Six Sigma quality: a structured review and implications for future research

Abstract

Purpose -This paper aims to clarify emerging aspects and trends of Six Sigma literature over 17 years, from 1992 to 2008. Design/methodology/approach -The literature on Six Sigma from 417 referred journal articles in business and management disciplines, information systems and computer science, engineering, healthcare, etc. were systematically analyzed based on a scheme that consists of four distinct dimensions: publication year and journal, major themes, research type, and application sector (i.e. manufacturing vs service). Findings -A number of key findings emerged: Six Sigma research is growing rapidly, covering various disciplines and domains with a great focus on Six Sigma tools and techniques; empirical research is dominant with more emphasis on case study approach; and the growing gap between manufacturing-and service-focused articles implies the return of Six Sigma to manufacturing as its initial base. Although a large volume of literature is available on Six Sigma, the topic is still under development and offers potential opportunities for further research and applications. Originality/value -The paper provides both academics and practitioners with a useful framework for pursuing rigorous Six Sigma research through explaining the chronological growth of Six Sigma, challenging themes of Six Sigma research, dominating research types and application areas in Six Sigma, and the major sources of Six Sigma information.

Lean Six Sigma Methodologies and Organizational Profitability: A Review of Manufacturing SMEs in Nigeria

“…A total of 62 research papers were reviewed and the criteria for the literature selected for investigation are: 1) articles published in English language only; 2) lean manufacturing, six sigma methodology or combination of both; 3) They are either theories and case studies and 4) the content scope of the study involved 10 years between 2003 to 2012. Survey research method which is a classical methods for researchers to statistically validates research questions and hypothesis the field of Quality Management [8, 27,30], was used for data gathering from respondents through a structured questionnaire [31,32]. Population: The total population of this study is made up of 450 SMEs as shown in Table 1 that meets the following criteria: 1) should be a manufacturing organization; 2) have employees of 200,000 or less; 3) have turnover not exceeding = N = 500,000; 4) have established a system with common infrastructure; 5) must have normal departments with management team comprising five key officers as follows: Management Director, General manager, Accountants, Production Manager, and Administrative Manager.…”

The evolution of quality improvement in healthcare: Patient-centered care and health information technology applications

“…These steps assist in determining whether the process in place should be redesigned or if it can be further improved. [5,11] The concept of Six Sigma has moved from manufacturing and into the healthcare industry, where it is used to improve processes already in place and to create new ones, while delivering care to patients.…”

“…For example, Six Sigma was developed during the 1980's by Motorola with the goal of eliminating deficits in processes to create a low cost, high quality product. [11] The objective of Six Sigma is first to define the problem, then to measure and obtain process performance measurements, and finally to analyze the process and determine the cause of the issue. These steps assist in determining whether the process in place should be redesigned or if it can be further improved.…”

Empirical Study on the Recognition of Critical Factors for Implementing Six Sigma in Taiwan

“…Six Sigma has evolved from scientific management and continuous improvement theories by combining the finest managerial elements of many former quality initiatives as its methodology and tools to fit organizations' own operations (Aboelmaged, 2010). Six Sigma is an organized and systematic method for strategic process improvement and new product and service development; it relies on statistical methods and the scientific method to make dramatic reductions in customer defined defect rates (Lindermanet al 2003).…”