Title: An empirical investigation of Six Sigma implementation in medium scale Indian automotive enterprises

Authors: Rajeshkumar U. Sambhe, Rajendra S. Dalu

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Jawaharlal Darda Institute of Engineering and Technology, M.I.D.C. Area, Lohara, Yavatmal, Maharashtra, India. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Government College of Engineering, V.M.V. Road, Amravati, Maharashtra, India

Abstract: This research paper explores the status and imminent factors for evaluating the feasibility of implementing Six Sigma in medium scale Indian automotive industry. The research methodology, designed using quantitative approach, reports 30 medium scale automobile enterprises started implementing Six Sigma during survey range of 2009–2010 from west India. The research finding shows diversified practices of traditional quality initiatives, e.g. ISO 9000, total quality management, Kaizen, etc. over Six Sigma as well as various rationale of poor implementation of Six Sigma in manufacturing sectors of Indian automotive industry. Comparative data analysis of the research will cumulatively elaborate various parameters, e.g. Six Sigma training programmes, initiatives from top management, methodologies of Six Sigma in practice, various performance metrics of Six Sigma projects, quality tools in practice, as well as various reasons for not implementing Six Sigma within small and medium enterprise. The results obtained are the insight of implementing Six Sigma in medium scale Indian automotive sector.

Keywords: six sigma; automotive SMEs; automobile industry; implementation factors; training; cycle time; manufacturing industry; small and medium-size enterprises; India.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPQM.2011.043011

International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management, 2011 Vol.8 No.4, pp.480 - 501

Published online: 11 Oct 2011 *

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