ABSTRACT
Sometimes referred to as the “waterfall” methodology, the traditional system development life cycle (SDLC) was the IT industry’s first attempt to bring structure to previously ad hoc methods of developing systems. Although it has shortcomings, including excessive rigidity and lack of customer involvement, the waterfall approach can help organizations deliver successful systems. The probability of success is increased for those organizations that incorporate Six Sigma tools and techniques into the SDLC. Although there are no Six Sigma tools specifically designed for system development, some have direct applicability. In other cases, basic Six Sigma concepts can be used and the tools adapted for the SDLC.
