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1 – 10 of over 7000Six Sigma is a well-established powerful business strategy for achieving operational excellence (OPEX). However, previous studies have suggested that the Six Sigma may negatively…
Abstract
Purpose
Six Sigma is a well-established powerful business strategy for achieving operational excellence (OPEX). However, previous studies have suggested that the Six Sigma may negatively impact organizational creativity and innovation. The C-K theory is one of the most widely used technique for design reasoning which promotes the creativity and innovation. The purpose of this paper is to integrate the Six Sigma methodology and C-K theory for enhancing innovative capacity of Six Sigma for achieving OPEX.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper proposes an integration methodology of C-K theory and Six Sigma using the extant literature. Also, a case study is conducted based on the proposed integration model.
Findings
The paper suggests a step-by-step integration methodology for integrating Six Sigma with C-K theory for both (DMAIC and DMADV). The methodology when applied to a live case in mining logistics the results are very encouraging. The solution was cost effective and also technically superior compared to previous solutions.
Practical implications
The paper proposes a step-by-step methodology for the integration of Six Sigma with C-K tools. The methodology is practically applied in a live case. Organizations can use findings from this paper to implement an integration model of Six Sigma with C-K theory.
Originality/value
This is the first paper that proposes an integration methodology of Six Sigma with C-K theory to enhance the innovation capability to achieve the OPEX.
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TR Sreeram and Asokan Thondiyath
The purpose of this paper is to present a combined framework for system design using Six Sigma and Lean concepts. Systems Engineering has evolved independently and there are…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a combined framework for system design using Six Sigma and Lean concepts. Systems Engineering has evolved independently and there are numerous tools and techniques available to address issues that may arise in the design of systems. In the context of systems design, the application of Six Sigma and Lean concepts results in a flexible and adaptable framework. A combined framework is presented here that allows better visualization of the system-level components and their interactions at parametric level, and it also illuminates gaps that make way for continuous improvement. The Deming’s Plan-Do-Check-Act is the basis of this framework. Three case studies are presented to evaluate the application of this framework in the context of Systems Engineering design. The paper concludes with a summary of advantages of using a combined framework, its limitations and scope for future work.
Design/methodology/approach
Six Sigma, Lean and Systems Engineering approaches combined into a framework for collaborative product development.
Findings
The present framework is not rigid and does not attempt to force fit any tools or concepts. The framework is generic and allows flexibility through a plug and play type of implementation. This is important, as engineering change needs vary constantly to meet consumer demands. Therefore, it is important to engrain flexibility in the development of a foundational framework for design-encapsulating improvements and innovation. From a sustainability perspective, it is important to develop techniques that drive rationality in the decisions, especially during tradeoffs and conflicts.
Research limitations/implications
Scalability of the approach for large systems where complex interactions exist. Besides, the application of negotiation techniques for more than three persons poses a challenge from a mathematical context. Future research should address these in the context of systems design using Six Sigma and Lean techniques.
Practical implications
This paper provides a flexible framework for combining the three techniques based on Six Sigma, Lean and Systems Engineering.
Social implications
This paper will influence the construction of agent-based systems, particularly the ones using the Habermas’s theory of social action as the basis for product development.
Originality/value
This paper has not been published in any other journal or conference.
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Ricardo Bañuelas and Jiju Antony
Six sigma has been considered a business strategy that employs a well‐structured continuous improvement methodology to tackle process variability and drive out waste from the…
Abstract
Six sigma has been considered a business strategy that employs a well‐structured continuous improvement methodology to tackle process variability and drive out waste from the business processes using statistical tools and techniques. This paper first examines the differences and similarities of six‐sigma improvement methodology compared with the DFSS approach. This work illustrates the use of analytical hierarchy process (AHP), a multiple criteria decision‐making technique, for the evaluation of six‐sigma projects in order to determine when the six‐sigma approach becomes a priority over DFSS. The use of AHP to determine the transition from six sigma to design for six sigma represents a major challenge to many researchers today, as very little has been done on this subject.
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Stephen Anthony and Jiju Antony
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the ability to researchers of using design of experiments (DoE) as a structured and systematic approach to performing systematic…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the ability to researchers of using design of experiments (DoE) as a structured and systematic approach to performing systematic literature reviews. The authors demonstrate a simple case study illustrating the application of DoE in executing a systematic literature review on two popular topics in higher education: academic leadership and Lean Six Sigma.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology involves the systematic literature review of linking academic leadership with terms such as Lean, Six Sigma, Total Quality Management, Maturity Model and Continuous Improvement. The main tool used to structure the systematic literature review is a Taguchi Orthogonal Array design, specifically an L16 grid and the method is verified by conducting another review, replacing the term academic leadership with simply leadership.
Findings
The approach identified at first no research papers linking the terms; however, when academic leadership was replaced with university, 19 research papers where discovered. The verification exercise, linking just leadership with the other search string generated over 1,000 results – demonstrating that the tool can find large volumes of articles if they exist, the search was completed for a ten year time frame – 2004 to 2014.
Research limitations/implications
The case study focussed on a field which is known to have little current research and the verification exercise deliberately targeted a known large body of research. The authors will continue to use the approach and refine the technique over time.
Practical implications
This approach would help any researcher despite of their discipline to identify opportunities and gaps in the current literature.
Originality/value
The paper shows how DoE can be used in an academic research-based process. No other literature review approach currently exists which uses Taguchi approach to DoE to filter the search criteria.
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Abstract
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Hong Mo Yang, Byung Seok Choi, Hyung Jin Park, Min Soo Suh and Bongsug (Kevin) Chae
This paper seeks to introduce a six‐sigma based methodology for the SCM domain which was developed and has been used in Samsung.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to introduce a six‐sigma based methodology for the SCM domain which was developed and has been used in Samsung.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper provides a detailed description of how and why a six‐sigma‐based methodology for the SCM domain was developed in Samsung and presents a real industry case to illustrate the usage of the methodology.
Findings
In Samsung, the effort and investment in synthesizing SCM and six sigma, and developing a unique six‐sigma‐based methodology to improve its SCM operation, have turned out to be fruitful. The Black Belt program has produced highly qualified and talented SCM specialists, who are currently training the methodology to members in their organizations and leading SCM projects. SCM projects are being prepared and conducted in a more disciplined way and their outcomes are continuously monitored and shared through the company's repository.
Research limitations/implications
To generalize its usefulness, the methodology needs to be applied to the SCM projects of those companies whose organizational and cultural contexts are different from those of Samsung. In addition, the overview of an illustrative SCM project presented in the paper is brief due to space limitations.
Practical implications
Today, SCM is increasingly recognized as a strategic way to innovate a company's business operation. This paper shows that a methodology such as Samsung's SCM six sigma can be the key to conducting SCM projects in a more disciplined way and for fruitful outcomes.
Originality/value
The paper introduces a unique six‐sigma‐based methodology for the SCM domain which has been developed and applied in a leading global manufacturing, financial, and services conglomerate. This methodology could be adapted by other companies for their SCM projects to increase the likelihood of project success.
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The success of Six Sigma in manufacturing in the past decade has encouraged moves to explore Six Sigma applications to other domains, such as the software industry, for…
Abstract
The success of Six Sigma in manufacturing in the past decade has encouraged moves to explore Six Sigma applications to other domains, such as the software industry, for performance improvement. Owing to the uniqueness of software processes, there have been disagreements as to whether Six Sigma should be adopted in software design processes. In this paper, we discuss the applicability of the Six Sigma framework to software. Some myths and facts about the Six Sigma Software Program (6SSP) are discussed. We also address some common misconceptions on the potential of Six Sigma in software, as well as some actual practical challenges. A framework is suggested for practitioners and managers interested in exploiting the benefits of statistical analysis in general, and 6SSP in particular. Some ideas are also raised on what remains to be done to make 6SSP work.
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Cristina Alcaide-Muñoz and Leopoldo J. Gutierrez-Gutierrez
The aim of this paper is to analyse the relationship between Six Sigma methodology and organisational ambidexterity (exploitation and exploration orientations). For this purpose…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to analyse the relationship between Six Sigma methodology and organisational ambidexterity (exploitation and exploration orientations). For this purpose, this study describes how Six Sigma practices may enhance both orientations simultaneously, contributing to organisational ambidexterity and performance improvements.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review was adopted as the research methodology. The authors analysed 512 publications in Social Science Citation Index journals in fields such as management, business, operation research management science, planning development, behavioural sciences, interdisciplinary social sciences and applied psychology from 1987 to 2016, as the first development and adoption of Six Sigma was in 1987 by Motorola.
Findings
This analysis describes how Six Sigma emphasises not only useful practices for exploitation orientation, such as customer input, design for manufacturability or improvement and control of processes, but also explorative practices, such as discovery, novelty or innovation. Consequently, an adequate combination of all these practices may enhance organisational ambidexterity and organisational success.
Research limitations/implications
This study relies exclusively on previously published literature that fulfilled the selection criteria described in the search methodology. Further empirical research is necessary to test the propositions included in this paper.
Practical implications
This study has important implications for academics, practitioners and employers, as it furnishes new theoretical insights to the scarce literature that studies the relationship between quality management practices and organisational ambidexterity. The authors provide a better understanding of Six Sigma philosophy and some fresh and new insight on how Six Sigma practices may help organisation develop distinctive competitive competences by its influence over exploration and exploitation orientations (ambidexterity). Therefore, it might be of interest to those practitioners interested in achieving a successful competitive position and discover emerging business opportunities, as it may provide some guidance on the important implication of Six Sigma practices over exploration and exploitation orientations.
Originality/value
This study provides new insights into the non-existent literature about Six Sigma and organisational ambidexterity and to the scarce literature about quality management and ambidexterity. Propositions on how Six Sigma practices benefit organisational ambidexterity are also suggested.
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Jiju Antony and Darshak A. Desai
The purpose of this paper is to present the results from an empirical investigation of six sigma status in the Indian industry and underrepresented region of investigation on six…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the results from an empirical investigation of six sigma status in the Indian industry and underrepresented region of investigation on six sigma implementation.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey questionnaire which applied in the UK industry is applied in India. The survey is adapted so that it is suitable to Indian industry. The results of the study are based on descriptive statistics.
Findings
The results of this empirical study reflect the reasons for application of six sigma by Indian organizations, the most and least commonly used tools and techniques, critical success factors (CSFs) for the implementation of six sigma, and common impediments in the implementation.
Research limitations/implications
This study was carried out with some boundaries such as the number of companies surveyed, time and budget constraints. Moreover, a detailed understanding of the status of six sigma applications in Indian industry by means of semi‐structured interviews could not be executed due to above constraints.
Originality/value
Very little research has been carried out relating to the status of six sigma implementation in the Indian industry. This paper will provide value to academics, practitioners of six sigma and those researchers who are involved in six sigma research.
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