Six Sigma: concepts, tools, and applications

Purpose - To provide a sound discussion on the Six Sigma methodology and see how it fits in with other quality initiatives.Design methodology approach - A conceptual paper that takes at in-depth look at the origins, pros and cons of Six Sigma and how it relates to some of the other quality initiativ...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Industrial management + data systems 2005-05, Vol.105 (4), p.491-505
Main Authors: Raisinghani, Mahesh S, Ette, Hugh, Pierce, Roger, Cannon, Glory, Daripaly, Prathima
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cultural change
Electronics industry
Empowerment
Hypothesis testing
ISO 9000 series
ISO standards
Manufacturing
Quality awards
Quality circles
Quality improvement
Quality management
Quality programmes
Quality standards
Six Sigma
Studies
Total quality
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Summary:Purpose - To provide a sound discussion on the Six Sigma methodology and see how it fits in with other quality initiatives.Design methodology approach - A conceptual paper that takes at in-depth look at the origins, pros and cons of Six Sigma and how it relates to some of the other quality initiatives in industry.Findings - The immediate goal of Six Sigma is defect reduction. Reduced defects lead to yield improvement; higher yields improve customer satisfaction. Six Sigma defect reduction is intended to lead to cost reduction. It has a process focus and aims to highlight process improvement opportunities through systematic measurement. Six Sigma implementation can have negative consequences if applied in the wrong project. Six Sigma is a toolset, not a management system and is best used in conjunction with other more comprehensive quality standards such as the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence or the European Quality Award.Research limitations implications - This is a conceptual study and hence there are no hypotheses tested as in an empirical study. It does provide a good foundation for future research.Practical implications - A very useful source of information and impartial advice for practitioners and researchers planning to practice the Six Sigma methodology and or understand its pros and cons.Originality value - This paper fulfils an identified information resources need for Six Sigma methodology. It is based on utilizing an extensive set of statistical and advanced mathematical tools, and a well-defined methodology that produces significant results quickly. The success of this methodology within an organization has significant momentum that can only lead to fundamental organizational cultural transformation.
ISSN:0263-5577
1758-5783
0263-5577
DOI:10.1108/02635570510592389