Between 2004 and 2007, the Argentinian Institute for Quality conducted an investigation exploring how Six Sigma practices evolved within a set of organizations. The goal was to…
Abstract
Purpose
Between 2004 and 2007, the Argentinian Institute for Quality conducted an investigation exploring how Six Sigma practices evolved within a set of organizations. The goal was to determine which variables influenced this evolution and the relative weight of critical success factors as the methodology matured. This paper aims to investigate the results of this study.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology followed was a qualitative study of multiple cases thorough interviews with key players in the organizations that agreed to take part in the investigation.
Findings
The study found a complex landscape that makes it difficult to speak about a “one size fits all” definition of Six Sigma, particularly years after the initial deployment. Moreover, certain interactions between factors are summarized, showing how some of the case companies were able to cope with their negative effects.
Originality/value
The results of the study could be beneficial to assess the situation of Six Sigma within an organization and the obstacles and issues that could appear as the initiative evolves.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to highlight potential issues that often arise during the planning, execution or interpretation of design of experiments (DOE) experiences.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to highlight potential issues that often arise during the planning, execution or interpretation of design of experiments (DOE) experiences.
Design/methodology/approach
Issues are enumerated and analyzed and sources are presented with practical arguments using DOE texts and papers published in peer‐reviewed journals.
Findings
The findings are discussed in relation not only with statistical aspects, but also with how it is critical for paying attention to its methodological and managerial aspects impacting the potential advantages as a continuous improvement tool.
Originality/value
The paper is of interest to DOE practitioners trying to understand potential pitfalls with tips on how to avoid the risk of failures.
Details
Keywords
Fahim Ullah, Muhammad Jamaluddin Thaheem, Siddra Qayyum Siddiqui and Muhammad Bilal Khurshid
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the level of implementation of Six Sigma (SS) in the construction industry of Pakistan along with the current state of affairs and the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the level of implementation of Six Sigma (SS) in the construction industry of Pakistan along with the current state of affairs and the challenges, and opportunities for a successful implementation.
Design/methodology/approach
The research is purely exploratory in nature. Based on published work, critical success factors are gathered, and a number of questionnaire surveys and interviews are conducted to refine and quantify their impact. A system dynamics framework to assess the SS influence on project success is developed and case study project are simulated.
Findings
The construction industry of Pakistan is still functioning in a traditional way; marred with low level of awareness and ad hoc approaches, the findings point to a huge improvement opportunity. Further, when under planning projects are exposed to SS, the chances of project success improve better than under execution projects.
Research limitations/implications
The limited level of awareness possessed by the respondents constrains the possible outreach of this work in industrially developed contexts. However, this work may become an impetus for further research in managing quality in construction industry.
Practical implications
The findings can be used to improve the quality provision of construction projects.
Originality/value
This work may trigger an important debate over the research and implementation of SS in the construction industry of developing countries that may greatly benefit by improving the quality of their projects and rectify their diminishing reputation for project success.