The Total Quality Management theory that will be analyzed and reviewed in this research paper will be that of Six Sigma. 3M™ will be the company that will be used today to help analyze the strengths, weaknesses, and effects of Six Sigma. Multiple case studies were reviewed while conducting this research. These case studies are intended to give reader a better understanding of how Six Sigma is applied and used in a corporate setting. .
In the year 1902 five men (Henry S. Bryan, John Dwan, William A. McGonagle, Hermon W. Cable, and Dr. J. Danley Budd) in Two Harbors, Minnesota originally wanted to start a company that would mine a specific type of mineral whose sole purpose would be to grind wheels. This idea soon led to the creation of The Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co. (3M™).
Mining eventually became null and void with every attempt failing and heavy losses occurring. This motivated the founders to look elsewhere for profits which eventually brought the company to Duluth, Minnesota with the intent to start sandpaper manufacturing. The next few years for the company were those of little to no success until 3M successfully perfected their supply chains and production lines which soon led to the company's growth and development. .
3M™ was soon relocated to St. Paul, Minnesota by an investor, Lucius Ordway, in 1910. Six years after 3M™ was relocated the company progressed into a corporation and paid its first dividend of six cents a share in 1916. As 3M™ continued to progress major breakthroughs soon began to occur. In 1920 the company became very popular with the automobile industry by developing the world's first waterproof sandpaper. Popularity eventually developed into 3M™ becoming a household name when in 1925 the company invented a clear masking tape better known as Scotch® tape. Many new innovations such as the Thermo-Fax™ copying process, Scotch-Brite™ Cleaning Pads, Post-it® Notes, 3M™ Micro Professional Mpro 110 projector, Post-it® Super Sticky Notes, and Scotch® Transparent Duct Tape continued to increase 3M™'s worth in the marketplace.
