Title: Design process improvement through the DMAIC Six Sigma approach: a case study from the Middle East

Authors: Salah Eldin Adam Hamza

Addresses: SOFCON Consulting Engineering Co., P.O. Box 3998, Al Khobar 31952, Saudi Arabia

Abstract: This study proposes the DMAIC Six Sigma approach of Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve/Implement and Control (DMAIC) to improve the design process in a local engineering design organisation in the Middle East. The DMAIC approach showed a wider application and how the engineering organisation can achieve competitive advantages, efficient decision-making and problem-solving capabilities within a business context. The paper identifies each stage in detail, discusses the tools required and points out the cultural barriers to the success of the improvement initiatives. The paper develops an Engineering Design DMAIC Model (EDDM) that can be used as a template for engineering design development training.

Keywords: define; measure; analyse; improve; implement; control; DMAIC models; six sigma; design process; engineering design; EDDM; total quality management; TQM sustainability; Middle East; sustainable development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSCA.2008.018419

International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, 2008 Vol.4 No.1, pp.35 - 47

Published online: 21 May 2008 *

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