Six Sigma Approach Can Lead to Education Excellence

New Straits Times (Malaysia)

December 15, 2008

Education institutions should adopt the Six Sigma method to improve student performance, says Genaxis Sdn Bhd group managing director Nuraslina Zainal Abidin.

Six Sigma is an approach used by companies to enhance key business processes. It uses data and statistical analyses to measure and improve operational performance by identifying and eliminating defects, especially in the manufacturing and service-related processes. It can also be applied to any field, including the education sector.

Nuraslina feels it is important to introduce the subject in class. “Businesses speak of customer requirement—what it takes to satisfy consumers. The education sector should also incorporate it in its philosophy,” says Nuraslina. “The student is the product which learning institutions sell to the future employer. This is where the concept of voice of customer from Six Sigma principles helps schools listen to and meet industry's needs."

The output of the universities would be “readiness for use” of graduates joining the workplace. Six Sigma principles open doors to new roles and positions within a company. For example, graduates can use the system to map out their career path and play an active role in generating improvements and cost reductions.

Universities that offer Six Sigma as part of their curricula include the Business School of the University of Notre Dame in the United States, Melbourne University in Australia and Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

“We hope to work with tertiary institutions to offer Six Sigma,” says Nuraslina, who adds that Six Sigma can be incorporated in the recruitment and admission processes, as well as applications for grants. The school can then establish research opportunities and streamline operations management. With all these in place, the university can achieve a competitive edge, which will improve its international ranking.