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Six Sigma: Definition and underlying theory ⋆
Author(s) -
Schroeder Roger G.,
Linderman Kevin,
Liedtke Charles,
Choo Adrian S.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of operations management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.649
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1873-1317
pISSN - 0272-6963
DOI - 10.1016/j.jom.2007.06.007
Subject(s) - six sigma , context (archaeology) , design for six sigma , quality (philosophy) , process (computing) , quality management , process management , knowledge management , sigma , phenomenon , computer science , management science , business , epistemology , operations management , marketing , management system , engineering , philosophy , physics , quantum mechanics , lean manufacturing , paleontology , biology , operating system
Six Sigma has been gaining momentum in industry; however, academics have conducted little research on this emerging phenomenon. Understanding Six Sigma first requires providing a conceptual definition and identifying an underlying theory. In this paper we use the grounded theory approach and the scant literature available to propose an initial definition and theory of Six Sigma. Our research argues that although the tools and techniques in Six Sigma are strikingly similar to prior approaches to quality management, it provides an organizational structure not previously seen. This emergent structure for quality management helps organizations more rigorously control process improvement activities, while at the same time creating a context that enables problem exploration between disparate organizational members. Although Six Sigma provides benefits over prior approaches to quality management, it also creates new challenges for researchers and practitioners.