Six Sigma Tool Navigator: The Master Guide for Teams

2017-07-07 02:10:07

AKA

N/A

Classification

Evaluating/Selecting (ES)

Tool description

A factor analysis is an assessment technique that surfaces product, process, or service factors that may require immediate attention or further analysis. Similar to benchmarking, product and/or service factor ratings are compared to best in class or to one's own organization to determine competitive strengths and weaknesses.

Typical application

To assess best in class processes.

To compare product and service ratings with those of the competition.

To identify problem areas for the assignment to problem-solving teams.

Problem-solving phase

→	Select and define problem or opportunity
→	Identify and analyze causes or potential change
	Develop and plan possible solutions or change
→	Implement and evaluate solution or change
	Measure and report solution or change results
	Recognize and reward team efforts

Typically used by

	Research/statistics
2	Creativity/innovation
1	Engineering
	Project management
	Manufacturing
3	Marketing/sales
	Administration/documentation
	Servicing/support
	Customer/quality metrics
4	Change management

links to other tools

before

Benchmarking

Matrix data analysis

Linking diagram

Customer needs table

Organization readiness chart

after

SWOT analysis

Gap analysis

Radar chart

SCAMPER

Value analysis

Notes and key points

Factorial ratings can reflect customer satisfaction, best practices, overall quality, design, or process categories.

Optional ratings: 4 = very high; 3 = high; 2 = medium; 1 = low. Other rating scales can be used.

The overall or category of factors rating is an average of all factor ratings within a particular category.

Step-by-step procedure

STEP 1 An integrated product development team (IDPT) selects the most important product or service factors to be analyzed. See example TV/Cable Providers—Service Factors Analysis.

STEP 2 Next, competitors are identified for data collection on the selected factors. Sources of data are customer satisfaction surveys, benchmarking partnerships, secondary data, interviews, documentation, and others.

STEP 3 Data from competitors and one's own organization are verified, rated, and organized into category of factors groupings.

STEP 4 A factor analysis table is constructed and ratings recorded for each listed factor. Also, a category of factors average is calculated and recorded.

STEP 5 Finally, the factor analysis table is checked for completeness, dated, and presented to the respective process owners.