AQIONLINE Homepage

Quality Frameworks

There are a variety of quality frameworks that support the implementation of high quality processes in organizations. These include:

Six Sigma

- A proven data-driven suite of improvement methodologies (DMAIC, DFSS/DMADV, Lean) based on a common philosophy and supported by measurement and tools for process and product improvement. AQI's Six Sigma offerings include Overview training for managers, White Belt/Green Belt/Black Belt training, Rent-a-Master-Black-Belt service, Six Sigma readiness assessment and gap assessment, consulting, and outsourced Six Sigma support. To learn more, please click here

Lean

- A methodology for improving process efficiency and speed by eliminating waste and reducing capital investment in a company by focusing only on activities that add value. AQI's Lean expertise includes value stream analysis of organizational processes and document value mapping expertise to reduce non-value added process and project documentation. To learn more, please contact us

ISO 9000

A family of international quality management standards and guidelines containing standardized requirements for an organization's quality management system. AQI offers ISO 9000 gap assessment, audits, and implementation guidance. Please contact us to discuss your needs.

CMMI

A process improvement approach whose goal is to help organizations improve their performance. The CMMI product includes CMMI for Development (CMM-DEV), CMMI for Services (CMMI-SVC), CMMI for Acquisition (CMMI-ACQ), Standard CMMI Appraisal Method for Process Improvement (SCAMPI), and SEI-authorized CMMI Training. AQI's CMMI service offerings include SEI-authorized CMMI® training, CMMI implementation consulting, and Standard CMMI Appraisal Method for Process Improvement (SCAMPI A, B, C) to help prepare you for your formal assessment. Please refer to our Events Schedule for upcoming CMMI trainings

ITIL

The most widely adopted approach for IT Service Management in the world. ITIL provides a practical framework for identifying, planning, delivering, and supporting IT services to the business. AQI offers ITIL implementation guidance and turnkey solutions including preparation of ITIL-compliant procedures, metrics, and organization training. Please contact us to discuss your needs.

Quality Frameworks There are a variety of quality frameworks that support the implementation of high quality processes in organizations. These include: Six Sigma - A proven data-driven suite of improvement methodologies (DMAIC, DFSS/DMADV, Lean) based on a common philosophy and supported by measurement and tools for process and product improvement. AQI's Six Sigma offerings include Overview training for managers, White Belt/Green Belt/Black Belt training, Rent-a-Master-Black-Belt service, Six Sigma readiness assessment and gap assessment, consulting, and outsourced Six Sigma support. To learn more, please click here Lean - A methodology for improving process efficiency and speed by eliminating waste and reducing capital investment in a company by focusing only on activities that add value. AQI's Lean expertise includes value stream analysis of organizational processes and document value mapping expertise to reduce non-value added process and project documentation. To learn more, please contact us ISO 9000 A family of international quality management standards and guidelines containing standardized requirements for an organization's quality management system. AQI offers ISO 9000 gap assessment, audits, and implementation guidance. Please contact us to discuss your needs. CMMI A process improvement approach whose goal is to help organizations improve their performance. The CMMI product includes CMMI for Development (CMM-DEV), CMMI for Services (CMMI-SVC), CMMI for Acquisition (CMMI-ACQ), Standard CMMI Appraisal Method for Process Improvement (SCAMPI), and SEI-authorized CMMI Training. AQI's CMMI service offerings include SEI-authorized CMMI® training, CMMI implementation consulting, and Standard CMMI Appraisal Method for Process Improvement (SCAMPI A, B, C) to help prepare you for your formal assessment. Please refer to our Events Schedule for upcoming CMMI trainings ITIL The most widely adopted approach for IT Service Management in the world. ITIL provides a practical framework for identifying, planning, delivering, and supporting IT services to the business. AQI offers ITIL implementation guidance and turnkey solutions including preparation of ITIL-compliant procedures, metrics, and organization training. Please contact us to discuss your needs.	Accelerated Quality Improvement is a company committed to helping businesses implement high levels of quality quickly and efficiently. AQI’s mission is to help organizations enhance business performance and employee capability by leveraging quality management practices, methods, and tools that are most suited to their specific situation and business needs. When you partner with us, you benefit from the four fundamental strengths and core values of AQI that guide all of our actions and form the backbone of our commitment to provide exceptional service to all our customers – every single one of them - no exceptions, no excuses: Recognized expertise and credibility: AQI’s co-founders are recognized leaders in the profession with demonstrated track record and subject matter expertise in organization excellence. (Most recently, the co-founders co-authored “Six Sigma Software Quality Improvement”, McGraw Hill. Refer to Management Team page for full Bios.) Valuing Results: AQI is extremely focused on positively impacting the effectiveness and/or efficiency of the customer, or solving a business problem, resulting in the customer clearly seeing the value proposition of engaging AQI. We assess ourselves by meaningful benefit delivered to the customer. Best-in-class service: AQI relentlessly pursues service excellence - continually improving its service offerings, and measuring itself by positive testimonials and repeat business. Foundation of trust: AQI believes the foundation of its business is unshakeable trust between us and our customers. We will go the extra mile and bend over backwards to build and retain the trust of our customers. Quality is Important Back in 1979, Phillip Crosby contended that “Quality is Free” in his landmark book of the same name. He meant that quality pays for itself, many times over, and should be considered an essential aspect of business. But quality is neither easy to achieve nor easy to maintain. It takes special disciplines and the right mindset. It requires trained practitioners who know how and when to apply the appropriate quantitative skills. Quality cannot be added to a product like a new button on a webpage. Quality needs to be a core aspect of business, regardless of whether you are in manufacturing, engineering, financial services, retail or marketing/sales. Indeed, the cost savings associated with high quality are a significant competitive advantage in the long run. However, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel or bootstrap yourself, if you want to start up a formal quality program. There are fast, effective, time-tested solutions to accelerate quality improvement, whether you need to start a program or just invigorate an existing one. What AQI provides The services that we offer include: Assessments (CMMI, ISO, Six Sigma, etc.) Training (Certification training, Skill training, Free Webinars, Workshops, Online Training) Consulting (process and quality consulting for technical and business areas) Webinars and Workshops Outsourced Quality Support (Six Sigma jumpstarts, program management, coaching, mentoring) Rent a Master Black Belt	A CMMI Partner Click above to pre-register Click here for more details Special Offers Check out our new Book available at Amazon.com If you order our book through us, we can offer a 30% discount off the publisher's price. Click below to order through us for $48.95 (plus $3.99 shipping). CHECK OUT OUR NEW EVENTS Free Events and Fee-Based Events; including new Black Belt Refresher Webinars, Full day Black Belt Refresher classes, and Workshops on our popular "5 days to Lean Documentation" INDUSTRY EVENTS Upcoming Industry Events 1. Five Days to Lean Documentation - Using Document Value Maps ™ and Kaizen Blitz, Hanover, NJ, April 18, 2012 2, Introduction to CMMI-DEV Ver. 1.3 from July 11-13, 2012 at the Best Western Plus Fairfield Executive Inn in Fairfield, NJ (35 minutes from NYC; 1 hr from Princeton, NJ). 3.AQI will have an exhibit at the ASQ World Conference on Quality and Improvement, Anaheim, CA, May 21-23 4. "An Action Model for Risk" Software Systems Best Practices Conference, Anaheim, CA, June 20th 5."Quantitative Risk Assessment", a full day tutorial, Software Systems Best Practices Conference, Anahiem, California, June 22 6."Quantitative Risk Assessment", a half day tutorial, ICSQ - international Conference on Software Quality - Oct 29, 2012, indianapolis, Indiana Past Industry presentations Special PMI Training We offer PMI® authorized online (self-paced) PMP® Examination Preparation training and continuing education courses that also earn you PDUs. Click here for PMP® training offerings.
Quality Strategies There are several problem solving and improvement strategies that can be used separately, or together, depending on the nature of the problem and desired timeframe for corrective action. Problem Solving Problems are primarily of two types: (i) A "quality spill", corrective action for which is relatively straightforward and best executed by following the 8D (8 Disciplines) process, or (ii) A more challenging and intractable problem requiring careful data analysis, interpretation, and corrective action using Six Sigma methods such as DMAIC. Eliminating Waste Lean Six Sigma (or simply "Lean") helps in eliminating waste and improving process efficiency by focusing on activities that add value. Defect Reduction The Six Sigma DMAIC methodology is most suited for reducing process variation and defects by defining the "right" problem, gathering data on current performance, root cause analysis, and identification and implementation of improvement actions. Accelerated Improvement The "Kaizen Blitz" method is most suited for starting and completing process improvement projects in a very short time, often requiring 100 percent dedication of resources to an intense improvement effort, typically lasting a week. Process Redesign The Six Sigma DFSS/DMADV methodology is appropriate for designing new products or processes, or redesigning existing ones when a "paradigm shift" is necessary - that is, incremental improvements to current process are not sufficient and breakthrough improvements become necessary. Defect Prevention The Six Sigma DFSS/DMADV methodology and tools and techniques such as Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), QFD, tabletop validation, and pilots can be invaluable in proactively identifying and resolving process problems before deploying a new or changed process.
Quality Environments High quality is not just important in manufacturing. There are many different types of environments where quality processes and methods can be effectively applied. Quality is important in these other domains, as well. Quality systems are present and common in places like: Manufacturing Automotive Aviation Telecommunications Medical Devices Healthcare Marketing Retail IT Financial Services
Special Links Click here to check out our Click here for newsletter Click here to check out our Site Map Check out our other Books Other useful links Click here to contact us AQI Locations