JMGT_V1_N1_A1 Christian N. Madu Journal on Management 2230 – 715X 1 1 1 8 Six-sigma, origins of six-sigma, values of six-sigma, management standard The aim of this paper is to introduce the reader to the important and probably the most widely recognized quality management standard in today's business world. Six-sigma is viewed today as a necessity to competing effectively. Many of the successful companies have developed programs to enable them achieve six-sigma. Yet, many managers are still not clear on what six-sigma represents and how to go about achieving it. This paper is educational in that, it traces the origins of six-sigma and educates readers on the values of six-sigma as well as the approaches world-class performers such as Motorola and General Electric have taken to improve operational excellence. June - August 2006 Copyright © 2006 i-manager publications. All rights reserved. i-manager Publications http://www.imanagerpublications.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=405