Title: Modelling the barriers of Six Sigma using interpretive structural modelling

Authors: Ashish Soti, O.P. Kaushal, Ravi Shankar

Addresses: RKG Institute of Technology, NH-58, Ghaziabad-201003, India. ' RKG Institute of Technology, NH-58, Ghaziabad-201003, India. ' Department of Management Studies, Vishwakarma Bhawan, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi-110016, India

Abstract: Six Sigma attempts to reduce opportunities to commit mistakes through systematic and statistical driven approach, therefore, business excellence and Six Sigma go hand-in-hand. This paper, attempts to model barriers in Six Sigma implementation by establishing relationship among them through interpretive structural modelling (ISM). Twelve barriers have been identified through literature survey and later validated through a questionnaire based survey. The ISM model classifies barriers into strategic, tactical and operational category. The driving power and dependency of these barriers are also modelled using MIC-MAC analysis. The result provides insight into the effective approach to counter these barriers.

Keywords: Six Sigma; interpretive structural modelling; mistakes; strategic barriers; tactical barriers; operational barriers; MIC-MAC analysis; strategic thinking; organisational culture; training resources; training funds; methodology; management commitment; employee cooperation; time pressures; work pressures; human resources; quality management; change resistance; business excellence.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2011.037251

International Journal of Business Excellence, 2011 Vol.4 No.1, pp.94 - 110

Published online: 27 Sep 2014 *

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