Imagine a program that comprises a few steps to follow that could actually make all the difference to a business.

The Six Sigma program could do just that. The program is a set of practices to systematically improve processes by eliminating defects. A defect is defined as nonconformity of a product or service to its specifications.

"Six Sigma is a very important tool in minimizing defects. It minimizes the defect in your company, then your company will be more competitive not only nationally but globally as well. Nowadays, there’s no more borders when it comes to competition; if you have less defect the more competitive you will be," explains AGSB Operations Management Cluster Faculty chairman Ralph Ante.

The program asserts continuous effort to reduce variation in process outputs as key to business success. Six Sigma also defines, measures, analyzes, improves and controls manufacturing and business process. The most important thing that the program requires for achieving sustained quality improvement is the commitment from the entire organization, particularly from top-level management for the program to succeed.

"The Six Sigma tool is very important for companies. It is being offered in the Ateneo CCE, but we’re going to offer it also in the degree programs in Ateneo Graduate School of Business as elective," Ante relates.

"We’re increasing the awareness of the students and alumni with this program so they can apply this concept to their companies. When this is offered as an elective subject then they’ll know what they are," he adds.

With their goal in mind, they held the "The Six Sigma Mindset: Achieving and Sustaining Global Competitiveness" seminar at the AGSB Auditorium. Organized by Middle Management OPEMAN Class EO3, the seminar featured two masters of the craft, Dan Lachica, manager for Philippines Business of Cotecna Inspection Philippines and Bim Mercado, President and COO of First Sumiden Circuits, Inc. as speakers.

The main objective of the seminar was to familiarize students with the Six Sigma relevance and applications. The talks covered concepts, approaches and tools for achieving breakthrough improvements in the performance of operating process.

The Six Sigma program is currently being offered at the AGSB CCE in partnership with Cotecna, a training, consulting and certification service provider. For more information about the program log on to www.cce.ateneo.edu.