“Six sigma” techniques improve the quality of e‐learning

TATA Interactive Systems (TIS), which has one of the world’s largest teams for the design and development of custom‐built e‐learning solutions, is committed to achieving the most exacting quality standards. Towards the end of last year, TIS became the first company providing custom‐built e‐learning solutions to be assessed at level 5 on the capability maturity model (CMM) scale. The CMM is the most rigorous quality standard world‐wide and encompasses leading companies such as Boeing, Raytheon, IBM, NASA and Motorola. Its prestige and value – well‐known within the IT world – are beginning to be recognised within the e‐learning world too. One key component in TIS’s drive for consistent high quality is its application of “six sigma” techniques to its development and production processes. This is explored in the article, first by describing an “outside‐in” approach, then key concepts, project stages, changing business processes, a three‐step cycle and criteria or secrets for project success.