Differences between Six Sigma applications in manufacturing and the service industry Online publication date: Mon, 28-Apr-2014
by Andrea Chiarini
International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management (IJPQM), Vol. 12, No. 3, 2013
Abstract: The purpose of the research presented in this paper is to investigate the differences between Six Sigma applications in manufacturing and the service industry. A review of the literature produced six research questions related to the effects of the kind of industry (manufacturing and service) on applications of Six Sigma. The questions focus on performance measures, the kind of statistical tools used (advanced and basic), the possibility of using different mapping tools, the Black-Green Belt training path and the organisational climate and human behaviour. In an original and new way, these six research questions were transformed into hypotheses then validated by means of a questionnaire and a chi-square test. Qualitative suggestions from the respondents were collected at the same time. Findings show that, comparing Six Sigma in manufacturing and service industry, there are many interesting differences. Managerial implications, recommendations and an agenda for future study are presented.
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management (IJPQM):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:
Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.
If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com
Our Blog 
Follow us on Twitter 
Visit us on Facebook