1. On Strategy Implementation Performance Excellence We discussed at length the idea of Six Sigma as a way to create synergy across the organization, to increase the probability of mission buy-in as well as the effective alignment of resources, and, most fundamentally, the production of near-perfect output of product and service. Discuss the following in detail: a. What does Six Sigma mean to someone like Jack Welch? Be detailed in your response. i. Provide an example of how GE uses the concept to improve performance. Pull from Winning to support your answer (Welch dedicates an entire chapter on six sigma). ii. What is one strength and weakness of this widely subscribed philosophy?

b. Lastly, pertaining to Starbucks company, identify the ONE burning issue that is a prime candidate for continuous improvement that one thing holding the firm back from implementing good strategy (remember good strategy clearly defines the obstacles from which we must overcome bad strategy does not)