The underlying factorial structure and significance of the Six Sigma difficulties and critical success factors: The Greek case

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the underlying structure (latent constructs) of the difficulties and critical success factors (CSFs) of Six Sigma implementation in manufacturing companies. Determining the significance Greek manufacturing companies give to the Six Sigma difficulties and CSFs is also an aim of the present study.

Design/methodology/approach

A research study was carried out in 91 ISO 9001 certified Greek manufacturing companies through a structured questionnaire. Exploratory factor analyses are applied to determine the underlying structure (latent constructs) of the Six Sigma difficulties and CSFs, while their significance is determined through descriptive statistics.

Findings

Three latent constructs of Six Sigma difficulties are extracted, namely, “implementation patterns of Six Sigma methodology”, “absence of human interest and support”, and “low quality management level”. These difficulties are not considered very significant by the sample companies. Three latent constructs of Six Sigma CSFs are also extracted, namely, “understanding the implementation patterns of Six Sigma and its interface with the company”, “company culture and organisation”, and “prioritising Six Sigma projects based on stakeholders and company performance”. The role of these critical factors for the success of Six Sigma is very significant, according to the sample companies.

Research limitations/implications

The small sample of the responding manufacturing companies, the diversity of the business sectors represented in the sample, and the subjective business evidence obtained from the company quality managers are the main limitations of the present study. Based on these limitations, future research studies are suggested.

Practical implications

By eliminating the negative influence of the difficulties and simultaneously by enhancing the positive influence of the CSFs, a robust internal business environment can be created for the successful implementation of Six Sigma.

Originality/value

This study fills the literature gap and contributes to the literature by determining the underlying structure and the significance of the Six Sigma difficulties and CSFs. This is the first research study in the field of Six Sigma that has been carried out in ISO 9001 certified manufacturing companies operating in the Greek business environment.

Citation

Psomas, E. (2016), "The underlying factorial structure and significance of the Six Sigma difficulties and critical success factors: The Greek case", The TQM Journal, Vol. 28 No. 4, pp. 530-546. https://doi.org/10.1108/TQM-04-2015-0049