Title: A Delphi study on Six Sigma tools and techniques

Authors: Werner Timans, Kees Ahaus, Rini Van Solingen

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stenden University, Emmen, The Netherlands. ' Department of Operations Management, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. ' Department of Software Technology, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to present a set of tools and techniques for the different phases of Six Sigma improvement projects in manufacturing and engineering organisations, based on a literature study and expert judgement. A literature study was conducted to identify tools and techniques applied within case studies. The findings with respect to the tools and techniques used in the industrial settings studied were listed as a set of so-called statements. In a Delphi study, a group of experts commented on and prioritised 95 statements during three rounds, providing us with a final list of 46 statements. These statements were grouped into the DMAIC-phases of Six Sigma projects, resulting in a description of tools and techniques to be used in DMAIC-structured projects within a manufacturing/engineering context. The overview of tools and techniques presented in this paper has a descriptive character.

Keywords: six sigma; quality management; manufacturing; Delphi study; quality improvement; DMAIC.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSCA.2009.028093

International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, 2009 Vol.5 No.3, pp.205 - 221

Published online: 04 Sep 2009 *

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