A rational reconstruction of Six‐Sigma's breakthrough cookbook
International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management
ISSN: 0265-671X
Article publication date: 1 August 2006
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a consistent and crystallized exposition of Six‐Sigma's methodology for improvement projects, which could serve as a basis for subsequent scientific research of the method.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper shows that reformulation of imprecise and unscientific formulations of knowledge is called rational reconstruction. Starting from accounts given in the Six‐Sigma literature, a descriptive reconstruction of the main elements of the Six‐Sigma method is made: its business context, strategy, tools and techniques, and concepts and classifications.
Findings
The paper finds that, although, on the face of it, it may seem that accounts given in literature diverge, analysis shows that variations are superficial rather than essential. The analyses result in precisely formulated accounts of Six‐Sigma's method (DMAIC phases, steps, and tools), its business context, and its terminology. Essential anomalies are discussed. Six‐Sigma's claims of being data‐driven and focused on customers and bottom line results appear to be substantiated by its method.
Research limitations/implications
In this paper the presented reconstruction has a purely descriptive impetus: it structures accounts that the Six‐Sigma literature itself provides, without critical evaluation against theoretical frameworks beyond the Six‐Sigma literature. As such, it provides a basis that is suitable for subsequent scientific research.
Practical implications
The paper sees that loose and inaccurate expositions of Six‐Sigma's project methodology are supplemented with a precise formulation.
Originality/value
Among a tide of accounts of Six‐Sigma's DMAIC method, this paper provides an account that meets scientific standards of precision and consistency. It allows a substantiation of commonly made claims about Six‐Sigma, i.e. Six‐Sigma is a quantitative, data‐driven approach focused on cause‐and‐effect relations, and offering new solutions instead of standard cures.
Keywords
Citation
de Koning, H. and de Mast, J. (2006), "A rational reconstruction of Six‐Sigma's breakthrough cookbook", International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 23 No. 7, pp. 766-787. https://doi.org/10.1108/02656710610701044
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited