BACKGROUND

Six Theta® is the research and development department’s equivalent to Six Sigma. In other words, where the production process (Six Sigma) cultivates the ability to minimize deviations, and thereby achieves a Six Sigma quality product, it is the research and development department’s job to develop robust products that are insensitive to the variations.

The Six Theta® program is centred around a strong belief that the acquired robust design competencies will lead to specific and improved designs that are easier to develop, cheaper to produce, and more reliable in relation to the manufacturing as well as the end user perception.

OBJECTIVES

Six Theta® conveys specific methods, tools, metrics and processes that enable the respective engineer, his team and the entire organization to systematically and controllably change the way in which they are currently designing.

This is measured based on the imposed changes to new, as well as existing, products in the organization.

PARTICPANTS

Six Theta® is aimed at:

• the mechanical engineer who wants to get more proficient at designing
• the manager who wants to become better at managing technical projects on a data driven basis
• the organization that wants to increase the performance and controllability of the product development process

APPROACH

The Six Theta® program is divided into two different areas; one that focuses on the technical aspects and one that focuses on the managerial aspects.

The technical area is divided into three belts;
Six Theta® Green Belt, Six Theta® Black Belt and Six Theta® Master Black Belt.
These belts cover the process from the introductory part, to the analysis, then finally to the ability to create robust solutions on a blank piece of paper.

The management area of Six Theta® consists of training aimed at the management (from project manager and chief engineer to senior manager).

Six Theta® Management is the basis of management’s ability to support and contribute to the design of robust products.