Title: Applying holonic manufacturing for effective Six Sigma projects

Authors: Patricio Torres-Palacio

Addresses: University of St. Thomas-Houston, 3800 Montrose Blvd., Houston, TX 77006, USA

Abstract: Nearly all industries struggle with problems such as overstock of inventory, defects in production, excessive costs, long lead times, and customer dissatisfaction. These issues have been addressed by many business techniques. The purpose of this paper is to combine Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing with holonic organisations, a novel industrialised model that augurs a change in global operations management. In addition, this study aims to scrutinise and to analyse the characteristics of these practices. This work consists of an exploratory investigation that describes and appraises modern procedures utilised in operations and quality management. The optimal use of the various kinds of holons is closely examined for excellence in production and services.

Keywords: holon; lean thinking; six sigma; DMAIC; SIPOC; CTQ; critical to quality; DPMO; defects per million opportunities; holarchy; ABC; activity based costing; VOC; voice of the customer.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSCA.2017.086598

International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, 2017 Vol.10 No.3/4, pp.201 - 220

Received: 21 Oct 2016
Accepted: 13 Jun 2017
Published online: 12 Sep 2017 *

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