Title: Logistics managers' views of Six Sigma integration within logistics operations

Authors: Sam Khoury; Kouroush Jenab; Selva Staub; Matthew Mode

Addresses: East Carolina University, 406 Science and Technology Complex, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA ' Society of Reliability Engineering-Ottawa, Canada, 812-761 Bay Street, Toronto Ontario, Canada ' Department of Business Administration, Haliç University, Büyükdere Cad. No. 101, 34394 Mecidiyekoy, Istanbul, Turkey ' Wal-Mart Logistics, DC 6070, 230 Wal-Mart Dr, Shelby, NC, 28150, USA

Abstract: Logistics managers are required to efficiently and effectively manage logistics operations. One of the tools they employ to meet this requirement is the integration of Six Sigma. This study surveyed logistics managers on the east coast of the USA to determine their level of acceptance of the integration of Six Sigma within logistics operations and to identify the components of Six Sigma that require modification for successful integration. The results of this study revealed that despite the management style (Theory X or Theory Y), 88% of managers believe Six Sigma is compatible with logistics managers' roles and responsibilities. Furthermore, adaptation of logistics processes to Six Sigma requirements proved more compatible than the adaptation of Six Sigma to logistics processes. Also, the adaptation of logistics processes to accommodate Six Sigma had a significant impact on organisational savings and on successful Six Sigma implementation.

Keywords: logistics management; six sigma; quality improvement; logistics operations; USA; United States; manager roles; manager responsibilities; logistics managers.

DOI: 10.1504/IJADS.2013.052631

International Journal of Applied Decision Sciences, 2013 Vol.6 No.1, pp.35 - 49

Published online: 28 Nov 2013 *

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