Title: Grounding of Six Sigma's Breakthrough Cookbook: how to research a methodology?

Authors: Henk De Koning, Jeroen De Mast

Addresses: Institute for Business and Industrial Statistics (IBIS UvA), Plantage Muidergracht 24, 1018 TV Amsterdam, The Netherlands. ' Institute for Business and Industrial Statistics (IBIS UvA), Plantage Muidergracht 24, 1018 TV Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Abstract: The Six Sigma programme has developed into a standard for quality and efficiency improvement in business and industry. This fact makes scientific research into the validity and applicability of this methodology important. This article explores the possibilities of a scientific study of the methodological aspects of the Six Sigma programme, and its Breakthrough Cookbook in particular. The objective of the paper is to provide researchers with a scientifically sound approach for studying the validity and applicability of a methodology such as Six Sigma. Several research methodologies are considered, whereupon a grounding research approach is developed. A comparison of the results of a literature review and the proposed research plan learns that current literature on the methodological aspects of Six Sigma does not meet scientific standards of precision and consistency.

Keywords: six, sigma; quality improvement strategy; DMAIC; grounding research; research methodologies.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSCA.2005.008092

International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, 2005 Vol.1 No.3, pp.263 - 275

Published online: 16 Nov 2005 *

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