Six Sigma Fundamentals: A Complete Introduction to the System, Methods, and Tools

What does the equation Q A = E have to do with six sigma?

This equation was introduced first by Eckes (2001, p. 3) and refers to the acceptance of the methodology within organizations. It means: Q = quality of the technical and strategic six sigma activities; A = cultural acceptance, and E = excellence of the six sigma results.

In relation to this success, we must also be cognizant of the change and paradigm shift. In other words, we must be aware that the acceptance is a function of how we see our future. In an earlier work (Stamatis 1996, p. 52), I pointed out that, to want to bring about a change, you must be dissatisfied with the way things are right now and have a positive vision of the future following such change. This may be shown with the mathematical equation of D V F > R where: D = dissatisfaction with the current situation, V = vision of a better future, F = the first step of a plan to convert D to V, and R = resistance to change.