A rational reconstruction of SixSigma's breakthrough cookbook

• Published in: The International journal of quality & reliability management Vol. 23; no. 7; pp. 766 - 787
• Main Authors: de Koning, Henk, de Mast, Jeroen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Emerald Group Publishing Limited 01-08-2006
• Subjects: Quality management; Research methods; Six sigma
• ISSN: 0265-671X
• DOI: 10.1108/02656710610701044

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a consistent and crystallized exposition of SixSigma's methodology for improvement projects, which could serve as a basis for subsequent scientific research of the method. Designmethodologyapproach The paper shows that reformulation of imprecise and unscientific formulations of knowledge is called rational reconstruction. Starting from accounts given in the SixSigma literature, a descriptive reconstruction of the main elements of the SixSigma 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 SixSigma's method DMAIC phases, steps, and tools, its business context, and its terminology. Essential anomalies are discussed. SixSigma's claims of being datadriven and focused on customers and bottom line results appear to be substantiated by its method. Research limitationsimplications In this paper the presented reconstruction has a purely descriptive impetus it structures accounts that the SixSigma literature itself provides, without critical evaluation against theoretical frameworks beyond the SixSigma 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 SixSigma's project methodology are supplemented with a precise formulation. Originalityvalue Among a tide of accounts of SixSigma'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 SixSigma, i.e. SixSigma is a quantitative, datadriven approach focused on causeandeffect relations, and offering new solutions instead of standard cures.