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Lean Six Sigma: Process Improvement Tools and Techniques by Donna C. Summers. Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 2011, 312 pp., $89.00, ISBN: 978-0-1351-2510-6.
THE PREFACE to Donna C. S. Summer's new book, Lean Six Sigjna: Process Improvement Tools and Techniques, clearly states that her goal for the book is to "present both the principles of lean and Six Sigma and the tools and techniques that enable optimal performance" with respect to quality, productivity, and cost. She hits the mark by delivering on this goal with accompanying historical context and reallife examples from a variety of manufacturing, service industries, and government. The book opens with a history of the various quality initiatives in summary table form that helps the reader sort through the basic tenets of these programs and concludes with a list of resources to help the reader through their Lean Six Sigma journey.
This is an excellent book for managers who wish to gain an understanding of Lean and Six Sigma principles and tools. The upfront emphasis on what she terms as "Process Improvement Essentials" grounds the manager in the key roles that culture, strategic planning and teamwork play in the success of any such initiative. The...