Six Sigma methodology: a structured review

Abstract

Purpose – The main aim of the present study is to explore field of Six Sigma and discover the limitation of the present research work. The study also tries to find emerging aspects, trends and future directions and explore unfocused areas of Six Sigma. The present study involves an analysis of 179 research articles published from 1995 to 2011 in 52 selected reputable journals. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology of critical assessment involves selection and classification of 179 research articles on Six Sigma. The selected articles are classified by: time distribution of articles, research methodology, research stream, authorship patterns, sector-wise focus of articles, integration with other manufacturing philosophies, implementation status and performance measurement of the models or framework. Then, the suggestions for the future scope of research possibilities and development are identified. Findings – The study provides a taxonomical and integrated review of articles. Further, this study provides perspectives on conceptualization and various critical parameters for research. Through this literature review, many issues are addressed which have not previously been adequately covered. The findings include: increase in empirical nature of research articles, need for spreading research in the field of Six Sigma implementation, need for more interregional research collaborations, need for integration of Six Sigma philosophy with other philosophies and lack of implementation, i.e. testing and validation of the proposed models or frameworks by researchers. Practical implications – The present study has explored an unfocused area of Six Sigma which will help future researchers to concentrate on the grey areas of Six Sigma. The study will help professionals to get a comprehensive database of Six Sigma articles and their use in practical situation. The results obtained from the study are expected to help researchers, academics and professionals to focus on the growth, pertinence and research developments to implement Six Sigma principles. Originality/value – This paper will be of great help for those carrying out research in Six Sigma field including academics and practitioners in terms of Six Sigma growth describing the trends, sources and findings. The unique feature of this research is the large sample size and a time span of 16 years (1995-2011). The unique feature of this research is the large sample size and a time span of 16 years (1995-2011).

Measuring Critical Success Factors for Six Sigma in Higher Education Institutions: Development and Validation of a Surveying Instrument

“…The original SS program relied on several of the systematic and rigorous tools associated with today's SS programs [19]. To Reoseker and Pohekar [20], SS is an improvement strategy that reduces variation in any process in order to eliminate defects or faults. One of the fundamental components of this strategy is the DMAIC methodology (define, measure, analyze, improve, and control), which draws upon a set of tools and techniques in a logical sequence to conduct projects and achieve sustainable benefits [21].…”

Quantitative analysis of Six Sigma, Lean and Lean Six Sigma research publications in last two decades

“…The current research studies have acknowledged the need for integration of six sigma methodology with other management practices in both philosophical and practical aspects (Reosekar et al, 2014). This has even been extended to an integrated framework of Six Sigma and SCM to improve the supply chain network (Mishra and Sharma, 2014).…”

Seis Sigma en Instituciones de Educación Superior en México

“…Fue en 1988 cuando Motorola ganó el prestigioso Premio Nacional de Calidad Malcolm Baldrige debido en gran parte a su iniciativa llamada Seis Sigma (Gowen et al, 2008), así también por los resultados que presentaron: aumento en los niveles de calidad de varios productos y ahorros significativos de dinero. Para el año 2000, muchas de las principales corporaciones del mundo tenían una iniciativa SS en marcha, y en 2003, se habían contabilizado más de 100,000 millones de dólares en ahorros combinados, por lo que SS se convirtió en el estándar mundial de la práctica empresarial de calidad (Reosekar y Pohekar, 2014).…”