Title: The macro vs. micro approach to integrating Six Sigma in the supply chain

Authors: Janet H. Sanders; Leslie R. Pagliari

Addresses: Department of Technology Systems, East Carolina University, 246 Slay Hall, Greenville, NC 27858, USA. ' College of Technology and Computer Science, East Carolina University, Science and Technology Building, Suite 105 A, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA

Abstract: Six Sigma is a problem solving methodology that emphasises the reduction of defects relative to customer specifications. The final determination of whether a process meets customer requirements is captured in the defects per million opportunities (DPMO). This paper will present a conceptual application of integrating Six Sigma into the supply chain by evaluating the calculation of the DPMO for the efficiency of the supply chain using a macro (defects per unit) and micro (defects per opportunity) perspective.

Keywords: six sigma; supply chain management; SCM; defects per million opportunities; DPMO; defects per unit; defects per observation; process sigma.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVCM.2011.043232

International Journal of Value Chain Management, 2011 Vol.5 No.3/4, pp.304 - 319

Published online: 26 Mar 2015 *

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