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Six-Sigma Program for TSA?

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Old Dec 29, 2004 | 7:39 pm
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Six-Sigma Program for TSA?

For those familiar with the program, any ideas if this can be done? Or is Six Sigma restricted to manufacting products? I worked for a major manufacturing company before and learned a little bit of the program from upper level management.

- Pat
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Old Dec 29, 2004 | 7:51 pm
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So, you think they'll get it?, huh?
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Old Dec 29, 2004 | 7:52 pm
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Given the attitude of the TSA management, Six-Sigma certification is impossible.

The only Black Belt (or any belt) that would get awarded would be for mentally beating up the employees and the passengers.
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Old Dec 29, 2004 | 9:16 pm
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It can be applied to other processes, but I think TSA's processes generate too many defects.
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Old Dec 30, 2004 | 1:15 am
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Have you had a little too much Holiday Cheer?

IIRC 99.99% no defects. As long as you don't count emptying out an airport, Shoe Carnival, losing "test" bombs, etc. as defects I guess its possible.

I also think that Management needs to think they need improvement, unlike the TSA who thinks problems are the result of the customer.

PS: Great idea! If only they would, maybe they could improve.

Last edited by 1K_From_SNA; Dec 30, 2004 at 1:19 am
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Old Dec 30, 2004 | 4:02 am
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Originally Posted by Wiirachay
For those familiar with the program, any ideas if this can be done? Or is Six Sigma restricted to manufacting products? I worked for a major manufacturing company before and learned a little bit of the program from upper level management.

- Pat
It's possible, but the budget required to get to that level of output-based satisfaction is not going to be provided for -- given the love of pouring money into the pockets of people (staff) or connected companies (i.e., with good lobbyists).
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Old Dec 30, 2004 | 7:29 am
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Originally Posted by Spiff
Given the attitude of the TSA management, Six-Sigma certification is impossible.
I am a Six Sigma Black Belt. Tried to show the advantages but the concept is lost on these people who never worked in manufacturing. They can not see how it relates nor do they want to (not their idea).
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Old Dec 30, 2004 | 7:58 am
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Originally Posted by tlglenn
It can be applied to other processes, but I think TSA's processes generate too many defects.
The TSA is a defect. Anything attempt by them to eradicate "defects" would have the opposite effect.
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Old Dec 30, 2004 | 9:23 am
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Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't 6-sigma a reference to a repeatable process that is in control but subjuect to random error of some magnitude? This is why it's applicable to the manufacturing of, say, semiconductors or turbine blades.

By definition, a true "six-sigma" program is wasted on a process such as that run by TSA (or Starwood, which has wasted untold time and money pursuing a similar program), which involves a continuum of traveling individuals passing by screening individuals.

Rather than over-complicating the issue, why don't we just insist on the TSA to make logical & effective policies, then scrupulously follow them?
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Old Dec 30, 2004 | 9:34 am
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ummm

I think that ISO 9000 STANDARDS would be more applicable.
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Old Dec 30, 2004 | 9:56 am
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Originally Posted by eyecue
I think that ISO 9000 STANDARDS would be more applicable.
By all appearances they seem to be in place. "Say what you do and do what you say", no matter how asinine.
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Old Dec 30, 2004 | 10:21 am
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iso 9000

Originally Posted by whirledtraveler
By all appearances they seem to be in place. "Say what you do and do what you say", no matter how asinine.
Has more accountability for dissemination of information than we currently have.
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Old Dec 30, 2004 | 11:44 am
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Originally Posted by eyecue
I think that ISO 9000 STANDARDS would be more applicable.
You cannot be ISO9000/1/2/whatever compliant and have your company's manual hidden or obscured. Moreover, management must be involved in standards of excellence. Few of us here, both TSA and non-TSA would ever assert that the management of the TSA is interested in standards of excellence.

ISO also means accountability. What happens when standards are not met? What is the corrective action? The TSA does not have this critical component in its manual nor in its overall game plan.
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Old Dec 31, 2004 | 11:41 am
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Originally Posted by stemor
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't 6-sigma a reference to a repeatable process that is in control but subjuect to random error of some magnitude? This is why it's applicable to the manufacturing of, say, semiconductors or turbine blades.

By definition, a true "six-sigma" program is wasted on a process such as that run by TSA (or Starwood, which has wasted untold time and money pursuing a similar program), which involves a continuum of traveling individuals passing by screening individuals.

Rather than over-complicating the issue, why don't we just insist on the TSA to make logical & effective policies, then scrupulously follow them?
We've seen it applied to non-manufacturing processes too. But your point about the TSA making and following logical and effective policies is taken well --- by me.
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