Title: Application of Six Sigma at an export oriented unit: a case study

Authors: Nayankumar J. Prajapati; Darshak A. Desai

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, G.H. Patel College of Engineering and Technology, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Dist.: Anand, Gujarat, 388 120, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, G.H. Patel College of Engineering and Technology, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Dist.: Anand, Gujarat, 388 120, India

Abstract: Export oriented units (EOUs) are a major contributor to the economy of a country. Export led growth balances the economy, which is most important for a developing country like India. For such export led growth these units needs breakthrough improvements. Six-Sigma, since its inception at Motorola in 1986 as a statistical tool has today developed to be a business strategy that provides breakthrough improvement. This paper is an attempt to highlight the benefits that can be reaped by EOUs. Along with the end effect, the paper also shows the level of customer requirement and competition faced at the global level by such a EOUs. The phase wise implementation of DMAIC methodology of Six-Sigma improvement strategy at an EOU has been explained in the paper.

Keywords: six sigma; define measure analyse improve control; DMAIC; export oriented units; EOUs; defects per million opportunities; DPMO; third party inspection; TPI; exports; exporting.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPQM.2016.075249

International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management, 2016 Vol.17 No.4, pp.507 - 535

Received: 15 Jul 2014
Accepted: 01 Oct 2014
Published online: 09 Mar 2016 *

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