and solutions are effective, and address identified risks.	Risks are accounted for in solution
2-Try-Storming	Real-time feedback and adjustment of solutions.	Brainstorm and act on immediate feedback and iterative solutions.	Iterative designs represent essential components of solutions without known hazards.	Risks were considered during iterative modules and brainstorming.
3-Prototyping	Verify solutions and risk controls work in a tangible form. Also useful for cost estimation of larger solutions.	Review solutions in a controlled environment	Prototypes meet specifications for solutions	Risk are adequately mitigated
4-Simulation	Run scenarios for robustness and failure points (i.e. temperature settings, electrical power levels).	Subject solutions to various scenarios	Verify that risk controls are effective under expected conditions	Scenarios represent expected hazards and anticipated usage conditions.
5-Pilot Tests	Validate effectiveness in real-world settings prior to major roll-out.	Review small scale solution in real-world settings for viability.	No unforeseen risks emerge from solutions.	Risk management process is effective.

 

With the integration of Six Sigma Improve methods for implementation, the solutions can be more robust. Whether it is a battery-operated device required to work in outdoor environments, or a self-serve business application that manages user information and learning content, the risks are more effectively tracked and managed when implemented methodically using the Six Sigma approaches.

From an organizational perspective, when these events are successfully attempted and completed, this adds to the morale and reputation of the Risk Management function, while ensuring that the Implementation of more robust and resilient solutions, products, processes, and systems enable greater scope and capabilities.

Conversely, when Risk Management principles are integrated with Six Sigma Improvements, those improvements will provide greater assurance of suitability and resilience for the expected use conditions in the intended operating environments. Risk Management and Six Sigma Improvement are complementary and symbiotic practices that, when integrated, benefit the organization, its team members, and the affected stakeholders.