Charting the Six Sigma Journey: Manager Mike's Quest for Quality at TechnoGadget, Inc. Background: Mike Thompson, a spirited manager at TechnoGadget Inc., observed an alarming rate of product returns due to defects. Determined to enhance product quality and customer satisfaction, he embarked on implementing the Six Sigma methodologya strategy he had been hearing raves about. Let's join Mike on this transformative expedition. 1. Define: Mike initiated team meetings to clarify the problem. Outcome: Recognized the primary issue: an increasing number of defective gadgets leading to high return rates. 2. Measure: Mike, with his team, decided to quantify the problem. They started tracking: Number of defects per gadget batch. Types of defects. Return rates over six months. Outcome: A defect rate of 15% was identified, way above the industry average of 3%. 3. Analyze: It was detective time! Mike's team dove deep into the production process. They analyzed: Production methods. Employee training protocols. Quality of raw materials. Outcome: Two primary causes were unearthedsubpar raw material quality and a gap in employee training for a new machine. 4. Improve: With problems in sight, Mike focused on solutions: Collaborated with suppliers for better quality materials. Introduced comprehensive training sessions for the new machine