Title: Developing an instrument for measuring Six Sigma implementation

Authors: Erick C. Jones, Mahour Mellat Parast, Stephanie G. Adams

Addresses: Department of Industrial and Management Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 175 Nebraska Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA. ' Department of Economics, Finance, and Decision Sciences, School of Business Administration, 1 University Drive, Pembroke, NC 28372, USA. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, 601 W Main Street, Richmond, VA 23284, USA

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to develop an instrument for measuring Six Sigma implementation. We develop eight constructs for measuring Six Sigma implementation utilising the PDCA cycle (plan-do-check-act). The instrument captures different aspects of Six Sigma implementation in organisations such as the role of black belts, financial responsibility and executive support. In addition, we show that there is significant difference in Six Sigma implementation among organisations, where those employing PDCA cycle for their Six Sigma initiatives achieve higher level of performance. We believe the proposed instrument can be used for measuring Six Sigma implementation in organisations. Implications for managers and future research have been provided.

Keywords: six sigma implementation; plan do check act; PDCA; process improvement; quality management; black belts; financial responsibility; executive support.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSOM.2011.041241

International Journal of Services and Operations Management, 2011 Vol.9 No.4, pp.429 - 452

Published online: 11 Mar 2015 *

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