Today, technology has become too much a part of overall corporate success for its effectiveness to be left to chance. The stakes are too high. Fortunately, the idea of 'quality management' is being reinvigorated. In the last decade process programs have become more and more prevalent. And, out of all the available options, three have moved to the top of the chain. These three are:

• The 9001:2000 Quality Management Standard from the International Standards Organization;

• The Capability Maturity Model Integration from the Software Engineering Institute; and

• Six Sigma, a methodology for improvement shaped by companies such as Motorola, Honeywell, and General Electric.

These recognized and proven quality programs are rising in popularity as more technology managers are looking for ways to help remove degrees of risk and uncertainty from their business equations, and to introduce methods of predictability that better ensure success.

Process Improvement Essentials combines the foundation needed to understand process improvement theory with the best practices to help individuals implement process improvement initiatives in their organization. The three leading programs: ISO 9001:2000, CMMI, and Six Sigma--amidst the buzz and hype--tend to get lumped together under a common label. This book delivers a combined guide to all three programs, compares their applicability, and then sets the foundation for further exploration. It's a one-stop-shop designed to give you a working orientation to what the field is all about.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 6 Ratings

Should be required "first reading" for process improvement... - 2007-01-14
Reviewer Rating:
I've had the dubious "pleasure" of reading process improvement books that would make your eyes bleed. Fortunately, this isn't one of them... Process Improvement Essentials: CMMI, Six SIGMA, and ISO 9001 by James R. Persse. This is a perfect "first look" at the subject for someone who doesn't yet know what they don't know...

Contents:
Part One - Process and Process Improvement: Introduction; The Case for Process; Establishing Your Process Program; Sustaining Process Improvement
Part Two - Three Major Process Improvement Standards: ISO 9001:2000; The Capability Maturity Model Integration (For Development); Six Sigma; Considerations For Adoption
Index

The problem with many books on this subject is that they dive into the details of a specific program before you really understand *why* you're doing this in the first place. That's fine for someone who has already decided on a particular approach, but it's completely unsuited to someone who really just needs to get a broad overview. Persse solves this issue by starting out with a high-level look at Process Improvement... why it's necessary, how it works, and how it's best implemented. Based on his years of experience, he is able to point out the mindsets and approaches that will either jumpstart or doom a process improvement initiative. Only after the reader has the mental framework does he introduce details on the three major process improvement frameworks commonly seen in the market today. There's enough detail in each of the chapters to understand how the framework functions and what it's designed to resolve, but not so much that the reader (at the targeted level) decides it's all too complicated and walks away. After reading this book, you should know what it is that you don't know, have an idea as to what areas to focus on, and be prepared to take *intelligent* next steps. And before you decide to sink hundreds of thousands of dollars into a program, that's a great place to be starting at.

I'd consider this "required reading" for anyone contemplating a process improvement initiative. Time and dollars invested here will ensure much better value for the money you'll end up spending down the road...

More aimed for managers/laymen. - 2007-08-06
Reviewer Rating:
I bought this book to familiarize myself with process engineering concepts prior to taking a position as a semiconductor process development engineer. This book is not very useful for engineers, but is useful for managers or laymen who need a basic concept/understanding for Quality Control Systems.

Other than that, it is very easy to read.

PI book review - 2007-01-09
Reviewer Rating:
This is a good book if you're not bound to a specific model/framework. It gives recommendation for CMMI, Six Sig and ISO process frameworks. Easy read.

Great introduction; Easy to read - 2006-12-11
Reviewer Rating:
This book was very easy to read and understand. Unlike other books out there, this book didn't put me to sleep. It's well organized and got me up to speed very quickly. I needed a quick introduction to CMMI since taking my new job.

Easy to read information on Process Improvement Programs - 2009-04-19
Reviewer Rating:
With a focus on best practices, James R Persse provides good detail on the differences between the "Big Three" process/quality improvement programs. Written in an easy to read manner Persse uses enough examples to help you retain and apply what he is teaching.

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