Title: Combination of theory of constraints, root cause analysis and Six Sigma for quality improvement framework

Authors: Ming-Chang Lee; To Chang

Addresses: Department of Business Administration, National Kaohsiung University of Applied Sciences, No. 415 Chien Kung Rd., Kaohsiung, Taiwan. ' Department of Information Management, Shu-Te University, No. 59, Hengshan Rd., Yanchao, Kaohsiung County, Taiwan

Abstract: Root cause analysis (RCA) could help understand better problems in maintenance with system viewpoint, discover the true root cause of failures, and other appropriate solutions to discard maintenance rework. Theory of constraints (TQC) could serve as the framework for continuous improvement, and Six Sigma could provide specific statistical tools and engineering techniques for implementing changes. But, the above three strategies have some limitations. Therefore, this paper studies the combination three distinct strategies, Six Sigma, TOC and RCA, for improving manufacturing system performance. We used the concepts of strength and weaknesses of theory of constraints, Six Sigma, for developing a Six Sigma quality improvement framework. A proposes integrated framework to illustrate how the three techniques can complement each other to improve performance.

Keywords: theory of constraints; TOC; root cause analysis; RCA; six sigma; quality improvement; manufacturing system performance.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPQM.2012.049633

International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management, 2012 Vol.10 No.4, pp.447 - 463

Published online: 31 Oct 2014 *

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