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Title: Improving productivity in SMEs by the implementation of Six Sigma: human resource management implications

Authors: Franca Cantoni; Roberta Virtuani

Addresses: Department of Social and Economic Sciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy ' Department of Social and Economic Sciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy

Abstract: This paper analyses the implications that Six Sigma can induce in the management of human resources and in the quality of work organisation in SMEs, a field of investigation not yet adequately explored by the scientific literature. The case of two SMEs (a manufacturing and a service company) engaged in different phases of Six Sigma application and operating in different industries is reported. After initial reluctance and resistance, Six Sigma stimulated the creation of a culture of continuous HR motivation and accretion.

Keywords: Six Sigma; data culture; DMAIC; change management; quality management; motivation; decision-making; HR.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPQM.2024.136188

International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management, 2024 Vol.41 No.1, pp.49 - 65

Received: 12 Nov 2021
Accepted: 26 Feb 2022

Published online: 22 Jan 2024 *

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