Lean Six Sigma - An Oxymoron?

Lean Six Sigma - An Oxymoron? by Mike Micklewright raises some interesting questions. Take a few minutes and read his article, it is definitely worth the time. And then take the time to think about some of the questions he raises.

I admit I am not convinced many using the term lean six sigma are intent on fusing the ideas from both areas: I think marketing might be the primary motive. However, I do believe both offer value. And I believe it is possible to adopt both within one management system. And both share many "quality management tools."

• Lean, Mean, Six Sigma Machines
  
• A Holistic View of Six Sigma by Roger Hoerl and Ronald Snee, 2004 Sample chapter from their excellent book, Six Sigma Beyond the Factory Floor.
  
• Six Sigma Won't Fix Bad Management?
  
  
• Has Six Sigma been a failure?
  
• How To Compare Six Sigma, Lean and the Theory of Constraints by Dave Nave, 2002
  

For more see Curious Cat six sigma portal and lean management portal.