Does six sigma stifle innovation?

Does intellectual monopoly stimulate or stifle innovation ?

This study develops an R&D-based growth model with vertical and horizontal innovation to shed some light on the current debate on whether patent protection stimulates or sti‡es innovation. We analyze the e¤ects of patent protection in the form of blocking patents. We show that patent protection changes the direction of innovation by having asymmetric e¤ects on vertical innovation (i.e., quality...

Sigma-TRIZ: Algorithm for Systematic Integration of Innovation within Six Sigma Process Improvement Methodologies

Continuous process improvement is a constant preoccupation of companies operating in strong competitive markets (Thawani, 2002; Cronemyr, 2007). The goal of process improvement projects is about increasing both efficiency and effectiveness of the business system (Brad, 2008). A widely used methodology for process improvement is Six Sigma DMAIC (Cascini et al., 2008; Hamza, 2008). Some researche...

Singularity of Vision might stifle Innovation

Dialectical interplay between various world views and visions embedded in a socio-cultural system is essential for continual and sustained innovation by such a system. The view that a system must necessarily operate on the basis of a single commonly shared vision is too strong a requirement for systems to sustain innovation. Such a view is based on an analytic conception of socio-cultural syste...

Lean Six Sigma Terminology

Affinity Diagram – A tool used to organize and present large amounts of data (ideas, issues, solutions, problems) into logical categories based on user perceived relationships and conceptual frame working. Often used in the form of “sticky notes” sent up to the front of the room in brainstorming exercises, and then grouped by facilitator and workers. Final diagram shows relationship between the...

Six Sigma: A Preamble