Six Sigma in software quality

Abstract

The success of Six Sigma in manufacturing in the past decade has encouraged moves to explore Six Sigma applications to other domains, such as the software industry, for performance improvement. Owing to the uniqueness of software processes, there have been disagreements as to whether Six Sigma should be adopted in software design processes. In this paper, we discuss the applicability of the Six Sigma framework to software. Some myths and facts about the Six Sigma Software Program (6SSP) are discussed. We also address some common misconceptions on the potential of Six Sigma in software, as well as some actual practical challenges. A framework is suggested for practitioners and managers interested in exploiting the benefits of statistical analysis in general, and 6SSP in particular. Some ideas are also raised on what remains to be done to make 6SSP work.