Six Sigma is a gradual process which helps to manage a business or department. This theory focuses on customer satisfaction by using all relevant data and facts. It is very clear that Six Sigma is part of Management. Every organisation is different hence the differences justify various approaches to implement six sigma in any organisation.There are basically three approaches or “on–ramps” to implement six sigma in any organisation. Each of the approaches is different having advantages and also certain risks. Therefore, it has an impact upon the organisation and its workforce.

When an organisation is keen to break away from old habits and transform itself with a new vision, need and goal in such cases The Business Transformation is the right approach. Some dramatic changes would be in the air and new phrases like “a new company culture”, “a way to life” and “the key to our future” become very common in every sector of the organisation. Communications become intensive and management tries to drive results from the changes and even control the negative impact.

Factors like the effectiveness of the sales process, critical customer complaints, product defects and habitual problems, large-scale cost reductions are some of the quite common issues which are scrutinized in this approach. Organisations like GE, Ford, and Starwood Hotels adopted this approach and achieved magnificent results.

The Strategic Improvement focuses on critical business needs; which is mainly concentrated in limited functional units of the organisation. This approach involves the teams and their trainings which are aimed at addressing major opportunities and weaknesses. Companies like Sun Microsystems; Johnson & Johnson have initiated this approach in their organisation and have succeeded. Thus, this approach helps the organisations to focus on high-priority opportunities.

Organisations that targets nagging and persistent problems can initiate the Problem Solving approach. As this approach focuses on better problem analysis, understanding the real causes and needs and finding solutions based on facts. Moreover, this approach involves very few people in the initial stage. The benefit of this approach is in focusing in meaningful issues and addressing the root causes, using data and effective analysis rather than plain old gut feel. This approach is less disruptive in nature.

Therefore, the three approaches are quite different from one another but they bring targeted results. The organisations are capable in bringing the desired changes which is helpful in sustaining in the competitive world in long run.