Title: Six Sigma: an overview and further research directions

Authors: Rajesh Patil; Abhishek Behl; Padmanabha Aital

Addresses: Symbiosis Center for Research and Innovation, Symbiosis International University, Pune – 412115, India ' Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development, Symbiosis International University, Pune, India ' MPSTME, Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Bhakthi Vedanta Swami Marg, JVPD Scheme, VileParle (W), Mumbai – 400 056, India

Abstract: The developments of Six Sigma in various industries are one of the upcoming and one of the most researched topics. The aim of the present paper is to perform an extensive literature review to consolidate and present the various viewpoints of eminent researchers over the years regarding Six Sigma. The paper presents a detailed discussion of the existing literature on Six Sigma and extracts the variables which are of utmost importance leading to successful adoption and implementation of Six Sigma. The extensive and robust literature review also presents the gaps in the relevant literature and expresses the need of learning for both, the academia and the industry from each other. The study also presents the scope of Six Sigma and proposes that learning and adoption of Six Sigma is dependent on the lacunas from the past. The paper will provide value to organisations implementing Six Sigma, academics, practitioners of Six Sigma and researchers involved in research related to Six Sigma.

Keywords: Six Sigma; systematic literature review; enablers.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPQM.2017.086343

International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management, 2017 Vol.22 No.2, pp.141 - 169

Received: 23 Mar 2016
Accepted: 30 May 2016
Published online: 04 Sep 2017 *

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