Title: Implementation of Six Sigma in the small-scale ceramic industry and its holistic assessment

Authors: Mihir Thakorbhai Patel; Darshak Desai

Addresses: Mechanical Engineering Department, Bhailalbhai and Bhikhabhai Institute of Technology, Vallabh Vidyanagar 388 120, Anand, Gujarat, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, G.H. Patel College of Engineering and Technology (GCET), Vallabh Vidyanagar 388 120, Anand, Gujarat, India

Abstract: Most industries are using Six Sigma enhancement techniques in the current competitive scenario to procure high-quality goods, minimise overall costs, and increase equipment availability. In this article, the DMAIC Six Sigma methodology is applied to improve ceramic product quality in the small-scale ceramic industry. After Six Sigma implementations of two critical product groups, the rejection rate improved from 19.38% to 8.42% for insulators and 20.22% to 6.91% for industrial media. The overall impact of Six Sigma implementation has been assessed through balance scorecard (BSC) model. It is holistic assessment model. Encouraging improvements were found for finalised parameters (BSC) after the implementation of Six Sigma. A generic model - CERAMODEL has been proposed for similar ceramic industries for continuous improvement with an adequate assessment of six sigma implementation.

Keywords: balance scorecard; BSC; ceramic industry; continues improvement model; holistic assessment; small scale; Six Sigma.

DOI: 10.1504/IJQET.2023.131553

International Journal of Quality Engineering and Technology, 2023 Vol.9 No.2, pp.110 - 144

Received: 12 May 2021
Accepted: 31 May 2022
Published online: 19 Jun 2023 *

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