Title: Improving productivity and profitability through Six Sigma: experience of a small-scale jobbing industry

Authors: Darshak A. Desai

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

Abstract: For global competitiveness, Indian industries need overall operational excellence by implementing the proven breakthrough strategy, such as, Six Sigma. It is one of the most effective breakthrough improvement strategies having direct impact on bottom line of the organisation. This quantitative approach aims at improving efficiency and effectiveness of the organisation, which helps in improving productivity and profitability as well. From the researches and surveys published so far, it appears that Six Sigma is not being explored by the Indian industries to its full potential. On global scenario also much is available regarding techniques of Six Sigma and its success stories at various multinationals, but very less is reported regarding step-by-step implementation of Six Sigma in small-scale jobbing industries. This paper illustrates a real life case study of practising Six Sigma at small-scale jobbing engineering concern. This paper explains phase wiz application of all the phases of Define-Measure-Analyse-Improve-Control (DMAIC), and ultimately shows how Six Sigma can help improving productivity as well as profitability.

Keywords: productivity; profitability; six sigma; breakthrough strategy; define-measure-analyse-improve-control; DMAIC; small-scale industry; jobbing industries; India.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPQM.2008.017500

International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management, 2008 Vol.3 No.3, pp.290 - 310

Published online: 12 Mar 2008 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article