FOR RELEASE: February 5, 2003

(Tempe, AZ) - The Institute for Supply Management™'s Six Sigma: A Process Improvement Tool for Supply Management Professionals covers the steps organizations go through to begin the journey of implementing an effective Six Sigma program using breakthrough strategies. Each purchasing and supply professional needs to be acutely aware of the impact of Six Sigma on suppliers and customers. Learn how to use date-driven, Six Sigma concepts to enhance the value of the supply chain and impact the bottom line of your organization.

This program is for both non-manufacturing and manufacturing supply managers. Six Sigma applies to any industry, from manufacturing and telecommunications to financial services, healthcare, and entertainment. Purchasers and supply managers of materials and services, quality assurance professionals, and those involved with manufacturing processes, supplier selection, and supplier evaluation wanting to learn the importance of Six Sigma and its application within their firm will find ISM's Six Sigma: A Process Improvement Tool for Supply Management Professionals an asset.

Topics covered in this program include:

• The importance of Six Sigma to supply managers including the 'why do it?' factor
• The basics of customer-focused Six Sigma and its date-driven methodology
• A process to use to introduce Six Sigma to your company and how to apply the concepts to selected projects
• When Six Sigma is not applicable
• Why Six Sigma is useful in both the service and manufacturing sectors

Additional discussions will cover a program overview, including what is Six Sigma and why it is the new standard; selected company success profiles; benefits of implementing a program; implementing and understanding measurements, including sigma, variation, and defects; determining a Six Sigma program approach for your company; understanding the future; knowing current performance and current performance metrics; cost/benefit anaylsis and establishing an ROI; locating core processes and customers; organizing a Six Sigma team; starting your own program; establishing objectives and scope; understanding customers; and launching the program.

ISM's Six Sigma: A Process Improvement Tool for Supply Management Professionals will be offered in Las Vegas, Nevada June 25 - 26, 2003. For additional program information, visit the ISM Web site at www.ism.ws. To register for this program, contact ISM Customer Service Department at 800/888-6276 or 480/752-6276, extension 401.

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