Guiyab, Jose D.
BSBM
Strategic Operations and Management
SIX SIGMA AT 3M, INC
Synopsis and Purpose
The purpose of this case is to expose students to the issues involved in implementing Six Sigma
in 3M, a large multinational corporation. The case tells us that the new 3M CEO and the Board of
Directors have already decided to implement Six Sigma. It is just a question of how the program will be
rolled out, what challenges are being faced, and what benefits will be achieved.
The case describes some of the key features of the 3M Six Sigma program, since it is assumed
that most students are not familiar with Six Sigma. The discussion questions then focus on understanding
the potential benefits and cost to 3M, the relationship of Six Sigma to corporate strategy, the impact on
the human resources and its effect on innovation.
Discussion Questions:
1.
What will be the benefits, cost and risk of the Six Sigma Program and how will they be tracked
and reported?
3M forecasted that the Six Sigma program would bring greater returns than the $1 billion spent
on research and development. The benefits of Six Sigma for 3M are increased customer
You've reached the end of your free preview.
Want to read both pages?
- Winter '17
- Mr. Pascual Abrazaldo
