Reuters.com - Is Six Sigma no longer enough? an interesting short article that claims that whilst Six Sigma is a great tool to improve existing business - it cannot create innovation. Although many companies continue to rely on Six Sigma to ensure profitable growth, people like Michael Hammer, founder of Hammer & Co., say that its overemphasis on the bottom line will hinder any innovation efforts.

Personally though, having spoken with several Imaginatik clients who are deeply involved with Six Sigma, I can't see why this has to be an either/or. I would instead say that Six Sigma and Innovation are two major tools for improving a business - and tools that should be given an equal weighting of emphasis to ensure not just an enduring profitable business, but also to ensure a constant supply of new businesses adding to that bottom line.