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Center for Software Engineering Presents
Los Angeles
Software Process Improvement Network




*** NOTE the location ***

Location: TRW Building E2 (the tall building), Redondo Beach, CA (see below for directions)

Wednesday January 29, 2003 at 5:30 P.M. at 8:30 P.M.

"Six Sigma Systems"


Speaker: Rick Hefner, TRW, Leitha Purcell, Northrop Gumman

Many software engineering organizations (including Boeing, Northrop-Grumman, Lockheed-Martin, and TRW) have started implementing Six Sigma programs.  Six Sigma provides a set of integrated tools and methods for applying statistical techniques to key sub-processes, in support of business goals.  By itself, it provides a powerful approach for focusing improvements on the highest-value areas, and of ensuring strong return-on-investment.  Combined with other improvement initiatives, such as CMM, CMMI, or ISO, the benefits grow exponentially.

This presentation will discuss how TRW and Northrop Grumman are applying Six Sigma to software development.  Topics include:
- Principles & Terms ñ What does Six Sigma mean?
- Who's Using It Now? ñ What success have they had?
- Incremental Improvements: Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control
- Innovative Improvements: Design for Six Sigma
- Strategy, Tactics, & Implementation
- Tying Improvement to Business Goals
- Roles & Responsibilities ñ Sponsors, Champions, Black Belts, Green Belts, SEPG
- Key Six Sigma tools
- How Six Sigma Relates to CMM, CMMI, and ISO

Dr. Rick Hefner, TRW -- rick.hefner@trw.com
Dr. Hefner is the Senior Manager of Process Initiatives at TRW, where he leads efforts in process improvement, assessment, and training.  He has over 25 years of experience in software and systems development, research, and management, and has served in industrial, academic, and government positions.  Rick has published over 30 papers, and teaches in both industrial and university programs.  He is a SEI-authorized Lead Assessor for the CMMI SCAMPI and SW-CMM CBA-IPI assessment methods, and a charter member of the CMM Integration (CMMI) project.  He is also a Six Sigma Black Belt and teaches Six Sigma classes.

Leitha Purcell, Northrop Grumman, Integrated Systems Sector, Air Combat
Systems -- purcele@mail.northgrum.com
Leitha Purcell is a Project Manager at Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems Sector, Air Combat Systems (ACS). She has worked in a variety of technical and managerial positions in systems and software engineering. She is a certified instructor in IMA's Accelerating Implementation Management methodology and has been actively engaged in fostering change within Northrop Grumman for over 13 years. She is also a Six Sigma Black Belt. Leitha has presented locally and nationally on topics of process improvement, metrics, Six Sigma and CMM-based processes. For the past two years, she led the efforts leading to ACS's recent successful SEI SW-CMM Level 5 assessment. She is currently leading the CMMI transition activities at ACS.

 

5:30-6:00  Networking
7:00-7:30  Break
6:00-7:00  Presentation
7:30-8:30  Presentation cont'd


*** NOTE the location ***

Location: TRW, E2 Presentation Center (Tall Building), Redondo Beach, CA (now Northrop Grumman) (see below for directions)


Directions:  (Page 733 A5 of Thomas Brothers Guide)

1A.  From the 405 southbound:  Take the Rosecrans East exit.  Turn right onto Hindry.  Turn left onto Rosecrans heading west.

1B.  From the 405 northbound:  Take the Rosecrans exit.  Turn left onto Rosecrans heading west.

2.  Turn left (South) onto Aviation at the railroad and metro bridges.  Turn left (East) onto Marine (second signal). Turn right (South) at the next signal.  Parking lot is on the right.  Building E2 is on the left.  Photo identification may be required.


No reservations required, free parking is available in a nearby structure.
LaDonna Pierce, CSE Administrator, at (213) 740-5703 or via email: ladonna@sunset.usc.edu