Software Design for Six Sigma: A Roadmap for Excellence

Chapter 8. INTRODUCTION TO SOFTWARE DESIGN FOR SIX SIGMA (DFSS)^[87]

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this chapter is to introduce the software Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) process and theory as well as to lay the foundations for the subsequent chapters of this book. DFSS combines design analysis (e.g., requirements cascading) with design synthesis (e.g., process engineering) within the framework of the deploying company's software (product) development systems. Emphasis is placed on Critical-To-Satisfaction (CTS) requirements (a.k.a Big Y's), identification, optimization, and verification using the transfer function and scorecard vehicles. A transfer function in its simplest form is a mathematical relationship between the CTSs and/or their cascaded functional requirements (FRs) and the critical influential factors (called the X's). Scorecards help predict risks to the achievement of CTSs or FRs by monitoring and recording their mean shifts and variability performance.

DFSS is a disciplined and rigorous approach to software, process, and product design by ensuring that new designs meet customer requirements at launch. It is a design approach that ensures complete understanding of process steps, capabilities, and performance measurements by using scorecards, transfer functions, and tollgate reviews to ensure accountability of all the design team members, Black Belt, Project Champions, and Deployment Champions^[88] as well as the rest of the organizations.

The software DFSS objective is to ...