A six sigma (6σ) approach to quality:

A) means there are no more than 25 defects per million opportunities.
B) was developed by Japanese companies in the 1950s.
C) has no connection to the concept of zero defects.
D) focuses on preventing defects by using data to reduce variation and waste.
E) has soft goals such as happier customers and employees.

A six sigma approach to quality focuses on preventing defects by using data to reduce variation and waste. It aims to achieve no more than 3.4 defects per million opportunities, which is equivalent to a 99.99966% defect-free rate. This approach has a direct connection to the concept of zero defects and is not focused on softer goals such as happier customers and employees. While it was popularized by Japanese companies in the 1950s, it was developed by Motorola in the 1980s.