Which of the following is NOT a component of the 6 Sigma of variation?

The concept of Six Sigma focuses on improving quality by identifying and removing causes of defects and minimizing variability in manufacturing and business processes. The Six Sigma framework is typically built around several critical components, often summarized as the "5 M's": Material, Method, Man (People), Machine, and Measurement.

Among these components, processes, measurement, and materials are essential, as they directly contribute to evaluating and optimizing manufacturing and business processes. Processes encompass the actual steps taken to create products or deliver services, measurements involve the tools and metrics used to assess performance and quality, and materials pertain to the physical inputs used in production.

On the other hand, while people are crucial in executing these components, they are typically considered in the broader context of the organization and teamwork rather than a formal component of Six Sigma itself. In fact, the emphasis on people ties back to how effectively the team can implement changes, but it is not categorized as one of the core components for assessing variation within the Six Sigma methodology. Thus, identifying processes, measurement, and materials as the primary components helps clarify their direct roles in controlling variation and driving quality improvements, differentiating them from people, which supports these efforts.