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1986: Six Sigma methodology developed by Bill Smith at Motorola to reduce defects in manufacturing processes.
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1995: General Electric adopts Six Sigma under CEO Jack Welch, significantly boosting its popularity and application.
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1996: Motorola wins the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award for its successful implementation of Six Sigma.
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1998: Mikel Harry and Richard Schroeder publish "Six Sigma: The Breakthrough Management Strategy Revolutionizing the World’s Top Corporations," spreading awareness and understanding of Six Sigma principles
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2001: Formation of the Six Sigma Academy and other organizations dedicated to promoting and training in Six Sigma methodologies.
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2005: Integration of Six Sigma with Lean principles to form Lean Six Sigma, emphasizing efficiency and waste reduction alongside quality improvement.
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2011: Publication of updated resources and guides on Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
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2015: Six Sigma expands beyond manufacturing into service industries, healthcare, and government sectors.