Presented on a virtual platform, the event exhibited high overall maturity level of teams in systematic application of Six Sigma methodologies
The National Institution for Quality and Reliability (NIQR) organised its sixth annual competition on Six Sigma case study presentation on November 20 and 21, 2020 in virtual mode. In the inaugural function, Dr. V Swaminathan, Senior National Vice President, NIQR and one of the programme directors, welcomed the gathering. He detailed the purpose of NIQR recognising the need for enhancing the knowledge and skills of the employees of various manufacturing, IT and service organisations in Six Sigma methodology. He added: “NIQR is pleased to provide help to various organisations on the quality front.” He also expressed happiness at the large registration of teams (26) and some delegates from various organisations.
Dr. A Sanjeeva Rao, Past National President and R Mohanakrishnan, National Council Member were the jury members. Dr. Rao, also one of the programme directors, explained the details of evaluation in DMAIC and TASK management methodologies. C V Gowri Sankar, National Secretary, NIQR explained in detail the order of presentations and the process followed in finalising the same. Vote of thanks was presented by S Murugan, Vice Chairman, NIQR, Chennai Branch. The virtual presentations spread over two days went off well as per schedule without any technical hitch, excellently steered by V Raghavan as administrator and MC.
The participants shared some interesting feedback about the programme:
• Organising in virtual mode instead of skipping the programme this year was praise-worthy.
• The jury members shared useful improvement points.
• The event proved to be an excellent knowledge-sharing platform.
• NIQR’s transparency, communication, punctuality, seamless conducting of the event, etc. were the factors that were well-appreciated.
All the respondents appreciated the way in which the whole program was organised and were happy to learn various steps of Six Sigma methodologies and application of tools. Dr. Rao on behalf of the judges shared information about the overall performance of the teams and highlighted the following:
• High overall maturity level of teams in systematic application of Six Sigma methodology.
• Use of relevant high-level tools.
• Exhibiting high level of confidence and clarity.
• Total savings of Rs. 16 crores generated by 26 teams.
• Need to detail the strategies into various activities along with time schedules.
Chief Guest S Rajasekaran, National President, NIQR, in his valedictory address touched on the lockdown-induced economic slide and advocated bureaucrats using Six Sigma concepts to address such calamities. He hoped all teams would be taking home plenty of new knowledge which they can put into practice in their own organisations. In order to make the participants feel more real in a virtual awards’ presentation ceremony, Gowri Sankar did a virtual presentation of the awards by Rajasekaran to all the team leaders, which was well-appreciated by one and all. All the awards and certificates were couriered to the participants in a short time. A total of 19 platinum, six gold and one silver awards were presented to the teams. Gowri Sankar also proposed the vote of thanks.